Tributes have been paid to a popular Burnham-On-Sea man who has sadly died of Coronavirus.
Brian Beale, 84, was well known for his voluntering work with Burnham Harriers running club, helping to organise the Burnham-On-Sea Half Marathon, Brent Knoll Race and the town’s Parkrun.
He has sadly passed away after catching Covid-19 while in hospital for a heart condition. Here, we look back at his life.
Brian was born in Purbrook, Hampshire on 9th February 1936. He was the eldest of four children.
He joined the army in 1952 as a young soldier and he did his training in Harrogate where he met Kathleen, whom he married in 1961. Brian loved the army life and travelled extensively, including to Cyprus, where he worked. After Cyprus, the family settled in Hampshire until moving to Axbridge in 1979.
Brian had always run in the army and continued to do so when he left. He ran the London Marathon twice in the early 1980s and was involved in organising the Burnham Half Marathon and Brent Knoll Race.
In later years, he’d taken a step back but continued do time keeping and results compilation for races in the area up until 2019.
He leaves behind a daughter, two grandchildren and three great grandchildren. His wife passed away in 2014.
A spokesman from Burnham Harriers running club told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We are all very sad to hear of the death of Brian. He was one of the founding members of Burnham Harriers in 1981, and had remained active in the club until a few months ago.”
“He continued to help organize the Harriers races, including the Burnham Half Marathon and Brent Knoll race, with his great experience of having been Run Director at these events for many years. He was an active adjudicator at many races for other clubs, and was closely involved with the Somerset Series.”
“He was a regular volunteer at Burnham and Highbridge Parkrun, attending nearly every week and helping with the results. His tireless effort often went on behind the scenes, to ensure the smooth running of the sport he loved. He was a great inspiration within the club, offering advice, support and encouragement to many. He will be greatly missed.”
