Brian Peerless (12 Jan 1939 - 16 Nov 2018)

My heartfelt sympathy and my condolences for your loss of Brian, his kindness will be greatly missed

Val, All of us are thinking of you today, love to you and your family.

Brian, thanks for some wonderful memories old mate and all that jazz, you are so very much missed but will remain in our hearts.

From Tony Coletta and family and Bobbie

It was with great sadness I heard the news that Brian had passed away so suddenly, he was a great colleague, he interviewed me for my first job at Middlesex in 1977 when he was aligned to CPLS in the Bobby & Julian days. I shall always remember his kindness and jolly demeanour and the flamboyance he displayed, especially that amazing hat worn on wintry days. Such a great loss to all, sadly I am unable to attend the funeral today but send my best wishes and sincere condolences to friends and family.

I first knew Brian through my husband, Gerry, who shared laughter and a love. of jazz. When I finally met him, I too was immediately drawn to his humour, his love of life and his emotional generosity. I turned to him when i was doing research on 20's jazz and he threw himself whoeheartedly. into the project, providing me with an. enormous amount of material - all of it fascinating, even if it was more. than I could use !- he came to the launch of my book snd cheered me on -he was a wonderful, greatly valued friend to us both and his loss is a great sadness. Gerry and `I send our deepest sympathy to Val

I had not heard that Brian had moved from London to Daventry where my son lives. Had I known, I could have visited Brian while visiting my family in Daventry which I do several times a year.

Brian was one of those dedicated first of all to the welfare of the students, always a warm character. I remember particularly his love of Jazz music, his working at Dobells record shop at weekends and his arrangements for visiting Jazz musicians such as Kenny Davern and Peanuts Hucko.

So sad to hear of Brian's untimely demise. I was first introduced to Brian by a colleague at Bounds Green campus. He immediately treated me as a friend and continued to do so throughout the time I knew him. He was a great raconteur, with a seemingly endless knowledge of jazz, engineering and any other subject that cropped up. He was such a warm-hearted genuine bloke, he will be dearly missed. Heartfelt sympathies to Brian's family and friends.

I first met Brian when he interviewed me for a post at Middlesex, and when I joined he became a good friend, and a great mentor. He was a great gentleman who always had time for all around him. He was an exceptional person and I am very sad that he in no more.

Brian had true empathy with our students. He stayed with the school of Engineering Systems to the very end, displaying his great sense of humour and helping to provide the best experience for the diminishing band of brothers. I will miss his cheery disposition.

I cannot express my sadness at the passing of my dear friend Brian.

He was the most kind, funny and caring person. He never refused any request help. Brian was a great help to me when I first started work at MIddlesex University. In recent years Brian and I organised the annual Christmas Dinner for the Engineering Lecturers At MU we enjoyed doing that and it was always a
success. Rest in peace dear friend, I will never forget you.

I worked with Brian at Dobell’s in the 60s. What fun we all had then, 50 years ago! Despite its being the sixties, I do remember Brian’s love of jazz, his humour and his overall good blokeness. Thanks for the memories. John joins me in sending our sympathy to his family.

I used to get Brian to help me whenever I had to write something like this. I don’t write very well without him. There are hundreds of things which won’t be the same now that he’s gone but I think I will miss talking to him more than anything. I’m lucky to have had Brian as a friend for the last 30 years and I already miss him terribly.
Both Elizabeth and I send our love and sympathy to Valerie. We wish we were there to help somehow.

My wife and I were deeply saddened to learn of Brian's untimely passing. We have many fond and treasured memories that we will long remember.

These are some that I wish to share.

I knew Brian longer than most of his Middlesex friends; in the early 60's he was one of my students. At the time I was also Warden of the student hall of residence at Brondesbury and he regularly came visiting resident friends for an evening playing or listening to music, often late, very late, into the night. His friends were part of the Hendon college folk music group. More than a few times I had to suggest (politely of course) that it was time he went home!

Later he was to regularly return with his Engineers Jazz Band - Bob Ryder, Jack Bell, Ralph Senior, Terry Willis and Brian (his drums in the back of his Volvo) - to play at our Christmas functions and end-of-year barbecues. These were 'fun' occasions. Always.

I recall attending his 'gigs' at local restaurant and pub venues with a top American jazzman; clarinetist Kenny Davern and saxophonist Scott Hamilton come to mind. At a restaurant venue in St Albans, Momty Sunshine and just dropped in and 'happened' to have is clarinet and he and Kenny had an impromptu jam session. This was a unique local occasion.

With his ready smile and kind, friendly greeting he treated all alike. His understated good humour and seemingly endless list of anecdotes were legend. I knew Brian as a student, colleague and above all a friend.

Brian - a gentle man and a gentleman - you will be sadly missed.

Go peacefully my friend. You leave us many happy memories.

I was greatly saddened to learn of Brian's death. He will be greatly missed. Brian was entertaining. He had a happy go lucky attitude that belied his conscientiousness. We are indebted to him for helping us keep in contact with former colleagues. His keenness on jazz was legendary - he seemed to know all the top musicians and the jazz events he organised prompted one Trent Park correspondent to North Circular to write that the best concerts in the Polytechnic were to be found at Bounds Green! Rather more surprising was my wife's discovery of contributions by him to the Teeline shorthand magazine.

Sadly, we shall not be attending the funeral, but we send our heartfelt condolences to Valerie and other members of the family.

I knew Brian for almost exactly 32 years at his passing, which was on the eve of my work anniversary at Middlesex. Thinking back to those early days, I remember that one of my first teaching tasks was to assist him in the Manufacturing lab sessions in the workshops at Bounds Green. Not long after, I came to assist him in the running of the HND/HNC Engineering courses. Therefore, having worked so closely with him, I had the great benefit of drawing heavily on his experience and insights - many of which I still find of use today. A highly inspirational man and teacher who I, like many of you, will miss.
It is sad that I will be unable to attend the funeral.

I have known Brian for many years whilst working as an administrator for Middlesex University. I will always remember him as a kind, helpful and caring man and with a lovely sense of humour.
My deepest sympathies go out to Brian’s family. May God give you the comfort and peace that you seek and may the soul of your loved one rest in peace.

Like many people, I knew Brian first as a student and then as a colleague and member of staff at Middlesex. I was therefore very sorry to hear of his passing. I will always remember his keen sense of humour and interest in Jazz. He, like many staff inspired the next generation, and we continue that tradition, both at Middlesex and other institutions around the UK and elsewhere.
Due to teaching commitments, I cannot attend, but my thoughts will be with you all next week.

Dr Stephen Prior.

I particularly missed Brian on retiring from work after many happy years together. He was highly regarded by all, and it was because of his organization of the annual reunion dinner that we have all kept in touch for so long.
Many Memorable Memories of Brian. - Roger Whitaker

Am very sorry to hear of our friend pass away, my sympathy to his family, may the lord rest him , & give the courage to his family , in this hard time, I miss you Brian.

Regards
I.Siman