Lawyers are not usually lost for words, but I don’t think there are enough words in the English language to describe the impact my Grandad Denzil had on me and so many. He was a great, vibrant, and blooming fantastic gentleman of the highest order.
We often hear people talk about “pillars of the community,” and usually it doesn’t fit, but Birmingham just lost one of its most steadfast pillars. My Grandad was Birmingham’s greatest ambassador; while he might not have a statue like his golden boys Boulton, Watt, and Murdoch, his impact was just as great. Nobody, and I mean nobody, knew more about the history of Brummagem than him. Nobody, and again I mean nobody, was more proud of Birmingham and its role in England’s grand tradition.
I am deeply thankful for our many great adventures together over the years. Little did we know, but this past December we went on our last great adventure together in this life. We visited the classics - New Street Station, St. Martin in the Bullring, Centenary Square, and the Wheatsheaf - and we also visited some new places - Birmingham University, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Resorts World, and the new Wetherspoon’s. What strikes me is that, old or new, my Grandad always savoured the small pleasures in life with a wry smile and childish enthusiasm; few of us are so blessed.
While we now feel a wistful melancholy, time will heal us. Denzil’s memory will live on in all of us forever; my hope is that our longing tears will turn to tears of joy sooner rather than later.
As he did for so many, I will light a candle in his honour. That candle is a celebration of a his life, a life full of wonderful memories and above all unconditional love. That candle also represents his new great adventure - I am fairly certain Saint Peter has already heard that Birmingham was the first major city to have gas lighting.
I love you, Grandad. In the words of one immortal anthem, you kept right on to the end of the road 💙
Bradley Anderton
21/02/2023
