One of the many positive feelings I experienced while producing the Brentford 125 Anniversary book was the overwhelming sense of camaraderie I felt with the players and supporters of yesteryear, the club’s forefathers, people I had never met.
The palpable sense of pride you feel when reading the achievements of yesteryear shows that no matter what era you were born, or how old you are, supporting Brentford Football Club means just as much to us today as it did 50, 75 or even 100 years ago. And once you start supporting the Bees, that commitment often lasts a lifetime — through all the ups, and through all the downs.
It is therefore always an emotional moment when we hear of loyal and life-long fans who are sadly taken from us — fans who have passed the Brentford batton down to the next generation and then the next — fans who form part of the very fabric that is Brentford Football Club – fans just like you and me.
We were contacted today by Matt Pearson, with the following information…
I wanted to drop you a note regarding the passing of a my beloved Grandad, and lifelong Bees fan, Reg Cook.
Reg passed away with his family around him at Kingston hospital yesterday, during the Walsall game. His last words to me were to ask how we were getting on.
My Grandad was brought up in Ealing and his first game was in the top flight, at home to Bolton Wanderers in 1938, aged 11. He has supported home and away ever since and been a season ticket holder firstly in New Road, followed by a number of years in D Block in Breamer Road and still held this in the current season without being able to attend in recent months due to ill health.
Dai Hopkins, Jim Towers, Terry Evans and Jake Bidwell were past and present favourite players and the recent years have been fantastic for him – he loved seeing the attractive football we now play.
He introduced Brentford to all three of his Grandsons and subsequently his Great Grandchildren and we have been hooked ever since and hold three season tickets next to him.
His family and Brentford were his life and it’s fans like him who introduce Generation after Generation that makes our club so special.
On behalf of all fellow Brentford fans I’m sure you will join us here at Beesotted when we raise a glass of Pride to Reg with his Grandson before Tuesday night’s game with ‘Boro.
Rest in Peace Reg.
Dave Lane
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How about a minutes applause on either 88 minutes (his age?) or 11 minutes, the age of his first game?
RIP Mr Cook
Dan
Dan, thank you. Thanks for this wonderful idea. He was 87 when he passed however I think 11 minutes would be a great option as its near the start of the game. Would Twitter be the best place to start in regards to circulating to all fans? Dave, could you tweet, upload this if possible and you feel it’s a good idea.
Hi Dave,
This is a smashing write up and reckon Reg would have been well chuffed, proud and honoured by this review. I had the pleasure of meeting him myself a few times and was a smashing man and bee through and through. RIP REG
Always sad to hear of a fellow Bee passing on. Condolences to Matt and all of Reg’s family.
What you wrote about Reg’s last words brought a smile to my face.
RIP Reg Cook
Matt,
Just wanted to say what a lovely Write up
Brought a tear to my eye
Sadly an uncle I didn’t see enough of in the later years
Much love
Darren Cook