He was a Hampshire Cricket legend, beloved family man and an absolute gentleman. 

Terry Brewer, who enjoyed a long career behind the scenes as the dressing room manager at Hampshire and even appeared in Shane Warne's autobiography , has died aged 85.

Described by Hampshire captain James Vince as 'a generous person who was always putting a smile on people's faces', Terry was a much-loved husband of nearly 60 years, father, grandfather and great grandfather. 

(Image: Family collection)

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Born in Cromwell Road in Southampton in 1938, Terry was the eldest son of a policeman. After escaping the bombing of his home during The Blitz, he was evacuated with his mum to Bramshaw. 

Terry attended St Mark's School and Tauntons Grammar School where he was popular but not academic, preferring to concentrate on excelling at sport.

A 6ft 3ins two footed inside left he was a particularly handy footballer, playing in the same Saints youth side as World Cup winner Terry Paine and offered a trial at Chelsea. Two years national service in the Royal Engineers put paid to that, but Terry did play for the British Army team in Singapore.

(Image: Family collection) Terry later managed Romsey Town in Hampshire Division 1 and was assistant manager when they pulled off an unlikely Hampshire Senior Cup final victory over Southern League Farnborough in 1979.

An Ordnance Survey cartographic draughtsman for many years, Terry met his adored wife Janice at a dance at the Banister Ballroom in 1963. They married in St Mark's Church in 1965.

Initially living in Woodmill Lane, the family moved to Romsey following the arrival of children Sarah and David. 

(Image: Family collection)

Close to his younger brother Les, a neighbour in Winn Road in recent years, they were lifelong Saints and Hampshire fans and Terry landed his dream job at Hampshire following his retirement from the OS.

Les said: "Terry absolutely loved it, I think he must have known 10,000 people there! We would walk round the ground and he would be stopped by supporters every few seconds! He was my brother, my best man and my best friend."

Terry also leaves four grandsons and a great granddaughter. 

(Image: Family collection)

His funeral will take place at Southampton Crematorium's East Chapel on Tuesday August 13 at 10.45am, and afterwards at The King Rufus, Chandlers Ford.