The obituary notice of Bryan John SAUTELLE-SMITH

As a child I spent many happy family holidays at St Rest, the house he and Audrey, who is my mother’s cousin, shared in Pembrokeshire and lent to family and friends. I only got to know Bryan later when I spent a year as a student in Grenoble and he was selling Agas and Raeburns to Alpine chalet owners in the early 90s.

We stayed in touch, and he invited my young family on board his narrow boat ‘Adagio’ for a weekend (as he revelled in naval slang, meals involved ‘eating irons’ and ‘scran’ and, of course, he ‘spliced the mainbrace’ at every opportunity). He later generously leant us Adagio for a week. As I’d spent a few years in the navy he must have thought it hilarious when I returned Adagio without her chimney, having knocked it off by taking the wrong line through a low bridge. But, typical for Bryan, he could not have been more charming about it.

He had a wonderful joie de vivre and knew how to love and laugh. He was evidently so happy in retirement with Ellie in Cornwall, playing with his Fisher class boat, ‘Emma II’, and their stables of horses and classic cars (all named, of course). I regret that I am abroad and can’t make it to the funeral but send much love to all his family. I am sure Bryan made a big impression on many people throughout his life.

It was in April 1980 that I met Bryan in Geneva. He had been appointed legal director of Biogen, a startup biotech founded in Geneva, and was looking for an assistant secretary to help create the legal department. I applied for the position, was invited for an interview which, surprisingly, took place in a café. As I walked in, when I saw Bryan I knew I could work with him. We were a real team, worked hard, I learnt a lot. Bryan was a major contributor to the creation of a positive work atmosphere in the company.
We became real friends and enjoyed some fun times together as families in their chalet, in France. Bryan went back to the UK but we kept in touch, our children as well. Last time I saw Bryan was in 2019 in Nanstallon, I live in France near Geneva. I was with my daughter and her husband. Bryan took us for a road trip in his Defender, we stopped for a pint here and there, an also had a glass of champagne in the Camel Valley.
I have lost my best friend but earned priceless memories. Thank you Bryan
Brigitte CROTTY – 11 May 2025

I had the privilege to have been along side Bryan at the Institute for Leadership and Management during my time as Chair and his as CEO. Bryan navigated me with both his support and challenge in the role which I was elected to. There are so many memories from those times at Stowe House in Lichfield where he persuaded me to have a break from work to go skiing at Tamworth Snow Dome, to wine tasting - French wines of course .
His kindness and generosity was felt by us all. When he left the Institute we gave him a leaving gift and being the generous man he was he gave us all gifts - mine still hangs on the wall .....
Lovely man who helped in no small part shape my career. Rest in Peace Bryan

Bryan and I started Truro school together 68 years ago and became close friends. Although we lost contact when the kids were growing up, we again became firm friends meeting up in Cornwall every year. Bryan and his parents were the kindest people you could meet, and every exeat at school Bryan used to invite me to a Sunday roast at his parents house in Newquay. I have lost a dear friend and I am saddened at his passing. Our days at boarding school were special and I valued his friendship so much. Rest in Peace Bryan.

It was an absolute pleasure to have known Bryan as a Non Executive Director in both the Institute of Supervision & Management and the Institute of Leadership & Management.

Bryan was a true gentleman as he showed deep respect and kindness to all he met. We will never forget a superb dinner with him, at the Coastguard cottages in Fowey, for the food, views and companionable company. RIP Bryan.