Tribute paid by colleagues to Thanet Stagecoach driver Gary Brown

Colleagues and friends mark the loss of Stagecoach driver Gary Brown (staff are pictured at their workplace) Photo Josh Roberts

Stagecoach staff and Ramsgate’s Royal British Legion Club turned out today (March 1) to pay their respects to bus driver and RBL member Gary Brown.

Gary passed away on January 31 after contracting covid.

A funeral service has been held today, with a video stream for friends due to covid restrictions. Colleagues  also paid respects at the Stagecoach garage in Westwood this morning. Two buses had Gary’s name showing on their information blinds.

Stagecoach Operations Manager at Thanet depot, Danny Millis, paid tribute, saying: “Gary Brown was a wonderful friend to everyone at Thanet and a fantastic colleague to all of us at Stagecoach South East. His loss has rocked us all. One of Gary’s friends and driving colleague summed it up brilliantly when he said “Be kind, be honest, be warm. Be like Gary.” We will miss him.”

Danny with the plaque in memory of Gary

One Thanet bus has also had a plaque fitted in Gary’s honour.

19 Comments

  1. Mr Brown is one of thousands of front-line workers who have died from Covid-19 as a result of bravely keeping services going for the public during the pandemic. Tributes to him, and all the others who have died as a result of doing their jobs, are well-deserved.

  2. Very well said Peter, all front line staff in all the many jobs and occupations have been and still continue to be the absolute bed rock since the pandemic has been with us and many front line workers have paid the ultimate price for simply doing there jobs. RIP.

  3. R I P Gary one of the nicest bus drivers we knew ,from Lorraine and Mike (ex E K R C Driver ) “Disco”

  4. You couldn’t hope to meet a nicer man, he was a very happy and polite bus driver to all and my wife and I considered him a friend. Words are never enough at times like this,you’ll be missed by many. R.I.P. Gary.
    Phil.

  5. I worked with Gary for nearly 7 years on the buses.He was the nicest person anyone could meet. Always took time out of his day to stop and have a chat. Could always rely on Gary to cheer you up. RIP mate

  6. So lovely to see this documented my grandad would of been so proud to see everyone turn out for him it was a beautiful send off and he will be missed dearly thank you to all who came

  7. Gary was great guy, you could never say a bad word about him. he will be sadly missed by each and everyone of his workmates. R.I.P Mate

  8. I worked at thanet garage for 5 years and Gary was one of very few drivers that spoke to me when i first started and made me welcome, he was always pleased to see you, a lovely guy to work with. It’s such a shame i am never going to see him again. RIP Gary i will miss you mate.

  9. Garry was simply the best bloke you could ever wish to meet and will be missed by family friends and work colleagues.
    RIP

  10. Gary was one of a kind he always had a smile that cheered you up, i had many a chat and laugh with him a fitting tribute to a wonderful man, my sympathy’s go out to his wife and family RIP Gary you will be sadly missed.

  11. My family thank you all so much for your heartfelt messages. We really do feel your support. God bless you all. Gary’s twin sister Bev x

  12. How old was Gary please ? ,I think we were good friends when I was 17 ish but that was 45 year ago and i not see him as moved away . Thank you.

  13. He was 61 and would have been 62 on june 6th. We lived for years in mitcham. I’m his twin beverly. Xx

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