November 16, 2020 - 1440 views
Colwyn Bay FC made a heartfelt statement today following the death of the club's Bryan Kelly.
"It is with great sadness we report that Bryan Kelly, Seagulls' long time kit man and valued member of the first team backroom staff, passed away in Colwyn Community hospital this morning. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."
Manager Craig Hogg commented: "We are heartbroken and everyone connected to the club is devastated with the news of Bryan's passing.
"My thoughts are with Bryan's friends, his family and all who knew him.
"Bryan was truly part of the fabric of our football club and his loss is hard for all of us at the Bay.
"He stood for everything that was good about our club through his hard work, his dedication to his job and the genuine love he had for what he was part of here.
"He will be so badly missed, but he will never be forgotten and that says so much about the man.
"I'll never forget the many good times, the laughs and the great conversations we shared together, sat in the dressing room at Llanelian Road. Those memories are something that will stay forever.
"Bryan had a love for many things and that was so infectious.
"He loved his music, his football club and being around people. The Bay meant everything to him and he meant so much to us all in return.
"I was fortunate to speak to Bryan before he passed away and I will always be so grateful for the last conversations we had.
"I know in my heart that Bryan knew how much he was loved by us all. I hope we can take comfort from that as we come to terms with his loss.
"God bless you mate and rest well."
OBITUARY FROM ARTHUR HOLDEN: BRYAN KELLY 1948-2020
Bryan, who worked at W H Smith in Colwyn Bay for many years prior to retirement, first started following the Bay during 1982/3 season. Known to everyone as Bry, he helped the club when work allowed during the 1990s and assisted as Kitman from the early 2000s.
Following retirement, he took over the role of club Kitman for the start of the 2006/7 season when Peter Davenport was appointed manager. As the club went through many ups and downs and many people came and went, Bryan remained a loyal servant to the Boards and Managers he worked for and the club he loved.
Bryan took a thoughtful and philosophical approach to the club’s ups and downs and always saw the humorous side of life as club Kitman. He would often joke about the number of Colwyn Bay managers he had served under. Bryan maintained a good relationship with them all and for the record he served under fifteen Managers.
He was also a talented, multi instrument playing musician.
Many of us at the club are going to miss Bryan’s friendly, humorous and efficient presence at Colwyn Bay FC.
Colwyn Bay FC would also like to thank Macmillan Nurses and the staff at Glan Clwyd and Colwyn Bay Hospitals for the kindness and care they’ve given to Bryan over recent months.
Phil Hartley Williams who is club announcer at Colwyn Bay FC and a Bayside Radio presenter will play songs to mark his respects to Bryan on Monday Beat from 8:00pm
Reproduced with thanks to Colwyn Bay FC.
