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Bryan
Reed ( 1939 – 2009)
A
Tribute from Angus Earnshaw, Founder of PSA
Bryan
contacted me in the early days of PSA and actively supported
the charity thereafter.
At
local level, he was constant in his attendance at the
monthly meetings of London Branch, where he displayed
his wide and detailed knowledge of prostate cancer and
the variety of treatments available, including new ones
under development. Many of those coming to a group meeting
for the first time were confused and uncertain as to
which treatments were appropriate for them, where they
were available and how to get access to them. Bryan
almost always knew the answers to all their questions.
If, occasionally, he didn’t, he could always tell them
where to go for further information. Enquirers unfailingly
went away feeling very much clearer and much less unhappy
about their situation.
At
national level, Bryan was a member of the Committee
for many years, either as Treasurer or in a supporting
role to the current holder of that responsibility. Bryan
developed an excellent accounting system, using a computer
program he selected, which made it very easy to see
where the Charity’s funding came from and how it was
being spent, branch by branch.
When
some groups left PSA and established themselves as new
charities, Bryan stayed in touch with them and worked
hard to promote the advantages that could accrue from
joint action. Bryan’s patience and perseverance contributed,
in no small measure, to the eventual establishment of
the Prostate Cancer Support Federation.
Bryan
devoted a great deal of his time to major projects on
his house and his allotment. He never failed to amaze
his friends by his knowledge, manual skills, energy
and success with both of them. We were always delighted
to see the latest developments in his house and to sample
the products of his horticultural activities.
In
recent years, Bryan had to struggle through periods
of severe ill-health. But he amazed us all, as ever,
by his ability to recover and to set to again with his
chosen tasks. He had both indomitable will-power and
incredible ability to regain physical fitness. The former
was a key component of his character; the latter was
no doubt promoted by his long walks over Hampstead Heath
and his physical efforts on his allotment.
Bryan
treated himself in three ways that I know of. He changed
his car quite frequently, enjoying the research and
planning of each new acquisition and delighting in driving
it. He was very fond of eating out with friends and
his favourite local restaurants were carefully selected.
I have happy memories of enjoyable lunches with Bryan
and some of his other PSA friends – including the annual
lunch of the Kent Branch.
Bryan’s
third big treat to himself each winter was a couple
of weeks holiday in Gran Canaria where he thoroughly
enjoyed the sunshine, the scenery and eating out – here
too he had his list of carefully chosen local
restaurants.
I will
always remember, with admiration and gratitude, the
courage and determination with which Bryan faced life’s
difficulties and the unbounded sense of fun he exhibited
in its enjoyment. Memories of his life remain as a source
of inspiration for us all.
Angus W Earnshaw - June 2009
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