- helen.weir
Tribute to Brian (Barry) Crease
We share this tribute to Brian (Barry) Crease of Cómpeta, Malaga, with generous acknowledgement of the help provided by the RAF Benevolent Fund and Age in Spain. Brian passed away in March.
Called up for National Service in 1956 at the age of 19, Brian Crease trained with the RAF and served as an air traffic controller at Binbrook, Lincolnshire. His service with the RAF was cut short when his father cut his hand badly and had to retire from the family’s butchery business in Barton-upon-Humber. Brian took over.
Active in local business circles and president of the local Lions club which raised money for good causes, Barry was also a fierce opponent of the new Humber bridge which local traders felt would adversely affect passing trade in Barton. They were proved right. When the bridge was built, Barry’s shop business declined, but he carried on selling meat products from a van until he retired in 2002.
Thereafter, facing a cold and damp winter and feeling miserable, Barry decided to visit friends in Andalucia, arriving in Cómpeta where, after a short while, he realised that he wanted to start a new life in Spain.
That life in Spain was good. He was a season-ticket holder for Malaga and followed the team in la Liga, enjoyed exploring the mountains with a friend in a 4x4, and went to all the parties in Cómpeta. His German friend Andreas couldn’t pronounce the name Brian, so ‘Barry’ it was from then on.
Until 2019 when he fractured his hip in a fall.
Friends Ken Slater and Christine Quick recount:
‘He was in the hospital for 10 days and then stayed with us for three days. We realised he needed professional help to aid his recovery. At the check-up at the Hospital, in addition to his fractured hip we were advised that he had Vascular Dementia and he would never be in a position to look after himself again. We called into the residential care home, Fuente Ariza in Algarrobo on the way back from hospital and met with Pepe. They were able to take him in immediately and Pepe and his team looked after him superbly for nearly three years, for which we are eternally grateful.
‘Full time care is expensive and was beyond Barry's means. With the help of Age in Spain we were able to claim an Attendance Allowance from the UK government and the RAF Benevolent Fund granted an award which funded Barry for nearly three years which enabled Brian, our Barry, to die peacefully, at the age of 84, on 25 March 2022.
‘We, and on behalf of Barry, say muchas Gracias to the RAF Benevolent Fund and Age in Spain for your help and support. ESTUPENDO!’
Did this story touch you? We absolutely depend upon the vital support of people like you to ensure that our services are freely available for everyone who needs help.
Can you help us? To help everyone plan their life to the fullest in Spain, we provide free, accessible information guides - which are used by more than 1,000 people a week. Our trusted telephone and email Infoline service gives direct help to people who need extra support to maintain independence in older age. Your regular donation of just €10 per month will enable us to provide a weekly friendship call to an isolated older person, every week of the year.
Your one off donation of €50 will enable us to make a home visit to a vulnerable person like Barry who is struggling to access vital services. Please donate if you can: https://www.ageinspain.org/donate. Thank you.
Sign up here for our free quarterly newsletter to keep up to date with news and exclusive articles to help you live your life in Spain.
Disclaimer: The content displayed on this blog is the intellectual property of Age in Spain. You may not reuse, republish, or reprint such content without our written consent. All information posted is merely for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Should you decide to act upon any information on this blog, you do so at your own risk. While the information on this blog has been verified to the best of our abilities, we cannot guarantee that there are no mistakes or errors. We reserve the right to change this policy at any given time, of which you will be promptly updated. If you want to make sure that you are up to date with the latest changes, we advise you to frequently visit our website disclaimer notice. Age in Spain provides information about service providers for information only. This list is not exhaustive, and is subject to change at any time. None of the service providers are endorsed or recommended by Age in Spain. You should research whether a service provider will be suitable. Age in Spain does not accept any liability arising to any person for any loss or damage suffered through using these service providers or this information.