The Staffordshire Band has announced the death of Eric Handford after a long and heroic battle against cancer.

He passed away on Sunday 27th November, surrounded by his family.

Sad day

Chairman Shaun Elliott told 4BR: "This is a very sad day for Staffordshire Band, the wider banding community and, of course, everyone who knew Eric. He was certainly one of life's one-offs — passionate about everything he did, from business to banding and, especially his family life."

He added: "After playing at the highest level with the West Bromwich Band, he ended up at Staffs in the 80's and stayed through all the glory years, until he 'retired' to quieter banding waters, but still took an active interest in the band, and still came back to play from time to time."

He was certainly one of life's one-offs — passionate about everything he did, from business to banding and, especially his family lifeShaun Elliott

Contribution

Eric paid for the band’s CD release, 'Something 2 Celebrate' in 2002, and the walking out uniforms that he donated a few years later. He was also Chairman and Committee Member, formed a formidable Eb Bass partnership with Ademola Odedina.

Shaun concluded: "He had a treasure trove of memories, was successful in business and banding and enjoyed his family life. Our sympathies go out to Penny, Adam and Harry, together with the rest of Eric's family at this time."