Obituary: Alan Briefel

It is with tremendous sadness that we share the news that a dear friend to so many, Alan Joseph Briefel, passed away just before Christmas, aged 65, after a short illness.

Alan was a devoted husband and father to his lovely supportive wife, Teri, and children Natasha, Katie, and James. He also leaves two brothers, Ron and Charles. We send our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to all of Alan’s family.

Alan, whose grandparents were victims of the Holocaust, was a successful management consultant, focusing mainly on corporate branding and animal welfare. A highly skilled networker, he worked closely with his very supportive lifelong friend Jeremy Coller. His fun-loving and jovial persona attracted people to him in both his professional and personal life.

For almost 20 years, Alan was a familiar face on the London backgammon circuit, especially around North London and the Clissold evenings. He played to a very high standard for many years in the London Players’ Backgammon League, won the Cumberland League title once, and in the London Clubs League, was one of Cumberland’s best and most reliable players, being part of a Cumberland team that has twice won the League, most recently in 2024.

He played at a few national tournaments, though he very much preferred the social game. His love of chouettes stood out, with friends often playing into the small and not-so-small hours at his house, in between sitting around a fire pit and having laughs about anything and everything. All involved would have so much fun alongside him, with his trademark shout of “hoof!” ringing out as he hit another checker, all backgammon etiquette cheerfully thrown out of the window, as he celebrated another good roll. Never malicious; good-natured competitiveness was his calling card.

He was a larger than life character, fundamentally kind and caring, and loved a chat or some outrageous banter online. He demonstrated his admirable qualities by hosting an annual memorial backgammon tournament at the Cumberland Club in memory of his good friend, Robert Schlagman.

He had a passion for Arsenal, for which he had long held a season ticket, and he would often invite friends to watch a match there with him. He regularly went out of his way to help friends whether it be advice or valued opinions when sought, or with dog walking. He loved his two Hungarian Vizlas, Henry (who died a year ago) and Georgie.

Alan, you are very fondly missed by the many people and many places that knew you well, and you certainly have left us all with lasting and happy memories. Rest in peace, “big man”.

– Danny Cohen, Stephen Booth, Tony Lezard