We are very sorry to have to announce the sudden death of our wonderful Brian Doyle.

Brian passed away at the weekend after a very short illness. He was 83.

Brian was a lifelong Scout. In 1953, at the age of 15 and as a member of 2nd Rhyl Scouts, he lit the beacon near Meliden to mark The Queen’s Coronation. 60 years later we asked him to light our Diamond Jubilee beacon at Cox Wood. For many years Brian was also Assistant District Commissioner and District Secretary for Wrexham Scouts.

The beacon wasn’t the only way Brian lit up Cox Wood. Without him and his electrical skills we wouldn’t have mains power on site. If you’ve ever turned on a light, or dried your hands under the blowers, that’s thanks to Brian.

Of course he lit up Cox Wood in a third way – with his personality. Brian was such a character and would always make us laugh with his amazing stories, but he also impressed everyone who met him with his resilience and can-do attitude.

Brian, you’ll be very much missed.

Our thoughts and condolences are with Marjorie and his son Chris at this very difficult time.

Some of the many tributes that have been paid to Brian…

Brian was one of the first people I met at Cox Wood. What a lovely, kind man. Nothing too much trouble for him.

Vicky Bolton

I first met Brian over 35 years ago, fantastic sense of humor, strength in adversity and top man. He will be much missed by all of the Coxwood Crew.

David Burton

He really enjoyed being part of the Cubs DIY day and the cubs really enjoyed learning electrics from him.   Thinking of his family – Scouting and personal

Sue Mort

Brian is a great loss to Scouting. When he lost his leg a few years ago he still helped at Cox Wood and became the tractor driver keeping the grass cut. Nothing stopped him helping.

Ian McLean

Unser aufrichtiges Beileid gilt seiner Familie und allen Freunden und Bekannten! Ruhe in Frieden!
(Our sincere condolences go to his family and all friends and acquaintances! Rest in peace!)

Olaf Kraas, Hemer Scouts

Brian was a terrific character. He had so many great stories of scouting mishaps and adventures which made us all laugh. He was resilient and pragmatic and was brilliant at getting a job done. He put so much into the development of Cox Wood, from Day 1 in 1999 right up to just recently. He loved the Wednesday morning work sessions at Cox Wood. He was always first there so he could get first go on the grass cutter.  He will be greatly missed but fondly remembered.

Gerry Lister

Such sad news. Brian was a lifelong Scout and a dear friend. He will be missed by us all

Chris McLean