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Brian with his sons, Danny and Brian, right |
Trafalgar Square’s gentleman
A POPULAR souvenir seller – known affectionately as “the last gentlemen of the West End” – has died from heart failure.
Brian McNicholas, who sold souvenirs outside St Martin-in-the-Fields in Trafalgar Square for 30 years, was 59.
His death has shocked his family and many friends following his brave recovery from an eight-month battle with cancer.
Mr McNicholas, who lived in Regents Park for the whole of his life, was known for his snappy suits and love of Manchester United football club.
His son Danny, 27, said: “He was known as a true gentleman because he dressed so smartly.”
His oldest son Brian, 30, who has inherited the family business, told of his father’s love for horse racing and football.
He said: “He loved having a bet on the weekends and watching United. He had time for everyone. He would talk to the kids and help the homeless out with a couple of quid or a cup of tea if he could. And when there were major services at the church he would talk to the gentry. He could talk to everyone. One of the things he had done was to pass on the stall to me. He was always thinking of us.”
He added: “Our thanks go out to everyone for their support – it has been incredible.”
Alison Hargreaves, business manager at St Martin, said: “It’s just such a shock. We will miss him so much. He was a real family man and a true gentleman. We thought he had passed the worst. St Martin’s will do whatever they can to help his family through this.”
Town crier Peter Moore said: “He was a gentleman. He always had the time of day to speak to people. He will be sadly missed.”
Mr McNicholas leaves behind his wife of 32 years, Pat, his two sons and a six-month old grand-daughter Lucie.
A service at the church run by Mr McNicholas’ brother, Father Jim, St Aloysius in Eversholt Street, Euston, is planned for Tuesday at 12.30pm. |
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