The outpouring of grief at the death of Brian Gill has filled many pages over the last twenty four hours and, no doubt, will continue to do so. This genuine expression of sorrow for the anguish of his family - wife Debbie and their four sons Michael, Sean, Chris and Josh - is a reflection of people’s respect. To say he was well-known and led a full life is something of an understatement.

A keen Manchester United and Widnes supporter, he had a range of sporting interests. Rugby was always the dominant pastime even during his time in the Army. A particular career highlight saw Brian selected to play in a Forces match at Twickenham. While serving in Belfast during the Troubles, he turned out for Malone RFC, a famous Ulster club which has produced many international players and British Lions.

His quiet dogged contributions to the Wids, on and off the field, have been numerous and notable since arriving at Heath Rd from Halton RUFC and Widnes St Maries RLFC. A rock-solid first and second teamer during the 90s, he became the driving force behind the revival of the Vets, proving an inspiration to players slightly older and much younger than himself. Early in the 2000s, he organised the first of many trips for Vets and their families to Club Correze. Stories of those excursions are for another day.

In 2009, it was Brian who set the pace for the President’s 20 Mile Walk as part of Widnes RUFC’s Golden Jubilee. Last season’s 60 year equivalent celebration came to an abrupt halt in March when the pandemic reached our shores.

Confronted with disaster, the club launched its coronavirus crowdfunding appeal; one of the earliest pledges came from James Brian Gill. After the easing of the first lockdown, Brian took the opportunity of organising a socially-distanced Wids Golf Day in August. The tragedy is that he hasn’t lived to see the outcome of his efforts coming to fruition.

Martin Griffiths, Widnes RUFC President said: “In common with everyone who knew Brian, I was devastated to hear of his untimely passing on Friday. He was a good rugby player and clubman who commanded respect wherever he went. Most of all though, he was a great guy and I am honoured to count him as a friend. On behalf of everyone at the Wids, I extend sincere condolences to Debbie and all the family. Brian will be sadly missed but fondly remembered”.

Always a great supporter of the club, he was happy to take part in Halton Heritage Partnership’s “Widnes Working Lives” oral history project. The interview took place six years ago this weekend and can be heard in the video section of the website gallery. These are the accompanying notes:

Brian Gill - 24th January 2015 interview
Born 1957 at Whiston Hospital and bred in Simms Cross
Educated at St Marie’s Primary and St Joseph’s Secondary Modern

I left school at 15 and joined the Army as a boy soldier. I spent nine years in the Army and, when I came out, joined the Fire Department at Jeddah International Airport where I worked for a couple of years.

When I came home, I became an ambulanceman. I’ve been a soldier, fireman and ambulanceman. After working there for 18 months, having seen police officers come round for a cup of tea, I decided that was for me.

I applied to join Cheshire Police and did my first two years’ probation in Northwich.

I requested a transfer back and luckily got Widnes. For the first two years in Widnes, I worked as a uniformed officer which was good fun attending the Widnes RL matches for free. I was once voted Best Tackler, having tackled a Leeds supporter who ran on the pitch. That stood for two seasons.

I spent 8 years as a CID officer investigating serious crime in Widnes and the surrounding area.

I was lead detective on the bombing in Warrington where my sole job was to deal with the victims and take statements from them.

I’ve had many incidents where I’ve had to caution people I went to school with or played Rugby with, breaking up fights down town and realising it's my team mates. The good thing was that I was shown respect by friends and people in the town.

I joined the regional crime squad before graduating to the National Crime squad which dealt with serious crime in Great Britain and Europe.

(Having retired from the Police) I now work as Housing Officer (Anti-Social Behaviour) and find it extremely funny that the persons I chased as kids are now grandfathers and I am chasing their children. It’s nice to walk into people’s houses and be recognised “He’s Mr Gill. He’s in CIDs.” The most I dealt with in one family was five generations.

One confession: as a detective, I was extremely keen…we were asked to dash up to an address ....We kicked the door in to discover that we were in the wrong house…within two days I smashed the back door of another wrong house….that’s my embarrassing moment.