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Many of you were unable to attend Brendan's Funeral today. So I've taken a few photographs of the Church, (before the Funeral), & I thought it'd be nice to tell you all about how the Funeral went.

Tom & Lucy - as you will see - follow every word about Brendan on blonde, so when I've finished Posting, please feel free to Post your thoughts, &, maybe, say goodbye if you wish.

I will lock the Thread until I've finished, if you don't mind, it should take me about an hour to Post everything, then I'll unlock it.

The Funeral took place at St Nicholas Church, Worth, near Crawley.

It is an achingly pretty part of Sussex, & the Church is one of the oldest known Saxon Churches in Britain.

As you'll see from these 'photos, it seemed all so very appropriate for Brendan.

As you approach the Church, this lovely Cottage, seemingly guarding the entrance, welcomes you. It's roof tiles must be 2" thick, it's an extraodinary place.

To the right of the Entrance, sits this drive, which leads to the Bishop's dwelling.

The Church proper is approched via this Lychgate. It was rebuilt after a fire destroyed it 20 years ago, but the craftsmanship is "as original", & everything is handmade,

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Through the Lychgate, this imposing avenue of trees greets you. These are known as the "10 Apostles", apparently. They are centuries old.

Another view of that awesome avenue of trees. Imagine the cortege, carrying the coffin through them, it was so dignified & fitting, somehow.

This tree was huge, one of the tallest I've ever seen in Britain.

The exterior of the Church, from several angles. It's clearly been extended down the Centuries.

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The graveyard. Brendan was not laid to rest here, he was Cremated nearby.

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Inside the Church.

This arch, made of stone, is one of the earliest & largest arches of it's type. Note the inner course of the arch is laid in stretcher bond, & the outer (or upper) course is header bond.

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This motley bunch were the Mods who attended, or those who were able to make it there. Robert was there when I arrived, then came Tom, Tighty, Kev & Jane. We were all there before 11.15 I think, for the 12.30 Funeral, & we spent a pleasant hour chatting about Brendan & stuff. It was really rather nice.

Brendan was a joy to have as a blonde, he never once caused the Mods a moment of work. He never complained, never caused a complaint, knew the Rules, & stayed inside them (only just, sometimes, he could be risque when he wished), & supported all the blondes, always. He was the ultimate low-maintenance Member - zero-maintenance in his case.

JonMW took the picture, & also there were Indestructable, Bainn, & Harmony. Claw, due to a misunderstanding, arrived a little late.

Claw had arranged a special wreath, in the shape of diamond, which a bunch of blondes had all contributed to, via a PM round-robin. I confess, on seeing it - it was spectacular, with scores of pink roses - I shed a tear. It was magnificent, & so worthy of Brendan. Thanks for sorting that, Claire.

Glenn (BigFella), a special close friend of Brendan, could not attend, as he is overseas.

And so to the Funeral itself.

Everyone had dressed "respectfully", made a special effort, so I felt awful about my mistake in buying a brown tie, thinking it was black. Ah well, it happens.

The congregation numbered about 100, lots of family, & friends, including a buddy of Brendan who had driven down from Derby of all places - he lives very close to me!

Two Hymns were sung - Psalm 103, "Praise the Lord" & Psalm 23, "The Lord is my Shepherd".

Tom - Brendan's Son - had chosen two of his Dad's favourite pieces. One was (Mods who were there, help me, please?) "Bernadette" I think, a Tamla Motown song, & the other, remarkably, was "Ziggy Stardust, by Bowie. Amazing!

And so to Tom's speech......

The shock in meeting Tom & Lucy is that they are so young - reminding us that Brendan was only 51. He was taken way too early.

Tom spoke of his Dad being such a "close" Dad. Whenever he found Tom & Lucy were available, or on holiday from work, he'd immediately rung up & book a holiday to somewhere distant - Orlando, or wherever.

Holidays were not easy for Brendan, as he had to locate & pre-book his dialysis carrangements, but it never slowed him down.

Tom then spoke of Brendan's "poker world". He suggested googling "Brendan Hartnett", (try it!) & there is, apparently, all sorts of stuff about Brendan there.

He then listed Tom's main poker "achievements".

Winning the 'Stars Sunday Night Biggie.

2nd in the APAT Irish Amateur Poker Championship.

A Member of the blonde Hall of FAme.

The sole inductee to the 2007 APAT Hall of Fame.

Next, Tom spoke about the "Brendan Threads" on blonde, in particular, those in memory of Brendan. He had read every single one, knew how many Posts, how many pages, who made them, what they said.

It was a wonderfully moving speech, & Tom struggled to hold his compusure a few times.

He & Lucy are both terrific kids, & a tribute to Brendan.

We then moved down the Road, to the Crematorium, where a very short Service was held, & we all chilled & chatted for a while.

One more Post, then I'm done.

Finally......

It was not a sad day, not at all. Lucy was smiling throughout, smiling with pride.

The Service was upbeat.

Tom spoke of his pride - self-evident - at the lovely threads on blonde about Brendan.

So, please say goodbye properly, not sadly, please Post your thoughts on this thread, & Tom & Lucy will, trust me, be truly grateful.

On behalf of the blonde Mod Team, thank you.

The Thread is now Unlocked.

Robert reminds me - the name of the first song chosen by Tom for Brendan was "Bernadette" by the "Four Tops".

unfortunately due to personal circumstances i wasn't able to attend as planned but have thought about brendan many times today.

looks like brendan was given the send off he deserved

rip mate never forgotten

paul & charlotte  xx

It was both a moving and yet uplifting funeral, the pride and love for their father that just oozed from both Tom & Lucy was a magical thing.

Brendan always spoke with such pride in his children, and on meeting them today he was spot on and very much right to be fiercely proud of them.

What was also very nice was that Tom & Lucy had printed out every thread and post from blonde and after the service at the wake, there were several copies on hand and scores of people were reading them and smiling.

Tom did an amazing job with his speech, even the Bishop commented saying that he couldnt speak at his own parents funerals and he was in awe of Tom's inner strength.

To sum it up, Brendan would have been extremely pleased and proud of his send off, and rightly so.

I feel very privileged to be able to say that Brendan was a friend, a poker-playing friend and a thorough gentleman.

I will miss Brendan for his infectious good humour but every time I think of him I will smile.

God bless Brendan. Thank you for lighting up some very dull poker games. Your wit and ready smile will be missed. Tom and Lucy must be so proud that you have touched so many people hearts, I hope that you had some idea of what an impact you made on so many people lives.

I am so sorry I was not able to pay my respects to you at the church today but you were in my thoughts and many others too I'm sure.

It still doesn't seem possible that you are gone.

Tracey x

Thanks for this thread Tony, sounds like Brendan had a fitting send off.

Once again I have tears in my eyes reading this but at the same time a big smile as I remember the star that is Brendan.

So long my old mate, it was an absolute pleasure to know you, you'll be fondly remembered forever.

The first time I met Brendan was at BB3 in Walsall.  I remember it well as it was down to Brendan that I picked up my first ever 'tell' on a player at a table and layed down a big hand because I knew Brendan, next to act behind me, had a monster - thanks Brendan for that contribution to my ongoing poker education :)  As well as that, I was also struck by how friendly and warm Brendan was, and every time I met him afterwards it was always a pleasure to see his smiling face and have a hug and a chat, along with a bit of banter around the tables.

I'm so sorry I missed the service today - entirely my own fault and I'm very annoyed with myself.  Glad to hear he had a good send off though.  Gone, but never forgotten.  RIP xxx

Memories, images and precious thoughts that shall not die and cannot be destroyed.

R.I.P  Brendan

I first met Brendan at the APAT events in season 1. I didn't know him long but he was the sort of bloke who made a lasting impression  ;D It's his trademark impish grin and mischievous sense of humour that I'll remember and miss most.

Sorry I didn't make the funeral Brendan, I would have liked to have said goodbye in person.

RIP

I only met Brendan once but from that short time it is easy to see why Tom and Lucy have so much pride in their dad.
RIP Brendan

The loss of a friend is like that of a limb; time may heal the anguish of the wound; but the loss cannot be repaired.

RIP Brendan; our loss is heaven's gain -- cheers for short time you brightened my life.....

Brendan,

You typified the blonde ethos of poker with a smile, always a pleasure to share a table with. I remember BB5 at Cardiff when it was announced that you are being inducted into the blonde hall of fame, you seemed the only person on our table to be surprised by your inclusion. I think the rest of us just felt that you were such an obvious and deserving choice.

God Bless Brendan

RIP

Goodbye Brendan.

I'll miss your cheeky flirting with Caz.

I'll miss your mischievous grin.

But most of all, I'll miss you, a gentleman who knew how to enjoy life, despite every obstacle put in your way.

You were a shining example to us all.

We might just be twins, Gatso and me, for those words could be my own.

Dear Brendan

I'm very sorry for missing today. I will miss you but will never forget you. You were an inspiration to everyone whom came in contact with you. Rest well.


Dave
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(http://blondepoker.com/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=37216.0;attach=22586;image)

It's like Reservoir Dogs 20 years on.

RIP Brendan.

A Lovely Post and Photos,

A fitting tribute to brendon upon his passing at such a young age,

Wishing the family Condolences at such a sad time,

Rest In Peace,

Xpressman

Goodnight Brendon,

Thanks for all the support you have shown to us even though you had your own challenges in life you still managed to raise our spirits at times most needed.

Your pride of your children was always frontmost, they are so lucky to have had a Dad as special as you.

May you rest in peace with your loved ones.

Maureen, Darren Stacey and Reece. xxxxxx

Thank you Tony for the pictures and an update on the funueral.


Brendan was an inspiration to all who knew him, his insistence to try and carry on as normally as possible, is a lesson to us all.

He was a true hero, and will be missed by all who met him.  Tom and Lucy can be truly proud

Gorrffwys mewn hedd fy ffrind annwyl.

life is a bitch -- it takes the good guys away (I'm still here) he was and still is in my mind one of the very very best.

You can have your short term problems - we all have - he had long term problems in life and in health and he still managed to keep the good side out, an absolute legend.

I salute you brendan if i get to be half the man you were I have fulfilled my destiny

An emotional day and amazed at how well Brendan's son did on the speech. It's something that I know I would really struggle to do myself and he deserved his round of applause.
Poker and Blonde meant a lot to Brendan and made me feel proud to be a Blonde.
 
As for the song, this relates to Brendan's trip to Orlando where he saw the Four Tops in concert.

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaXX5xFcm8E

Very nice post, Tikay. I think Brendan would have chuckled about the brown tie.

Great comments on what looked like a great funeral for a great man. RIP Brendan.

Thankyou for posting this Tikay.

When life deals you a shit hand it 's how you play it that's determines your path in life,Brendan was determined to play 72 o/s with vigour and courage WP that man

Your be truly missed..

One last thing, in my haste I forgot to mention this, I'm sorry.

After Tom gave his "speech" by way of a tribute to his Dad, the whole congregation applauded. In church!

Amazing, & a truly moving moment.

Brendan, God Bless You.

I tried, as best I'm able, to put up words & pictures to describe the Church where Brendan's Service was held.

That Church was so beautiful, & seemed central to the day somehow - it was so appropriate.

I should have just Posted this Link, which is so much better.

http://www.westgallerychurches.com/Sussex/Worth/worth.html

Your photos and posts were perfect Tony.  No other link compares to the way you brought all of us there, despite being many, many miles away.  xx

OK, so it wasn't the happiest of occasions but I was glad to be there. People go to these ceremonies for different reasons, duty, the need to be there or perhaps it's the right thing to do, however yesterday felt so different, people were there because they wanted to say good bye and pay their respects to a man who had earned that right.

The setting was quite unique, old but impressive grounds to the church, I had a chance to walk around before the service because I misread the post and arrived about and hour and a half to early. Tony arrived next and then followed by a goodly contingent of blondes, all arriving in good time as if hearing about an added value comp.

The remarkable eulogy given by Tom was perfect in content and hit the right note. The delivery was from the heart. Strange though it may seem, the round of applause that immediately followed Tom's finish was perfectly in keeping with the tone of his address. Tom if you read this, your dad would have been proud.

After the church service we processed to the crematorium for a final goodbye and then some of us ventured into some kind person's house for a cup of tea and a sandwich, or two, whoever that was, thank you.

i never did know BRENDAN,but im sure he would be very proud of his friends on the blonde forum and the way they have paid tribute to a real man,
tikkay what you have done with your words and pictures is amazing,the pic between the trees and the catching of the light was fantastic it gave me a lump in my throat.

R.I.P   TO A GENTLEMAN
                                   
 

Like many I never know what to say on threads like this.

Tony you did Brendan proud in letting us feel we were part of his send off. The pictures and posts gave us a real feeling of being there with you all.

RIP Brendan you will live in our hearts forever x

Tikay thank you so much for posting this, as always you give a real flavour of the occassion. I was sitting in the synagogue on the day of the funeral and one of the community came up to chat to me about poker and poker players. He had experienced  some bad behaviour at the table and felt the need to discuss it with me.
I took the time and trouble to explain that people at the table are no different to people in real life. Well that is so true of Brendan and I told my fellow congregant that there were some real diamond poker players and Brendan was without doubt one of the biggest diamonds I have met.........his sparkle will be retained by all who came into contact with him.

RIP Brendan

Thanks Tony for posting, sounds like a worthy send off. The round of applause sounds special.