Obituaries
Bryan Rhodes
Bryan John Rhodes PHF
It is with great sadness that we record the death of Past President Bryan Rhodes who passed away on 4th March 2020 at the age of 70. He leaves his wife Susan, children Pollyanna and Spencer and 4 grandchildren.
Bryan grew up on the Fylde coast where his father was a poultry farmer. He attended Giggleswick School before studying Pharmacology at Manchester University. He spent his working life as a Pharmacist and owned his own business. Family always came first, but his enthusiasm and support for Rotary came a close second. At other times he was a keen sportsman and enjoyed golf, fell walking (often with his black Labrador dog) skiing, cycling and sailing.
A former member of Round Table, Bryan joined the Rotary Club of North Fylde in 2001. His loyalty and involvement were exemplified by being presented four times with the ‘Rotarian of the Year’ award. Bryan was President in 2006-7 and in the following years was the long serving Club Service Chairman. He understood that fellowship was the backbone of the club and fostered an esprit de corps.
Bryan was first diagnosed with Prostate Cancer 8 years ago and he will be remembered for the amazing fortitude and strength with which he dealt with the illness. He endured endless pain and hospital procedures, and had 13 surgical operations, which he joked should qualify him for an entry in the Guinness Book of Records. Bryan never complained and made a great effort to continue with life as normal, including attending Rotary meetings which he sometimes had to retire from early. He sadly eventually lost his brave fight against cancer and died at Trinity Hospice, Blackpool on 4th March with his wife Susan at his bedside
Bryan injected enthusiasm, energy and humour into all the many Rotary activities he was involved in. His will be a great loss to his family and friends and to the members of the Rotary Club of North Fylde.
