Brixton solicitor and civic hero dies suddenly
Phil Cremin, who died suddenly on 2nd February 2009 after suffering from a heart condition, was a well known Brixton criminal law solicitor. For 27 years he represented numerous people from socially deprived backgrounds and encouraged some of them to enter the legal profession. He was 57.
Phil was originally from the Birmingham area and a proud supporter of West Bromwich Albion Birmingham City, his local home town team.
When Brixton was attacked by a ‘nail bomber’, Phil rallied the business community, raised £10,000 for the victims, and ensured that a memorial plaque was erected. It was unveiled by the than Mayor of Lambeth.
Philip worked in Brixton since he qualified as a solicitor. During this time he has devoted his time and energy towards helping the local community. He helped people in court and police stations when they were without funds and he ensured they received appropriate representation. In 2008, Phil was presented along with other recipients with a Civic Award at the Town Hall.
Conservative Leader Councillor John Whelan says: “Phil employed many local people from ethnic minority backgrounds. They have gone on to be solicitors and barristers with Phil’s support, including financial support.
“He was a larger than life personality who was a friend of many leading Brixtonians including the former Prime Minister and Lambeth councillor Sir John Major. One of the last times Phil was seen in public was at a social gathering in the Town Hall with Sir John.”
Funeral arrangements are not yet known but will be posted on this page once confirmed.
Any messages left in our feedback box below will be passed on to Phil’s family.
As a fellow Criminal solicitor I will remember Phil as a person who always brought humour and laughter to an otherwise mundane day in court. As an advocate he was fearless.He knew the rules but never a slave to them. His passing will be missed by many.
As a friend I found Phil to be extremely helpful and supportive, spoke to Phil last Thursday a few days prior to his passing and as usual he was in good spirits. Your passing so sudden! We will all miss you.
As Phil’s brother I can tell you that he will be cremated at West Norwood Crematorium on 20 February at 12:30 with a party (Phil’s word) at (probably) the Dogstar thereafter. Anybody who knew him will not be surprised to learn that he specificaly forbids that this should be a solemn or sad occasion!
He would not have wanted flowers but donations to the NSPCC in lieu would, I know, have met with his approval. And I do need to correct one slur. He was a lifelong Birmingham City fan. Hence, I know, his effortless ability to take life’s outrageous fortunes in his stride.
Keep right on, Maurice!
Phil’s passing has left a huge void in my life.Not only did we work together, he was my best friend.
Working with Phil was not only rewarding but such fun.
The social life was even better as we shared so many interests together. I will miss our trips to The Oval,Lord’s Bimingham/Ipswich fixtures and to Twickenham to watch England.
I would also like to thank the many people who have taken the time to call me or come to the office .
Thanks Phil-
Horry
Words can not describe the lose of this dear friend, to witness his almost endless random act of kindness to others, was an uplifting experience. I saw him on the friday before his passing, we went for a meal, he was in good spirits. I would like to thank Phil for all the love and the kindness he show me and my family. We will miss his jovial presence, sleep well you made the world a better place to live in.
Love Lelan, Shirley, Jordan and Jasmine.
Phillip Joseph Cremin was one man to remember, he was a friend in times of need, he was a friend to the community, and he was a friend to the people of Lambeth who were unable to get justice and support. I remember Phillip Cremin from the days of Backing Brixton Committee in the late 80s when so many people had written off Brixton and were unwilling to stand up and be counted.
Phillip Cremin took the stand and showed true friendship and selflessness. I personally am pleased to have been his friend for over 20 years and will always remember him for his humility, caring manner and commitment.
Phillip Cremin represented the people of Brixton with the visit of Prince of Wales, Nelson Mandela and many other dignitaries. He was a people’s man and for that we should never forget his contribution to our community
I personally am pleased to have been his friend for over 20 years and will always remember him.
I will be planning with many of Phil’s friends a tribute on Phillip’s birthday in June 2009. I would be pleased to hear from any of his friends who would like to participate in this event in memory of Phillip Cremin. I thank god I was able to be there on the evening he passed away to ensure that things were done correctly according to his wishes.
We thank God for Phil Cremin’s life, his caring contribution to the community at large, his sound solid support for friends and colleagues and we shall all sadly miss him. I would like to see, as a legacy something lasting, meaningful and moving.
Also let friends, family and colleagues bond in a constructive union in memory of the ‘Late Great Phil Cremin’
Michael
ps. King by name, King by nature and I receive it!
I was Phil’s secretary and friend for 18 years. I will always remember him with laughter and fun, he was wonderful to work for, and we never had a cross word. I’ll always remember the twinkle in his eye and the silly presents he used to bring me, like a plastic bird that laid chocolate eggs (supplied by Phil)!!!
Phil rest in peace you will always be remembered for the man you were, the great fun you gave me and the kindness you always showed us xxxxx
Phil was a dear friend who received everyone, black and white, with a big heart and open arms.
A true Brommie who never forgot his roots. If it was not for him many people would not be walking the streets of Brixton today.
Brixton has lost one of its sons too early.
Phil was such a good friend.
I met Phil through football and he became a major supporter of the Association of Football Statisticians and represented the Association on a charity trip to Basra, distributing football equipment to local schools and helping raise mine-awareness amongst the local children. Despite the heat and danger, Phil was a great ambassador, remaining his affable self and keeping everyone amused with his anecdotes.
Phil was a genius for finding an appropriate kindness at the most unexpected of occasions and he was quiet and unassuming about his many good works for people from all sections of the community.
I will so miss going to his house, watching the football and enjoying his company.
Phil was a unique person who was a great credit to Brixton, Birmingham (City!) and everyone whose lives he touched. Long may the ‘Great Phil Cremin’ live on in our hearts and memories.
I met Phil about fifteen years ago and lived with him for over five years.
Phil was a wonderful kind and generous man and he had a wicked sense of humour. We spent many a night sitting in the kitchen cooking, eating and having a laugh together.
Nearly every other Sunday we’d walk from Brixton to Spitalfields having amazing conversations along the way.He was a very interesting and dynamic man and its so sad that he had an untimely death.
Brixton has lost one of its greatest citizens and the massive void he’s left behind will be difficult to fill.
God bless his soul and may he rest in peace
I have known Phil Cremin since childhood and I will always remember him fondly. I will remember the seemingly bottomless coffee mugs full of change that he would give us whenever me and my brother went round to see him. Then going to sainsbury’s and pouring them into machines that as far as I was concerned performed no less than magic when I was merely seven years old then Uncle Phil’s complete horror at the realization that each coffee mug was worth at least twenty-five pounds each and immediate demand that we both contribute five pounds each toward the cost of dinner.
The loss of my Uncle Phil to this ever increasingly challenging society is a tragic one and I can only hope that he will never be forgotten may he rest in peace and for his sake I hope Birmingham City football club win the next game.
From Jasmine (underaged voter) x
Having known Phil for the past 20 years initially through work and then as a family friend to my wife Nan and Son Felix, we willsorely miss him.
His humour, support and never ending belief that there was a wonderful life for all (or just a fun evening and a good pint)just around the corner will be an ongoing memory.
Over the years he has supported, befriended and given opportunity to many. He never asked for repayment; but he had a belief (never stated and only in small acts of kindness) that everyone should have a chance, and given that chance they should help someone else (not a bad way to live your life). He would often arrive at my work with gifts of pick and mix or Ice creams for all the staff, he was fondly regarded by all and always raised a smile. His humour, kindness and genorosity of spirit will always be remembered. We will all miss you mate, my staff, my Barristers, my family and all your friends.
Marc, Nan & Felix
I was saddended to hear about Phil’s death through my friend Amarjit Chanion, also posted here. It was through Amarjit that I also met Phil in 2004 while they were living together. I always enjoyed my times at Phil’s house. Phil was welcoming, warm, funny, sharp, but it was his erudition and anecdotes that intrigued me most. I did not get to know Phil personally but I had met him many times at his house and spent so many evenings putting the world right and having a damn good laugh at the same time. More recently, I hadn’t seen Phil for some time and I thought of him often; I wish I had got in touch with him or visited him in Brixton as I thought of doing, on so many occasions, but did not. Phil, thanks for the memories and happy times. I’ll miss you.
Rampaul Chamba
Philip Cremin R.I.P. 2009
Phil was a dear friend whom, I very much respected. He was also a great commentator on social affairs, his dedication and support for the local area is very much missed as is his friendship to myself and my family. Phil it was nice to meet you, It was nice to drink with you, It was nice to eat with you, It was nice to talk with you, It was a pleasure to know you.
Elkin, Hongye & Ara
I went to school with Phil in Birmingham back in the 60’s and he was a good friend although we haven’t been in touch for 30 years.
Happy memories of metting in the City Centre on our way to our workplaces and avidly reading bits of Private Eye and Melody Maker.Always good honest fun was Phil. Long time ago but happy memories. Very sad to read this news.