Sorry but we have some sad news to bring you tonight.
Brian Phelps, the ‘Father’ of Perry Beeches swimming club, has passed away after a battle with Parkinson’s disease.
The following are the words of Wendy Phelps, Brian’s daughter, who also swam for the club:
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Brian William Phelps, who passed away today after a long and brave battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Dad touched so many people’s lives, whether it was as a young football captain, or through his success in business with B&T Rewinds, which continues to thrive as a family business.
He was a judo champion who trained with West Midlands Police.
As a dedicated and inspirational swimming coach, he taught hundreds of swimmers, some to Olympic level, and was the founder of the largest swimming club in the West Midlands.
Our dad also took huge pride in coaching the Great Britain Paralympic swimming team.
In recent years, as a songwriter on the folk music scene, he established an acoustic guitar band, gigging locally and producing their own album.
He was dedicated to family life – with his 58-year marriage to Janet the cornerstone of a large, loving family that adored him.
Everything he did was done with love, kindness, generosity, enthusiasm, humour and a twinkle in his eye.
He tackled the health challenges of the last few years with the same positive mindset.
We would like to put on record our deep gratitude to staff at the NHS, Birmingham Hospice and the many carers who have provided
wonderful treatment and support for dad during his illness.
While we are so sad that he has left us, we are grateful to have had such a wonderful, loving and inspirational man as the head of our family.
Dad was with Janet, his sons David and Gary, and his daughter Wendy, when he went to sleep. Surrounded by his loving family, he went to rest peacefully.
If you knew our dad, it would be a great comfort to us a family if you could share a memory.
We will be sharing funerals details in the coming weeks.”
Sleep well Brian x