I met Dave, as he introduced himself, before the Wigan game last season and I must admit I was taken aback at first sight because in my mind I pictured a younger man that was quite tall, even though I was told by Stainesy that he was an older bloke. Once we started talking it soon became clear Dave was a really good bloke and although he had said pretty early to me that he had taken a back seat on the social front you really couldn't tell as he seemed great to talk to and on the walk from the pub to the ground we had covered all the latest QPR gossip and he seemed to have a genuine interest in me as a person beyond the footballing side and my life in The Netherlands. I had the privilege of sitting next to Dave and although I rarely see a game these days it felt comfortable as if I sat next to this bloke week in and week out we chatted about game and were bemused by Zamora's sending off because the angle we were sitting at couldn't see anything wrong with it and hugged and jumped for joy at Remy's brilliant goal and sank to our knees when they scored in injury time. At half time we went for a pie and a beer and just chatted mainly about our son's mine just a few months old and his a grown man and how proud he was of him it seemed natural that day as if I had known Dave for a long time. I also divulged some personal information about my family and that things had been tough over the past year. Not only was Dave supportive but also gave kind words that seem to help me that day and even went to the trouble of posting a thread to show his support. This is what all this is about personally I think it is very rare to feel completely comfortable with another person you have only just met talk openly and confide in that person. Dave had that talent because he was a people person who cared for his fellow man especially if they supported QPR and was keen to share himself in an open way which is also a gift. After the game he offered to give me a lift at least part of the way as I was staying in Epsom but refused as I thought it was too much trouble and to be honest was feeling miffed after that equaliser but in hind sight I regret refusing that offer as we could of carried on talking, anyway he gave me a big hug on saying farewell again it felt it was from a very old friend. It's a strange thing to say after one meeting but I miss Dave and really wish I could have spent more time in his company and am gutted that I can't be there on the day to raise a glass and share with his family and posters in a celebration of a good bloke.
please log in to view this image I first met Brix on the 6th of May 2012 in rather unexpected circumstances. I was in the Coningham Arms with Norway who had brought his son over for the now famous 'Cisse last minute' Stoke City game. We had arranged to meet Roller here for the first time too. Roller duly turned up and we made our acquaintances and the three of us discussed all things Rs whilst drinking beer, as you do. Rollers mobile rang, and he said that we had to excuse him as he was trying to meet up with his mate who was having breakfast along the way. When he came back in Roller said, ''Hey lads, this is my mate Dave.'' This bloke walked in and he looked at me with a smile and a twinkle in his eye and said, '' You're Ninesy ain't ya? '' '' Yes. '' I replied. ''Do you post on the board as well then?'' Of course the cat was soon let out of the bag as our mystery guest's real identity was revealed. Shortly after, the five of us set off for the ground. We all got along like long lost brothers, you'd never believe that we had never met before. ( With the exception of Norway. With whom I had met before. ) We talked about everything QPR as well as finding out about each other . It was during this walk that David brought up a few things that I had mentioned in various posts on the board. I was quite astounded that he would have the ability to recall such minutiae. But then that is one of the things that endeared you to this enigma of a man. His attention to detail along with many other attributes is something that he seemed to do with ease. We said our goodbyes and we made our way to our seats in various parts of the stadium. It now seems completely inconceivable that David, Roller and myself would make almost exactly that same journey to the ground fifty three weeks later, sadly for the last time. As a poster and a moderator of our board, I always looked forward to Brixton's musings. His command of the English language always enabled him to use the correct word in order to put his point across succinctly. He handled our board with a calm efficiency that would quell most altercations but he could equally be more robust if needed. Whatever means he chose, we always knew that it was for the good of the board and never personal. I was fortunate enough to meet David on a few more occasions before games. At the Irish Rs meet, before the Sunderland and also the Wigan game. I also had the pleasure of meeting Pat and Deon too. That was also the day David and Stainsy met. It was quite a special moment when they realised who each other were. The last time I saw David was when quite a few from on here met up for the final home game of last season v Newcastle. We were in the Crown and Sceptre, Judo, Sussex and DT also got to meet David for the first time that day as well. I'll always remember Brix asking DT to show him his famous 'Gypsy Punch.' It was quite amusing to watch them play act it out. David and Pat, my two daughters and I along with Roller and a couple of others then set off for the Stadium. Along the way I spoke with David about the board as I had only just become a Mod, and there were one or two issues that needed addressing. He was also talking with my girls and showed a genuine interest in their young lives. As we stood outside the Ellerslie Road entrance where David and Pat would be sitting, we said our goodbyes. We shook hands and as we walked away, David called out, '' I'll see you next season girls.'' RIP BrixtonR / David
I have been trying to put put together something all week but where to start...... I only had the pleasure of meeting Brix on one occassion, that was before the Saints game last season in the Crown & Sceptre, it was really just an introduction to each other as there was so many people to talk to, but he did say "I always refer to you as Tram". Like Flanman I had this image that Brix was a younger chap than transpired, having said that there was only 5 or 6 years difference in our ages so looks can be deceiving...... Brix really enjoyed the fact that the forum brought together so many people from so many different backgrounds and countries, he loved the idea that a group of us from here in Ireland would meet up to watch games and then organise a trip to HQ. The anonmimity allowed to us when posting is okay but now having met so many of the posters it is a little strange talking to people whom you consider mates and addressing them by their poster name and it is a lasting testament to Brix that so many of us know each other personally, not just via the computer, and that so many of us will be over this coming Saturday for the Birmingham game to remember the Man known to eveyone as Brix. A light did go out from our board when David passed away, but his memory will live on....... RIP Mate Chris/Tramore
I'll echo that Fing. Thanks to all those who have committed a memory and some thoughts to this book, I appreciate it, but far more importantly, David's family will. Are there any more coming? David once said to me after I sent him a PM where I knew I hadn't expressed myself very well and had apologised for being clumsy that he always trained the managers that worked for him to read the message behind the words. The same is just as true here, you don't have to be able to write to the standard of say Stan, it is the underlying message that counts.
Top man Woody. I do know it is easier for those of us who met him, but as N22hoops for one shows, the perspective of those who didn't is equally valid.
Firstly and unbelievably, it looks like I might have to miss Brix's day as a late notice return to Russia has materialised. In June, an opportunity to oversee some work in Moscow presented itself and was described as 2-3 months in duration. I ended up spending just a week there in late June after which it went quiet. I then got a call last week and I'm heading back on Tuesday with no return date booked. I might be back on Friday and therefore will be present on Saturday or I might need to stay longer, I won't know until I get there. If I miss out, I'll be gutted. I had every intention of coming and meeting you all and importantly, paying my respects to a man I never met, but felt a connection with and a deep respect towards. Brix was a cool guy, a man who seemed to see the good in all of us and addressed us all with respect and his own warm adaptations of our usernames. I remain baffled by the way you can form a friendship solely through a shared passion and words on a screen, but that's how I remember him, as Brix, as a friend. His passing saddened and surprised me. It was a bolt from the blue and it stirred lots of emotion. I wish I'd have met him and I hope he knew that I thought highly of him. I therefore have no events or moments to describe, I can just pay tribute to the man by trying to put into words the depth of feeling that can become without even a hand shake to remember - not that I have to, I know it is the same for a large number of you all. That is probably the highest accolade I can pay Brix, those who met him say nothing but lovely things about him, those who didn't just marvel at the feelings they're left with. Pat, Deon, you don't need me to tell you that Dave/your dad was one of the good guys, you had the pleasure of knowing for yourselves, but please know that the things I write are genuine and true and I hope that your memories are even brighter for knowing that there are a lot of people on this forum, QPR and other, whose lives have been enriched for crossing paths with him. With my respect, Rob.
I know goodness and I felt that straight away when meeting Brixton He shook my hand and held on with such energy Nothing much was said it was more a flash Flyer and I both knew he was a ill man I shared a few PM's with him as we discussed the bollocks I post and the other bollocks everyone posts . He said it was good I knew I posted bollocks Simply put I liked the man very much
I was lucky enough to meet David when I took my 7 year old son over for the Stoke game in our survival season. Had made arrangements with Nines to meet up at the Coningham Arms. When I was there Nines told me Roller among others where coming too. But none of us knew that Roller had persuaded Brixton to come along. If I remember correctly this was the first time Brixton met up with his fellow N606'rs. Will never forget the reaction he got when Roller introduced his companion as Brixton. The look on Nines face was priceless, I imagine mine was too. To me this says a lot of the respect and admiration David had among those of us that come on here on a regular basis. Still remember the walk up to the stadium. He seemed genuinly interested as to what had made an R coming from Norway, and bringing my son with me was something that intruiged him. Sadly I only got to make that walk with him that one time but it will stay with me. I can only speak for myself, but he somehow made me try to better myself, both on here and in real life. Getting an acknowledgment from Brixton meant a lot, and he was good at giving it. Always welcoming, and encouraging new posters, the more the merrier was the tune. The way he dealt with our usual suspects really impressed me, that took some serious skills. His House Rules and the work he put in it, the dedication had me lost for words. To this day the forum is a much better place for it. I've learnt a lot from David, which I put to use on a daily basis. And for that I'm very gratefull. Truly an inspirational man. Ben
Thanks to Woody, DT and Norway for their contributions. I want to reiterate my thanks to everyone who has either posted here or sent their memories via a PM, I think this book is going to be rather special. DT, I've lifted your excellent banner and am using that across the top of the title page, it is simply perfect. I must be honest, for a bunch of neanderthal, knuckle dragging, Stella guzzling football supporters this is a fantastic effort. I just need to sort my contribution out now ........... Cheers Roller
Is there still time for a late entry Roller? I've been throwing words around my mind and was going to submit it tomorrow.
My first interaction with BrixtonR was when he replied to one of my posts. My post wasn't particularly remarkable but Brix respended with "I've been following your posts for a while..." For me this recognition was notably flattering - especially from a moderator and gave me a sense of inclusion; made me feel special. From that point onwards I always had an affection for Brix. He regularly referred to me as Matty - a name that has always been been applied endearingly towards me throughout my life (never prompted he just intuitively used it). Reading some of the other tributes, it is clear that this friendly and individual rapport was built with many, many people. He obviously took the time to understand the people on the forum and this will have been a contributing factor to the continued success of the site. As a poster, he was patient and wise. He carried a charisma that meant you wanted to read his every post. There was also a knowing, cynical wit that added texture and life to his posts. I once referred to him as the patriarch of the forum (it tickled him) but I think, in that instance, I got it right - he lead, guided and watched over us all with no possible reward except for our gratitude (of which there is plenty). He never gratuitously threw in reference to his life or achievement but his anecdotes were always captivating and I told him that I'd love to meet him and hear some of his stories but sadly never got that chance. That was before Brix Junior's vivid post about his father highlighted the full extent of the man, his drive and relentless determination to positively change things for the better. QPR Not 606 saw only a part of the real David but even a part of him was enough to leave a lasting mark on us all and make our lives richer for it.
There you go Roller - don't think I did myself or thoughts justice but it's the best I could do. Hopefully it at least reads sensibly but let me know if not and I'll correct it.
The measure of a man is by the footprint he leaves behind. It is so clear that Brix has left his 'footprint' on so many people through his life - both intimately through family and friends, as well as virtually through this message board I was never privileged enough to have the opportunity to meet David, but the memories and incredible sharing of everyone's experience of meeting and knowing David shows an amazing sense of admiration and personality. As someone who gives great measure of appreciation for that 'twinkle' in the eye, I know we would have got along well had we ever met. Brixton/David always showed that lightness of touch, yet firm undercurrent of a leader, when he dealt with those difficult times on the board. Any time he made a comment on a post of mine, it gave me a good feeling of support from someone I respected (yet had never met, but felt I knew). David has left his footprint on many lives across this board. The most important footprints, though, are on his family - thank you Pat and Deon for sharing David with us. I will not be able to be there at the meeting, but I am sure everyone will have a good time - I'm sure Brix would be so proud. Have a great time everyone. Thanks for everything Brix!
