Brian Pell

Mr. Brian Pell, devoted husband of Jane Pell, enjoyed a long life of good health and was known to be a strapping, vibrant gentleman. Having recently been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, Brian succumbed peacefully at home on the morning of Friday, May 20th, 2016 with Jane's arms around him. Brian was 81. Brian was born on April 20, 1935, in Kettering, England, to Frederick and Gladys Pell. In early days, Brian attended Parish Church School and moved on to St. Mary's College, Kettering. Brian was drafted into the British Army at age 18, and upon returning home in 1955 he worked for Booth Horrocks as a heating engineer and subsequently worked as a manager for British Steel. Brian was happily married to Mary Kennedy in 1959, until her passing in 1989. To this union Kim, Danny, and Donna were born. Having known each other since secondary school and remaining friends throughout the years, Brian and Jane reacquainted in April of 1995. Through a series of letters (in the English way) Brian and Jane fell in love and by June of that year Brian, ever the subtle romantic, asked Jane to be his wife. They were married in Kettering, England on September 16, 1995. Brian then left England for the USA to start his life with Jane, considered by many to be a lifelong fairytale come true. Upon moving to America, Brian enjoyed a long career as a maintenance engineer in the casino industry. Throughout his life Brian was well known as a "man's man" and would always refer to his co-workers and friends as "mate". Brian was not only an avid sports fan but also an exceptional athlete, playing both football and cricket. Cricket was his game to be sure. In a recently published Kettering sports anthology he was described as "a giant of a man," who would thunder in towards the wicket and unload a hand grenade of a bowl with all the ferocity he could summon." Brian, ever the renaissance man, also enjoyed ballroom dancing, traveling with Jane, reading and gardening. Brian's gardens were legendary amongst his peers and neighbors. He transformed an undeveloped backyard into a recreational paradise, which included a phenomenal rose garden, sunroom, hot tub, a deck and gazebo he designed and built, trellises and his beloved koi pond. Brian is survived by his loving wife Jane. Residing in England are: His daughter Kim, her husband Paul, and their children Josh and Luke; son Danny, his partner Angie, and his children Sarah, her husband Craig and their child Joseph (Brian's only great-grandchild), Terry, and Nikki; daughter Donna, her husband Val and their children Katy and Beth. Brothers Dave, his wife Shirley, and Michael, his wife Penny, and numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many members of Mary's family; his lifelong mates John, his wife Rosalinde, and Don, his wife Sandra. Additionally, Brian is survived by Jane's children Steven Brannan, his wife Ammi and their children Heather, her husband Matt, Sadie, and Sawyer; Glenn Brannan and his daughter Sarah. Brian also leaves behind their faithful sheltie Bella Rose. The family wishes to thank Father Paul Martin, Kimi Cartwright, Gina Cason, and Julie and Felicia of Regional Hospice for their care and comfort to Brian and Jane during this difficult time. Jane also wishes to express her gratitude to all of her family and friends who have given so much love and support. In lieu of flowers, please consider planting a rose bush in Brian's memory or make a donation to the charity of your choice. At a later date, Jane will take Brian's ashes home to Kettering, England. The family invites you to join us in a celebration of Brian's life on Thursday May 26, in the parlor at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 275 Southfield road, Shreveport, LA 71105, from 4:30-7 pm.