We are saddened by the news that our dear friend and colleague Brian Darby passed away on Friday 9 February. Brian was a hugely popular member of the team at RSPB Saltholme. He joined us in 2022 as a Senior Project Manager and quickly fell in love with nature, getting involved with whatever life on a nature reserve threw at him, whether that was getting stuck in wet grassland or washing up stints in the café. His enthusiasm was infectious, especially when out and about with colleagues spotting wildlife. He will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him and worked with him.
We want to take this opportunity to share tributes from across the RSPB and if you wish to leave your own tribute please do so in the comments.
When Brian first started at Saltholme we all joked as the technology had as usual let us down so his interview on teams had been with no camera. What would he be like? Did he have two heads? Webbed hands and feet who knows? When he turned up, a man with kind eyes and a cheeky grin, we knew Chris had picked the right one.
He soon settled into the crazy life at Saltholme- although relatively he was with us a short time, he instantly felt like he had always been there. We would laugh and talk about anything and everything, nights out, holidays, dogs, what daft outfit or head gear I would wear next for Halloween, Christmas, or Easter.
Every time you would be struggling carrying, building something, or shouting at your computer, Brian would just appear. Asking if you need a hand, he would literally help you with anything. He’s built shelves, moved stock, chased mice, served customers for me- the list is endless.
We would sit in Wednesday meetings together and he would flash me a cheeky smile which would make me laugh or choke on my drink.
They don’t make many like Brian. A genuinely lovely guy who spent his time looking out not in. Looking for the next person to help or chat too. Saltholme won’t be the same without him, but it will be better for us having the honour of knowing him and all the great things he started. He was more than a colleague. He was a friend.
Helen (RSPB Staff)
I've known Brian ever since he started at Saltholme, and although I'm only there on a Thursday morning, Brian helped me out on numerous occasions with his I.T. skills, enabling me to get my laptop connected to the "system", and he was always available to give his useful advice.
One thing he started me on was the use of Pivot Tables, something which I just can't get to grips with, but second nature to him.
You were a top bloke, Brian, and you will be sadly missed by all the Saltholme family.
Stuart (RSPB Volunteer)
Brian was one of life's gems. He was just such a friendly, sociable, fun chap to be around. It was lovely to spend time with him on the Area 12 trips. He always made the effort to chat to everyone and it was great to see how much he enjoyed learning new wildlife.
Annabel (RSPB Staff)
We are all going to miss Brian enormously. He was one of those people that always had time for everyone else. He always had a smile on his face too, which would automatically make your day better!
That willingness to help others meant Brian had a very varied career at Saltholme. As well as being our Senior Project Manager, I’ll remember Brian as the Urinal Unblocker, Tech Support, Swan and Deer Rescuer, Café Pot Washer, Mud Viscosity Tester, and much more.
I was talking to another member of staff and we both agreed that the best way to remember Brian was to ‘be more Brian’ ourselves. I think that says a lot about who he was as a person, the legacy he’s left at Saltholme and how much we will all miss him.
Lydia (RSPB Staff)
Over the past year, when I’ve arrived at Saltholme I have set up my telescope in the Visitor Centre so people can get close views of the birds on or near the Main Lake. Brian often came over to have a look through and was always eager to learn more about the birds – his enthusiasm was infectious. A thoroughly nice man and sorely missed. My thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Kim (RSPB Volunteer)
I’ve never worked anywhere else that feels such like a family, so supportive and welcoming. Brian so quickly just became part of that Saltholme family and felt like he’d been here forever. Nothing was too big or too small to ask Brian, and sometimes you didn’t even need to ask.
Most recently I made an offhand comment that if our handy man didn’t come in soon then we’d have to try and clean out the urinal pipes ourselves. Later that day he appeared at the office door, covered in some greyish substance, which we didn’t want to know what it was. Brian had gone to clean the pipes himself but needed some help to turn the hosepipe on and off from outside.
To say that Brian got stuck in to Saltholme life is an understatement. Quiet literally in the case of mud.
Brian will leave an irreplaceable hole in Saltholme as well as in our hearts.
Claire (RSPB Staff)
It was a pleasure to work with Brian, he would always make an effort to smile and wave if he saw you coming upstairs. He would always have time for a chat and was extremely thoughtful and pleasant. Brian always praised Hilary and I for our hard work on the Bookcycle and often would buy from us. He was always happy to step in and help if needed and was always someone you could chat with if you were experiencing any problems. I miss him already as he was so happy and positive around everyone, always someone you felt comfortable around.
I will miss seeing Brian walking his dog around Ingleby and listening to his stories.
Thoughts are with his family and friends.
Goodnight God Bless Brian it was a pleasure to work with you.
Gill (RSPB Volunteer)
For me Brian was the epitome of a good person- always cheerful, always positive, and always available for a chat about anything and everything. I don’t think I ever heard him say a bad word about anyone. I will always remember having a laugh with him about one or the other of us influencing the other to get a portion of chips or a scone from the café when we probably shouldn’t have!
Brian was always quick off the mark with some quip or another to lighten the mood, and always had time for everyone. I consider it a privilege to have worked with someone of Brians’ standing. We will all miss him dearly, but we can be grateful that we had such a wonderful friend and colleague.
Josh (RSPB Staff)
Brian with RSPB Project Management colleagues flattening the new campfire circle on a trip to RSPB Newport in early February.