Joseph Brian Sladen

JOSEPH BRIAN FRANK SLADEN, born 8th February 1926 in CAMBRIDGE, GREAT BRITAIN, passed away peacefully, at Baptist Reynolds Hospice House, Collierville Tennessee on Wednesday, 19th March 2025. Daughters Sandy and Janet were thankful to have been with him in his final days. We are eternally grateful to the Hospice staff for their dedicated kindness and compassionate, top notch care.

Brian’s passing leaves his loved ones with a huge hole, his unique and colourful persona had filled our lives with humour, love, inspiration, fun and challenge. He was smart as mustard, full of energy, our beloved Pop and Grandpop; devoted husband for a massive 71 years to his darling Eva, our Mum and Nanna; and delightful company for friends.

A quintessential ‘English gent’, he was deeply proud of his Sladen ancestry and British heritage. Yet, referring to himself as a ‘nomad’, he relished his life richly-lived across many continents, inspired by the discovery of new geographies, histories, cultures and people. He had a voracious appetite for life, knowledge, the world and its mysteries. He kept us all on our toes intellectually, but could melt your heart with an achingly perfect rendition of a favourite poem, or have you in stitches in a silly performance of Charades.

Achieving a lifespan of 99 years, Brian packed in a lot.

An early life was split between England and India, then high school at Radley College, 3 years in the British Navy as a radar technician, and university at Trinity College Dublin where he also met Eva and married. Graduating with a degree in Chemistry, Brian made his career in industrial chemicals, in sales and later management.

His first job was 10 years for ICI in then Malaya, ‘halcyon days’ for the young, glamorous couple. Then followed 30+ years for Memphis company, Buckman, with postings in the UK and South Africa, where he nurtured the company’s fledgling presence, during difficult economic and political times.

Settling in Memphis in 1980, Brian completed his loyal service with Buckman at HQ, and he and Eva remained in this Southern city which had become a much loved home, and the place of family gatherings over the years.

Rest in peace, dearest Brian, Pop, Grandpop, Uncle B, we miss you, we love you, we carry you in our hearts.