Brian Ellis 1943 - 2020
The Chelmsford and Burnham, Leagues are sad to report the passing away of Brian Ellis after a fairly long illness. Brian was a very popular member of the Danbury club in the Chelmsford League and Stow Maries in Burnham. He would have been the first to say he was not one of the leading lights as a player but threw himself into helping with club and League management. He never wanted to be in the limelight but was always the guy in the backroom who helped with everything. He spent most of his playing time in the mid divisions with the odd brief sojourn into Div 1 Burnham where although his averages were never at the top did claim the odd very good scalp at times.
In 2014 he was awarded the Chelmsford Leagues Rosebury/ Pope & Smith award for services to the Chelmsford League. This was in the main for his record which may never be beaten, of playing for the same club [Danbury] for 50 years without a break. For much of this time he was Danbury club Secretary. He was in receipt of the Elizabeth award at Danbury Club many times for service to the club. He was also very keen to help young players at Danbury and would regularly assist the coaches.
In 2,000 he was made a Life member of the Burnham League and also received the Presidents Cup, again for his service to the League . He served on the committee from 1987 until illness caused him to retire a year ago. He was well known for his running of the quiz nights for many years and was always the guy setting up tables and the last person to leave after clearing up. He was the guy who set up the trophies at the Presentation Dinners for more years than I can remember and would then arrive at the Dinner with his hands stained with Brasso after having had to clean most of them!
Brian was born in Purleigh in 1943 where he lived for many years before meeting his partner Jean and moving to Gt Baddow. He was a keen footballer in his youth, playing for the Warren FC. He was also a very good Cricketer playing for Purleigh his home village and was also head groundsman and very proud of his cricket square. A keen follower of Essex County CC as a season ticket holder he tried to get to as many games as possible.
We will all miss you Brian, a genuine Good guy and a Team mate. Trips out to matches on a miserable cold, wet night will never be the same.
The funeral for Brian will be held at the Chelmsford Crematorium Weds 26th February at 12.30 in the South Chapel and afterwards refreshments at Channels, Channels Drive, CM3 3PT. All his many friends in Table Tennis are welcome to attend
No Floral tributes, If you wish, donations to Essex & Herts Air Ambulance or the Royal British Legion. These may be sent to; T Pennack & Sons, 1-3 Maldon Rd, Gt Baddow, Chelmsford CM2 7DW
(Obituary written by Dave Oxley-Goodey)
