Today marks the tenth anniversary of the sad passing of BrixtonR. For those you have joined in those ten years, Brix was one of the founding fathers of this forum and instrumental in making this where many of us settled after the BBC closed down their 606 forum. While his calm and “light touch” moderation set the tone for the early days when this forum was a lot more volatile than I’m told it is now, it was his thoughtful and perceptive posts which really stood him out and gave a better insight into the real David Beck. It is very hard to pigeon hole David with a brief description, he was so much more than just a fervent QPR supporter. His intelligence and eloquence were obvious, but it was his humanity that permanently drove his agenda; his relentless battle against racism was set firmly at the top of his list of priorities. Never one to simply accept the status quo, he was just as revered in the real world where he fought tenaciously for the rights of others, whether it was on behalf of homeless families or against heavy duty policing during the Brixton riots. He queried every accepted principle, prepared to challenge those that were found wanting. He spearheaded a campaign which successfully enabled private hire minicab drivers to have the same rights to drop off their passengers on red routes throughout London as their black cab counterparts. Typically he shunned the limelight that this attracted, preferring to focus on his next battle. Only after his death did I discover that he was also an accomplished artist and musician; the man knew no bounds. David was just as much a friend to those who only recognised him through his avatar and words of wisdom as to those of us lucky enough to have met him in the flesh. He possessed that rare ability to make everyone believe that their opinion was valued even if he vehemently disagreed with them. His gentle probing could coax an opinion when none was originally offered and his prompting could encourage more considered comment from established contributors, although it was wise to be wary of being caught out by his mischievous sense of humour. A few of us were lucky enough to share a few beers with QPRNUTS a couple of months ago on one of his all-to-rare visits from Ireland. The fact that we spent more time reminiscing about David’s tenure than discussing the current plight of QPR clearly shows the high regard in which he is still held after all those years. A warm and charming man who undoubtedly remains the greatest loss ever suffered by this forum; it is hard to believe that he has been gone for ten years.
I still wish we’d all stayed in the C&S rather than go to that fiasco against Newcastle the weekend before he died. Thanks Roller and cheers Brix.
Thank you Simon. Brixton was the reason I came to this site. He quiet encouraged me to stay and expressive my views, when I was a bit afraid too. He made you feel very included It was a privilege to meet him in the flesh and his beautiful family too..All incredible people He was someone you really don't forget. RIP David.
I never knew BrixtonR/David in person but remember him well from the BBC 606 forum and the early move to where we all reside as comrades now. Very eloquent rememberance of a man that I know is well respected on here by those that had time with him.
A legend of a man. Someone who understood the journey I had taken and was able to associate with my previous mistakes. Able to forgive me and to guide me with words of wisdom and an ear to listen. Cant believe it’s been that long and I still miss him. Really enjoyed our chats Dave, you’ll forever be in our memories RIP mate
Crikey, 10 years! I can remember as if it was yesterday. Living on the other side of the world, l never had the pleasure of meeting the man but l can still remember having conversations with BrixtonR. A gentleman and a true QPR supporter. What more can you ask for.
Along with a few others from this parish, we met with David in the Crown & Sceptre along with his wife Patti. I was there with my two little girls ( Who are now women, 20 and 21 this month. ) We didn't know that he would pass two days later after that awful Newcastle game. RIP David, I can't believe that ten years have passed
Didn’t know him personally & like others on the BBC site when he was there, 10 years passed since he left us! RIP
I had a couple of good conversations with David and remember him fondly and can't believe it is already 10 years! Once we were having a beer at half time and I had just gone through a tough time personally, but he listened and showed a great deal of empathy, even though I said lets get back to the game he insisted we stayed to finish our conversation and were several minutes late for the second half, totally unselfish man. He had a rare ability, that I have only found in one other person, which was to listen carefully and could make you feel that you had spent a much longer time in his presence. Thanks Simon, hope you are keeping well.
Wow, 10 years….. Only met Brix, very briefly, once. Had a chat with him and Roller on the way out of the opening match of the 2011 season - 0-4 v Bolton. I was a newbie to the site back then, but felt welcomed when the dots were joined. thanks for the reminder Roller
Yesterday was 20 years since Paul Furlong’s late goal against Oldham sent us to Cardiff, today marks 10 years since Brix died. Life seems to be measuring itself out in QPR related landmarks. Would have liked to have met Brixton, he was clearly a lovely guy. I enjoyed the day we all met up in his memory, game against Birmingham I think. Hope he’s resting well.
This was the first (and only) social media site that I joined. I used to read the old BBC site, and when that closed and everyone moved here Brix and Northolt invited everyone to join. Had a few interactions with Brix back then and he always seemed such a nice guy, and made me feel so welcome. Can't believe it's been ten years since he left us, how time flies. It's great that so many of us still have memories of him - thanks for the reminder Roller
Yes , time flies. Very poignant and heart warming write up from Roller. I wasn't on the this board at the time but recall my uncle who was, talking about him glowingly. Its also the same amount of time since he passed away also, RIP Brix and Hammersmith Hoopton !
A charming, charismatic and unforgettable character whose death at a comparatively young age left a huge hole in the lives of all who knew him, as well as on this site. A great privilege to have met him, and his lovely wife, and also his son, equally impressive, whom I am sure is doing well in his life.
Hard to think of anything to add to what has been said on here, a lovely man who left a great impression on everyone he met whether on here or in the flesh. Long may his memory be treasured... Thanks for posting Roller, hope you're keeping well...
Thanks for posting Roller, I never met him in the flesh, but he was the reason I followed all onto this forum. May you continue to R.I.P. Brixton and thank you for bringing me here.
Never had the privilege of meeting the great man. There is unwavering testimony from many on here who had the pleasure of his acquaintance and they all confirm that he was a very special human and one that is still missed by his Not606 family. R.I.P. BrixtonR.
10 years, the years are flying by..... Brix was a true gentleman who had time for everyone both in real life and on here..... The love felt for Brix was evident in the c & s that afternoon with the large gathering of us to pay our respects and Simon's fine memorial before the Brum game..... For those of you who can view the banner at the top of the page with some of our iconic shirts, it was designed by DT and one of the shirts has Brix's avatar as the badge, a lovely lasting tribute to the man..... God bless Brix....
I remember the shock of his passing well. We’d DMd just the once about something or other - I forget what and just had a look to find it and failed - fairly near to him leaving us. I never met him, but I’m well aware of his legacy and the high regard he’s held in, even now. You’re a long time dead, sadly.