Tributes to Brian J Attfield 1945-2009

"I would like to extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Brian. In doing so I believe that I speak on behalf of the the entire Association. This very sad news came as a total shock to me and I am sure for the entire Gambian community too.Brian was a very active member of GUS and his contribution was invaluable. Brian loved the Gambia more than the Gambians themselves. I remember just before my trip to the Gambia for the malaria programme Brian started to make arrangements for where I would be staying in Pakalinding and Mansakonko areas eventhough this is home that I will be going to. Brian has been there for the entire Gambian community both day and night.He will be missed by all because he is simply irreplaceable.

My thoughts and prayers are with Brian and family. May his soul rest in perfect peace-Amen. As chair I thank all society members who made tributes. God bless us all- amen."

- Saihou Jaiteh, Chairman, GUS.

"Over the past five years, he has shown his unflagging and dedicated support for the Gambia United Society. He has been an effective, indefatigable, dedicated and leading member of GUS in everything we did. He was truly a member of great substance. His sudden death is therefore immeasurable loss to GUS.

Brian was first known to Gambia United Society in 2005. By then he had already developed and established what can only be fairly described, if this is the right word, as family and friendship ties with the Gambia. During his many visits to the country, Brian was initially involved with the Boys Scout of the Gambia. He took part in their activities in all forms and shapes.

Since joining GUS in 2005, Brian took the lead in all the roles assigned to him or where he took the initiative himself, which was typical of him. He was truly resourceful. Consequently it didn’t matter he joined in 2005 because he overshadowed most existing members in all respects. Inevitably he led and everyone followed; because he was always on the right path. He helped create (if not exclusively done by him), a comprehensive list of all members of GUS. He single-handedly conceived, designed and produced membership cards for all. He led, by action and example, when it was time for things to be done. He kept quite and showed amusement when we talked silly. Yet he was always polite, respectful and considerate. For all the meetings I attended with Brian, I have never seen him interrupt anyone even though he might have the ultimate solution for the issue being debated. He only talked when permission was granted by the presiding chair.

He was generous and kind. He donated valuable materials for educational or relief purposes to needy Gambians. He built capacity for everything Gambian that he has ever come in contact with even where there was hardly any. He holidayed in their midst instead of in the hotels. He ate, drank and slept with them. He celebrated, laughed and grieved with them. Perhaps Brian will be best remembered by one of his familiar jokes. At the end of the London Jaliba show in February, he came up to me, commenting on the symbolic money tree donated by GUS women to Jaliba and said: “Kemoo, I wonder if there is any fishmoney left.” Wondering what he meant I asked him to explain. He said, “Because the ladies have just given all to Jaliba.” Then he pulled out his pipe from his pocket, quivering and preparing it for a puff. Brian was truly a Gambian of substance, a friend in need and a real Englishman. Good night Brian. Rest in peace! Amen".

- Ahmed K Ceesay, Secretary General, GUS.

"I am devastated and sad indeed!! We lost a true and decent friend (Brian Attfield). My condolences to Brian's family and Lamin Jarjue, a person who brought Brian to Gambians, and ended up being there for all. I am sad and still crying for the loss!! Please let us pray for him to rest in peace!!"

- Bakebba Camara, GUS.

"I'm devastated by this news. He was all these kind words and more more and so much more. I loved and respected him for his genuine dedication to helping The Gambia with such humbleness. Lamin you have lost a true brother I'm so sorry for GUS's lost."

- Anna Njie, GUS.

"I am very sorry to hear this terrible sad and shocking news about Brian.He was such an extraordinary talented philantropist,a great loss to GUS.Lamin kindly extend my condolences to his family."

- Ebrahim Kinteh (KK), GUS.

"This is a very sad news for Gambia United Society and all Gambians in general. As the secretariat indicated, Brian was brought into the society by Lamin Jarjue at a time when capacity of moving forward the agenda of GUS was a big challenge to those of us in the Executive Committee. His membership added an extraordinary value to the society and his interest in getting Gambia move forward is commendable.

I wish to join you in expressing my condolences to the entire family and friends of Brian. My thoughts are with the family of Brian. His departure was a great loss to all but I have confidence that GUS now has the much needed human capacity to carry forward the good work that Brian started for GUS. He has made his contribution! May he rest in perfect peace."

- Momodou Lamin Sawaneh, GUS.

"I must join you and the entire Gambia United Society in expressing my condolences to you and the entire family of Brian. My thoughts are with you all. Brian's departure is a great loss for the society as he was so dedicated and committed to welfare of the society. He cares so much and brought a lots of strength and support because he was willing to answer the call at any time of the day and night using any resources at his disposal. He will surely be missed and remembered by Gambians and in particular GUS. May his soul rest in perfect peace".

- Bakary J Singhateh, GUS.

"To be honest, I can't still come to term with the news that my beloved friend, Brian has passed away suddenly. When I received the text from Bakebba, I thought it was a mistake. Thus, I rang few GUS members for confirmation. Actually, I'm sort of words to express myself. However, I am totally devastated and deeply saddened by the news. Therefore, on behalf of my wife and family and on my own behalf, wishes to extend our deepest condolences to Brian famlies and friends. Certainly, he would be missed by everyone. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Ameen!".

- Kemo Jallow, GUS

"I was saddened by the tragic lost of Brian. It is indeed a lost to his family and The Gambia in general. The Gambia United Society will surely miss him. Brian's humanitarian contributions and his selfless dedication to the needy and the poor cannot be forgotten. On behalf of I and my family, I wish to send my deepest condolence to Lamin and Brian's family. May he rest in peace".

- Sulayman Camara, GUS.