Another Christmas without you Dad, I miss you so much. And now your brother is with you. Rest in peace Dad and Gerry. Love you

My lovely Dad, it's another new month without you and it's not any easier. I know that you are watching over all of us and I pray that your soul is at peace. I love you Dad.

Paul considered Brendan to be one of his closest friends – they both go back a long way enjoying each other’s company when they got together. Brendan was one of the most lovely men I have ever had the pleasure to know and for both of us it was a privilege to be one of yours and Brendan’s friends Our heartfelt sympathies are with you and the family and with Gods help you will come through this with treasured memories of a wonderful husband father and grandfather May god bless and be with you all, With much love from us both

Stella Our thoughts and memories of you and Brendan are full of happiness as life was never dull or peaceful when he was around. We will all miss him terribly and can comfort you only by saying that our thoughts are with you

Very sad to have missed saying goodbye to Brendan - unfortunately I was away. He was a Class Act! I used to enjoy bumping into him occasionally on the train to/from London on my commute - he was still the same as I remembered him at London Life - full of passion, honesty and integrity. God bless and RIP Brendan. Azim Dinani

I admired Brendan greatly – particularly his action of joining the merged profession in the light of the good things he could see happening in Scotland, while still firmly sticking to his strong views about the original merger. While taking a strong line in what he believed he always listened to the other persons view and perceived merit where it was due. I’m sure you’ll be left with many happy memories when the sadness of the present time has passed. We will be thinking of you and your family, Yours

I was very sad to hear of Brendan's death. I have many good memories of him as one of our governors, his commitment, his astuteness, and his fun ( I remember one particular meeting where he had us all in stitches as he reported back on an event). Always though, it was his strong belief in the value of the college's Catholic ethos which shone through, We will be holding a memorial mass for Brendan in December so we will invite you and the family to join us. I pray that Brendan will rest in peace and your family will be comforted.

My first 'proper job' was with London Life and in the early days of the company's relocation to Bristol I struck up, what on the face of it was an unlikely friendship with Brendan. A friendship of which I was a beneficiary and one which I greatly valued. Unlikely? Well, we shared very different political views and it was particularly discussing the merits or otherwise of the Falklands War that we first became acquainted. During the time of the merger negotiations in the late 80s and early 90s I spent many hours and days on trains and at meetings with Brendan and although challenging times his spirit and determination were always a feature. On a lighter side who can ever forget his relationship with the train staff on the early train to London and his quest for proper, hot, crisp toast, which was possibly never fulfilled. I have a good memories of a number of social occasions with WBMcB both in and outside work and in particular the evening of the Matthew Ball. Sadly since leaving Bristol I havent had the opportunity to keep up with Brendan, but he has left strong and positive memories and I can only think of him with great warmth and respect and send all his best wishes to Stella and his family for the future.

I was so sorry to hear of Brendan's passing. He was much loved and I will never forget him first discovering I was training as an actuary and being so thrilled he invited me to join their Dining society ( Once I had qualified obviously!) He also always made a point of coming and complimenting me on my saxophone playing when I was at the cathedral. I hope you and your family are able to find some comfort and peace at this difficult time. Know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers

Sad to hear of the passing of Brendan. As a young, impressionable 21 year old starting work at London Life, Brendan McBride was to become an icon of mine. A formidable Scot who listened to the concerns of his staff, was utterly fair, kind, considerate, and entertaining. He taught me much and became one of my heroes. Thank you Brendan for making a difference! You will be missed but never forgotten.

Brendan was an amazing person and will be really missed by many many people. We have many fond memories of him from our days at London Life and from our shared Bristol Actuarial Society and Dining Club days. He was such a character - always kept us entertained and inspired. A true "old school gentleman" - they dont make them like that any more. Our sympathy love and fond memories to Stella and the family. Apologies we cant make the funeral but we will raise a wee dram to him.

Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Our thoughts are with you.

So sorry to hear the sad news. My sincere condolences to Brendan's family

Very sad news indeed. I was hoping to go to the funeral, but we are in New Zealand and only get back the day after so thats a shame. My kindest regards to Stella. I felt I knew Brendan quite well, and enjoyed his company and even his jokes. We continued to meet up after he left London Life and I particularly remember him taking me to Harveys for lunch once I qualified, and explaining what happened to new qualifiers at Scottish Amicable. Mike Merrick, former colleague

My thought for Stella is that Brendan's passions for London Life, his profession, his country of birth, his religion, and his politics were irrepressible, and though not identical to mine, he was always of generous spirit and friendly to me personally.

I was sorry to hear of Brendan's death. I left LLA a little before its demise but I know he did much for some of those who were there at the end. During our time working together he became a little more aware of what IT was all about and through some trying times he retained his sense of impish humour. I wish I had met Brendan out of work, he would have been a great character to know better. Our sincere condolences

Brendan and I joined LL about the same time and, as another Celt, it was a pleasure to hear his Scots accent and be in his company on my first visit to Sutton. Stella may remember her and Brendan's first visit to the Bristol area before LL moved there. I took Brendan to a pre-breakfast swim in Portishead outdoor pool. Afterwards he told in his distinctive style, to anyone who would listen, of barely surviving the experience. Yes Brendan was a great character and will be missed by former colleagues who have been able to stay in touch with him. To Stella and the family I am saddened by the news, and send my condolences.

So sorry to hear about Brendan, he was a brilliant person to work for and I really enjoyed my time as his secretary - there was never a dull moment but beneath his rather volatile exterior lay a very kind perceptive and caring person. My condolences to Stella and the family and let her know that all my many memories of Brendan are good ones. Jill Hawker, London Life colleague

I am so sorry to hear of Brendan's passing. He was my boss for many years and he played a big part in my career. We had some pretty exciting times and one thing is for sure, there was never a dull moment with Brendan around! RIP Brendan, and thank you.

I'm very sorry to hear of Brendan's death. We got on well, not just because we were both Scottish, but because he was one of the few actuaries I ever met who lived in the real world. He understood the sales side of the business at London Life and was very approachable. I remember playing golf with him once, I wonder if he kept up his interest in the sport? Brendan was a sensible and passionate man, who was good company. He will be sadly missed.

I was very sorry to hear of Brendans passing. He was a very likeable man, full of vim and vigour, full of ideas and very kind and helpful to us youngsters. My sincere sympathy to his family. RIP

Please pass on my condolences to Stella and the family. It was a pleasure working with such a great man for many years, and I have many fond memories of those times. During my time at London Life I found Brendan to be very generous with his time and help whenever I needed it. A great loss and my thoughts are with Stella and the family

I was thinking of Brendan recently. He was a great man, full of energy and passion about the things and people he cared for. He stopped me falling on my sword a number of times because he knew I didnt want to. He gave me my chance in life and did the same for many others. He was very bright, and he knew about teamwork and the social side of work. He was a great innovator and thinker, and lead from the front - he was enthusiastic, energetic and committed, fun to be with, he could be most charming and at times a real pain in the arse! He loved and hated the Labour Party at the same time. Passionate to the end, I'll bet he loved Jeremy Corbin.

Dear Stella I will remember Brendan best for the way he spoke to us as children. Always kind and quick off the mark with silly jokes. I'm sorry I cant be there to help you celebrate his life and say goodbye. Gwenda x

Some of my happiest memories of Brendan were on the sunny fairways of the Fullarton golf course in Troon, on the west coast of Scotland. Brendan, Gerry, Ninian and I were a frequent foursome on our summer holidays in my teenage years. I recall one of Brendan’s legendary shots with an 8 iron, which has gone down in family, if not golfing history! None of us were top notch golfers. Ninian was on the green, waiting for the other three. Brendan, not expecting to hit a Tiger Woods style, shot, chipped his ball with a fine swing. The ball arced up in a perfect parabola, clearly heading for the green where his son was standing, patiently waiting. “’Fore!!!!” screamed Brendan. Ninian looked up and saw the ball heading his way. He ran to right, stopped and looked up. He ran to the left, stopped and looked up. The ball smacked straight onto the top of his head and he dropped like a stone! Fortunately no serious injury was sustained. My thoughts are with Stella, Brendan’s children and grand children. Paul(Brendan’s nephew)

Dear Tona and family. I was very sorry to hear about Brendan. I was very fond of him and the fact that he was a school friend of my father was poignant. When my father died earlier this year he wrote me a lovely letter which is a measure of the man and one which I treasure. Many condolences and love to all your family. Jason.

I loved Brendan. I loved his honest approach to life. With my love and prayer Annie x So sorry to hear the news that Brendan has gone on ahead, but pleased for him because all his many questions will now be answered.

Thinking of Brendan's family, Stella, Tona and Steffie, and hope they have the strength to move forward without him. Brendan was such a big character, so lively and engaging. I remember his love of a good argument! But also his love for his grandchildren. He will leave a huge hole. Much Love xx

O God our Father in Heaven, Have mercy on your son, my brother Brendan. He knew he was nearing the end of his life, and he stayed faithful to you through all his years until the end. He was a devoted husband and father; a man of integrity in his personal and professional lives; a man dedicated to the practice and advancement of his Christian religion; and a man of particular devotion to your presence in the Holy Eucharist. Admit him into your heavenly kingdom, O Lord, and grant him full vision of your presence there forever. We ask this in the name of your Son Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Extracts from a letter Dominic has written to his Grandpa: "You were a great Grandpa to all of the grandkids, treating all of us equally and making us all feel special - anything we have chosen to do in life you always supported too...you are a great man...and I will miss you...I love you"

Brendan was a marvellous fellow - so positive and engaging - never afraid to speak his mind and always in the most charming of ways. Brian and Anne Richdale

Brendan was a wonderful man who will always be fondly remembered God Bless you x

So sad to hear of Brendan's sudden death. I will always remember his pithy turn of phrase and sharp humour with affection. Helena

Brendan was a big influence on me, having given me my first job as an actuarial trainee down in Sutton. Having been raised in "the North" (in Cheshire), I was able to better translate Brendan's very quick instructions for the local Southeners. He encouraged me to study and pass the exams, achieving FIA. He remained a mentor throughout my London Life career until I left to take up pensions consultancy in 1988. Our paths crossed again on his visit to Hong Kong in the 1990s and latterly at the Bristol Actuarial Dining Club (BADS) which he led and encouraged for many a year. We will miss his cuttings and contrarian views, in which he believed passionately. Our condolences to Stella and extended family - a great loss to all. David Fenna

My Dearest friend Guiherme, I will miss the good humour, laughs and political discussions that we have enjoyed together. You were one of a kind! Descansa em Paz! Tua amiga Celina

I was so sorry to receive the news about Brendan. He and I were colleagues only briefly, but in that time he made a huge impression; he was a man of great character, good humour and, above all, integrity. I am also an actuary, but quite clearly, I belonged to an inferior (English) breed of FIAs who couldn't hold a candle to the superior Scottish FFAs! I was glad to learn that he died peacefully and am only sorry that I won't be able to attend the funeral as I shall be collecting my wife from hospital that morning. Stella, my thoughts are with you and the rest of the family. Richard Wales

I will miss Brendan's humour and wit and his face at Mass joining in singing in the faith he loved and supporting Stella with his whole heart. RIP. Richard.Jeffery Gray, Musical Director, Clifton Cathedral

Dear Tona, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad - such sad news. I was actually due to see him this weekend as I'll be up in Glasgow, and had been thinking how nice that would be. Thinking about him has brought back some great memories of places like Aragon Ave, and Troon - all such good times when we were young. I think as a family we don't focus much on our Godparents - but your Dad was mine, which I was always proud of. I am getting updates from my Dad as to how you all are, and plan to come to the funeral so will see you there, Love Nicola

Brendan - such a warm, funny and charismatic man. I remember the way he would chat happily to anyone - I remember bumping into some teenage girls on a street once and Brendan joking with them about wolf whistling at boys. The girls thought he was brilliant! He was always interested in what people had to say and was at ease with children as he was with adults. Brendan - we never did get to have our lunch but I will raise a glass in honour of a much loved gentleman instead. Lots of love Carolyn xxx

Brendan was very dear to the Jones family. He would always come to our family celebrations- weddings, christenings he would always be there to wish us well and be the life and soul of the party! I could listen to him for hours about our family history, Scotland and life in general. I will never forget his infectious smile, his charming and generous nature and of course his tartan trews! Brendan- you are a legend forever.

Stella, I will never forget Brendan's generosity, his way to look at the heart of a person, his honesty and friendship. It has always been a great honour to me to be called "Ehrenenkelin" by him - honoury granddaughter. It is something I shall always keep in my heart. I will remember him, his smile, his voice, his humour and jokes, which he so often had to explain to me before I understood :) I will remember his strong interest in politics and all his efforts to help me with my English, the English newspaper articles he sent me. Also how he organised my practical teacher training at St Brendan's Sixth Form college, which was such a great chance for me and for which I am very grateful. Also the trips we did together in Bristol for example when Rebekka came to visit me in four years ago, and you and Brendan took as to the seaside to this nice pier and our shared time this year. I am grateful I've been able to meet him and get to know him through you, as we met in the music group. I am glad I've known him and met him in his last four years of life. And I am glad you and he came to visit me and my family in summer 2013 and in March this year. We will keep these nice memories and the time we had together in our hearts. You and your family are in our thoughts. And of course we are thinking of Brendan. Best Wishes from Germany Love Nadja

Brendan was very special to me, and a very good friend both professionally and personally. I have always enjoyed his company and our wide ranging discussions across matters professional and political – even if I did not always agree with his point of view! I am glad we continued to manage to meet up whenever I was back in England; it is just a pity we could not do so more often. I have a particular debt to Brendan for encouraging me to “follow my feelings”, marry Kirsten and move to the USA. His love for Katie was obvious; he was more a real uncle to her than an honorary one (as he called himself). We have lost a good man. All our lives will be smaller as a result. Please accept all our condolences. Our thought are with you during this difficult time. Adrian

The loss of my long-time friend “copain” as we used to say to each other, saddens me deeply. The sudden disappearance of Brendan will cause a lot of questions. For me his disappearance is Lord’s will and we cannot change this divine will. Dear Tona, thank you to include me I will be attending the funerals. Your dad has always been for me a model of faith and tolerance. All my sincere regards” Claude TRANSLATED FROM: Je viens de poster une lettre pour Stella. La disparition de mon vieux "copain" selon le vocable utilisé entre nous m'attriste. La disparition subite de Brendan va provoquer une cascade d'interrogation. Pour moi cette disparition est la volonté du Seigneur et nous ne pouvons pas changer cette volonté divine. Chère Tona merci de m'inclure par ma présence lors des obsèques. Ton Père a toujours été pour moi un modèle de Foi et de tolérance. Toutes mes amitiés sincères. Claude.

Oh my goodness. Words cannot express how shocked and saddened I am by your news. I cannot begin to imagine how you must all be feeling. Quite simply, your Dad was my best friend (if one is allowed such things at my age) and I shall miss him very, very deeply. Please let your Mum know that I am thinking of her. With a sad heart, Graham

We hope that you find this tribute to Brendan a place of comfort, support and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.

Brendan was very special to me, and a very good friend both professionally and personally. I have always enjoyed his company and our wide ranging discussions across matters professional and political – even if I did not always agree with his point of view! I am glad we continued to manage to meet up whenever I was back in England; it is just a pity we could not do so more often. I have a particular debt to Brendan for encouraging me to “follow my feelings”, marry Kirsten and move to the USA. His love for Katie was obvious; he was more a real uncle to her than an honorary one (as he called himself). We have lost a good man. All our lives will be smaller as a result. Please accept all our condolences. Our thought are with you during this difficult time. Adrian

"Dear Stella, I'll remember Brendan best for the way he spoke to us children. Always kind and quick off the mark with silly jokes. I'm sorry I can't be there to help you celebrate his life and say goodbye."