Book of Condolence

In Memory Of Brian Field

President of the I.G.K.T.
1999 - 2002

Brian did everything that was expected of a human being, and what is more he did it with style and humour. He was a good and kind person whose aim in life seemed to be to live in harmony with those around him. He was a first-class President of the Guild, and will be sorely missed by so many of us. His kindness and patience was much appreciated by all who knew him.
I would like to offer my support and friendship to Brian's wife, Margaret, and their family.
Farewell Brian, Rest in Peace Jeff and Lesley Wyatt

On behalf of the entire Dutch Branch I express our sadness of the loss of Brian to his family. We all knew Brian very well and feel sorrow and extend our sympathy with those he has left behind.
May he rest in peace.
In sorrow:
Jan Hoefnagel; Willeke van der Ham; N M Fam Luiten; Ineke Kok; Willy Willert; A Vlietstra; Peter Williams.

HE POROPORORAKI KI A BRIAN (Farewell Brian)

"KUA HINGA TE TOTARA,
HAERE TE ARIKI NUI,
HAERE, HAERE, HAERE" The mighty tree has fallen, farewell to our International President,thrice farewell...

The difference between being a Chairman and being a Leader is that the former is in charge, delegates, commands etc, but a leader is up there right upfront, inspiring and uplifting us.

Brian Field was such a leader. By example he was a person capable of doing work in our craft to the highest standards. Through his leadership and the warmth of his humanity he brought out qualities in those he led, such that we were able to do much better in many ways, because of that leadership.

My first contact with Brian was only three years ago, when I asked him to write to past New Zealand Chapter President, Roger Carter, thanking him for his services to the Guild. Not only did Brian recognise him with the Presidential Award, but through the magic of telecommunications, he presented the Certificate to Roger, who was 12,000 miles away.

Shortly after this, my wife, Carolyn, visited England and Brian hosted her and my daughter, Clare, at Maldon. It was a day that they will treasure forever. He was gracious, an excellent host showing them that part of England, which meant so much to him.

Brian wrote to me on a number of occasions, encouraging me to keep going at times when my efforts to get the New Zealand membership together was wilting.

On arrival in England in August last year, I met Brian for the first time at an Essex Branch meeting. He was unwell then and had made a special effort to be there to meet me. Typical of him, he greeted me in Maori: "Kia Ora", meaning, "Good health, All the very best". He then apologised to me that it had been his wish to visit New Zealand to meet all the Chapter members, but it was not to be. This had obviously upset him very much.

I then observed something, which happened each time that I saw him at Guild meetings, he started showing Terry Barnes some aspect of knotting. Within minutes there was a group of members around him, learning from the master. No fuss, no noise, just a quiet gathering, snowballing within that certain aura that all great leaders posses.

In January this year, Europa Chan took Carolyn and I to Maldon to spend part of a day with Brian. He was not well, but after taking his morphine dose he spent three hours with us, both at his home and down at his beloved river harbour.

On the way down to the hard, I asked him why he chose Maldon to settle. At the time I thought that he hadn't heard my question. Brian showed us around some of the Thames River barges, climbing up the steep gangways, slowly, but with great determination.

He then took us to the shore-side pub, where he shouted* us lunch. Whilst I was taking a few photographs of our party in the pub, a wonderful smile came over his face when he noticed me looking out at the beautiful scene of the river, the birds and a fleet of sailing vessels. "Now you know why I came to Maldon!"

When I last visited Brian in hospital two weeks before he passed away, we spoke about the far-flung organisation, which he led. He asked that if any member had something personal that they had made, he would appreciate holding it. It is so like that wonderful man to want, at the last, to keep in touch with us all. When we parted, he gave me that most wonderful smile that only he was capable of sharing...

Thank you, Brian for your warm humanity, for the ability to make us feel of worth and to make those of us from the other end of this globe feel part of the International Guild of Knot Tyers.

"HAERE TE ARIKI NUI.
HAERE KI TE REREINGA WAIRUA, HAERE KI TE HAWAIKI NUI,
TE HAWAIKI ROA, TE HAWAIKI PAMAMAO,
HAERE, HAERE, HAERE"

TO OUR INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT. FAREWELL, THRICE FAREWELL.)

* Shouted = Brian paid for our lunch.

Tony Fisher, FNZEI.
President
New Zealand Chapter

Brian will be greatly missed and our thoughts go out to Margaret and her children and friends in their loss. We will all remember and thank Brian for his wisdom, quirky humour, practicality, artistry and hours of entertainment as a fellow member whilst latterly providing positive but thoughtful leadership as President of the Guild.
Rest in peace, Brian!
Peter Goldstone (IGKT Surrey Branch)

A man is measured by what he does and by what he is remembered for. On both counts, we can celebrate Brian and be proud of him.
John Smith

We have known Brian for over 12 years and during that time he has been a friend and inspiration to us, both from a knotting point of view,and a personal one, particularly with the courage he has shown in the past 2 years. He will be sadly missed but his inspiration will continue.
David & Sheila Pearson

I first met Brian Field at the Ashley Retrospective in '97 and that started a friendship that I will always treasure. He was a true knotman and a real crowd pleaser with his easy banter and quick knot tricks. His ornamental flat knotting was admired world wide. He will be missed by all knot tyers and by myself and my family. He will be in our prayers and our sympathy goes out to his wife, Margaret, and his family in their time of grief.
Joseph Schmidbauer

All the members of the IGKT - Pacific Americas Branch mourn the passing of Past President Brian Field and our sympathies go to the family he left behind. We flew Brian to California in 2000 for our AGM and his willingness to teach and his good fellowship will always be remembered by all who attended. Rest in peace.
IGKT-Pacific Americas Branch

Brian was a great communicator.His willingness to teach, His patience and His sincerity will be greatly missed.
Dave Walker

It has been an honour to know Brian and to learn from him for the past eight years. I shall try to continue his work on the quay at Maldon, where he is sorely missed. Nobody will ever be able to replace him. He was a very patient teacher, and had time for everybody who wanted to learn. The children will miss him and his magic tricks, for which he was well known. Our daughter, Diana, misses him badly - she called him "Sub (substitute) Grandpa", and would have liked him to come to her wedding. I will miss him SO much. My husband, Richard, will also miss him a lot - Brian taught him all he knows about knotting and splicing. Farewell, Brian - entertainer, teacher and good friend.
Sarah Ford

May we express our sorrow for the loss of a great man. Condolences to his wife Margaret and family. He will be a man who will be greatly missed and we were pleased to have the pleasure of knowing this good man.
Linda and Bruce Turley

Brian was a classic "quiet achiever". When I challenged him to make a flatwork ankh, he responded with consummate skill, and suitable humour. His compliments on my own work were brief, sincere and remembered. We met briefly and I was the richer for that time. Vale amicus.
Frank Brown. Tasmania

Deeply moved I send you my sincere sympathy in these difficult moments.
louchouarn nelly

I remember when I first became aware of Brian's genuine warmth toward people -- I was at the PAB 2000 conference. He made a point to circulate and encourage everyone he met. He took great pains to show me how to make one of his crosses. Everyone who speaks of him has a great respect for his skills not only in knottying but dealing with people. I'm very privileged to call him my friend. My thoughts are of his family and wife. We will all miss him. But his legacy will live on in each of us by what he taught us about living.
Ed Morai

When I came in IGKT 3 years ago, I was accomodated by Brian. He teached me many knot trip, thank you very much for everything.
Patrick Lefour

C'est avec une profonde tristesse que nous apprenons le décès de Brian : Janine et moi-même n'oublierons ni son humour ni sa délicatesse... Nous vous présentons nos sincères condoléances.
Henri Philippot

Sorry very sorry to read the sad news of the loss of Brian when I opened web page this morning. Often feel very remote from IGKT fraternity on this side of globe but news of this kind brings home closeness of community with a common interest, regardless of location. A sad loss to our community.
Jim Caswell
Sydney, Australia

Brian's presence, quietly unassuming yet observant to the finest detail, is that of the greatest of people - an artist, raconteur and a gentleman. We shall never forget his greatness, the kindness and generosity of spirit that he showed us, and the graciousness that he shared with us. He made a point of remembering our names, our likes and dislikes and remembered us at a time when he was suffering greatly, although never showing the slightest trace of his own discomfort. Thank you Brian for having shared your all-too brief sojourn with us. Thank you too Margaret for allowing him the freedom to endure within our hearts - we shall always remember him, not with sadness that we now feel, but with the greatest joy and reverence for his skills and his poetry in life. "So wise so young, they say, do never live long" - Shakespeare You will live long in our hearts Brian - Requiescant in pace.
Lindsey Philpott and Family

With fond memories of a Gentle Giant - a true gentleman with a great personality and a great heart - quick to identify other people's strengths and generous in overlooking their shortcomings - a great friend. Brian's last words to me were "à la prochaine!" I've since wondered whether he said that often or whether it was specially for me, knowing that I would understand its significance. The "next time" might have been the AGM weekend in May 2003. Never mind, I'll wait. So, Brian, I return the compliment: Here's to the next time - when we meet again.
Tim Field

As a young lad I was taught to remember lost loved ones, not in sadness at their loss, but as we knew them in life. And although I am sad that Brian is gone, I prefer to remember him as the vibrant man that he was. I'll never forget the Summer of 2000, after the PAB meeting in L.A., when several of us of the Texas Branch got to spend a quiet weekend with Brian before he returned to Great Britain. Brian may not be with us physically but he will always be with us in our hearts.
Gary Sessions

People who were fortunate to know Brian E. Field knew a man who blessed those around him. He touched many: The world is a better place for his being in it. Among many, he had gifts of service, of faith, of caring, of knowledge, of skill, of love. My sympathies extend to his family and friends for his loss. His memories, example, and advice live on. With Respects,
Skip (Samuel S., IV) Pennock

The world has lost a great tradition-bearer, and we all lost a great friend. Our deepest sympathies to Brian's family. We will always remember his visits to North America, especially his first visit to Michigan and our home. We will remember his warmth, wit, and friendship. As I read these touching tributes to him, I am amazed and yet not completely surprised how much he meant to so many people. I shared examples of Brian's knotwork to my daughter's third grade class last Friday. Brian continues to inspire others today. Our hearts are with all of you who gather at the funeral. Your friends in Michigan,
LuAnne Kozma and family

It was with sadness that we heard of the passing of Brian. He was a courageous person and a true gentleman. He will be remembered by us with affection, and our memories of his friendly willingness to share his expertise will remain with us always. Our condolences go to his family who have suffered such a tragic loss.
Pam and Maurice Smith,
Wheaton Aston,
Staffs,
UK

Remembering 20-odd years of friendship, wise advice and patient tuition. The memories will stay.
Europa

We are sorry to loose a fine knotter, a true gentleman and a good friend.
Richard Hopkins
on behalf of West Country Knotters

A gentleman and a gentle man, who made everyone a special friend. His quiet courage ovet the last two years was an inspiration. It is an honour to have known him. Our sincere condolence to Margaret and the children.
Tony and Ann Doran

Brian - sadly missed but knot forgotten
Norman & Lesley Cockburn

I hope Brian's goals and ideals for the Guild will encourage future generations of knot tyers around the world! He will always be remembered as a great inspiration to all of us.
Dan - Alaska
(Daniel L. Callahan)

If it were not for Brian, the North American Branch would probably not exist. It was Brian that had the foresight to encourage the formation of the North American Branch. Brian attended several NAB General Membership Meetings and was truely an ambassador for the Guild and it's stated purposes. The Guild and North American Branch members will truely miss him. Our sincere sympathy to Margaret and family.
North American Branch

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Margaret and family. Over the past 9 years, we have had many great conversations and laughs with Brian at the NAB General Membership Meetings. We will always remember the weekend telephone calls we would get from Brian. We will remember thena and Brian's positive attitude always.
Kay & John Burke,
Michigan,
USA

Brian was a great man, not only to the Guild, but to all those who had the pleasure of knowing him. He will be sadly missed. I had the pleasure of interviewing Brian a couple of years ago, he spoke of his time as a teacher and said, "When a kid walks back five hundred yards at the end of term to say thank you, that's an achievement!" This was typical of Brian's modesty. Brian, I have been privileged to know you.
Colin Grundy

With great sadness I heard the news of Brians death. Please accept my condolences.
Marc Lauwereyns
Belgian Branch IGKT It is with great sadness that I read of the death of Brian Field. I particularly remember his kindly, warm, and pleasant company at the final dinner at the annual meeting at Weston. It was gratifying to be treated so cordially. I will miss him.
Dick Chisholm,
New Hampshire, USA

Brian was a brilliant teacher, he will be sorely missed.
Ian Crabbe

It says a lot about the spirit within the Guild that I, even though just having become a member, felt the loss after Brian Field. I was deeply moved when I read his message in the latest issue of Knotting Matters, where he regretted that he was unable to go on as president, and knew as I read it that he had already passed on. My deepest condolences to all of you who had come to know him personally - which I regret I did not have the time to do myself.
Lasse Carenvall

My sincere condolences to Brian's wife and family. I never had chance to meet Brian but I have a few of the publications he wrote so I feel there is some sort of connection with him through knotting and the Guild and I am sure he will be remembered by a lot of people he never had the chance to meet also. My thoughts are with you at this time.
Barry Brown, West Drayton, Middlesex.

My wife and I had the pleasure to meet and visit with Brian and Margaret in the summer of 2000. He was a gracious host and gave us a grand tour on the area around Malden. Brain gave a lot to the guild and to the art of knotting. His leadership, his talent, and his friendship will be missed by all that knew him. The thoughts and prayers of the TxB are with Margaret, the family, and the guild.
Charles Holmes

It was a privilige to know Brian. He was a great teacher, entertainer, inspiration, and, above all - a gentleman.
Albert Southerden

My new knot is the figure of eight bowline. This is a new bowline that is superior to the bowline. Just tying a new knot is a tribute to your orginanization. God speed Brian.
Joe

I am sad that a man I didn't even know has passed on. My sadness is from a kinship to him in the art, and anyone who keeps this art alive will be missed. There are really only a few of us practicing the art as compared to the "days of old". Clear skies and smooth sailing, Brian.
Larry Thetford

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