Tributes have been paid to Disability Sheffield stalwarts Andrew Crooks and Brian Hodges who have both passed away in the last three weeks.
Andrew ( pictured ), originally from Bothwell, Scotland, had worked in the disability rights and voluntary sector for many years, notably for Scope in London, where he met his wife Helen.
After moving to Sheffield in 2009, his employers included Sheffield Local Involvement Network (LINk) and Patient Opinion (now known as Care Opinion) before he became a development and engagement worker for Disability Sheffield for around six years before retiring in September 2020 due to health problems. However, he still kept in touch with former colleagues.
A fan of punk rock – especially The Clash – and sports including football – he was a big Celtic supporter – and cricket, his former colleagues and friends are very saddened by his death. We remember Andrew with great affection and admiration for his sense of humour, his friendliness and hardworking approach.
Among the comments from his former colleagues are: “Andrew was a disability warrior who used so much of his life to fight ableism and the structures and systems that both maintain and perpetuate it. I will remember his dry Scottish humour and shining smiley eyes fondly.”
“The world was a better place for his short visit. The disability community was especially enriched.”
“That is such sad news, Andrew was such a big part of Disability Sheffield from when I first joined and was our representative at so many events and meetings and was always trying to get involved to help as many people as possible.”
“Andrew was a wonderful man in so many ways. He made me think about things a lot and he made me laugh even more.”
“Andrew was a much cared-about person on our team who brought lots of fun, humour and mischief to DS.”
“It’s very upsetting. I enjoyed some fun banter with the tartan army ( Andrew and John ) when in the office together and we worked closely on Disability Hub issues. I am very, very sad to hear the news this morning. One of the best of ‘peeps’ , as he used to say.”
“Such a lovely and cool guy.”
Andrew passed away at home in mid-December, three days before his 58th birthday. He leaves Helen and children Lottie and Dylan.The funeral will be held on Friday January 13th. If you would like to attend please contact Helen at honourhelen@hotmail.com to find out more details.
More sad news in that Brian Hodges, one of Disability Sheffield’s longstanding trustees, died unexpectedly before Christmas. Brian was part of the Sheffield Disabled Peoples Forum which was the start of our organisation, eventually becoming Disability Sheffield so a founding and much respected and valued member of our organisation.
