Covid and long term illness has meant that several of the old characters of Trelawnyd have been effectively isolated from everyday village life.
Basil Davies , was one of those characters.
Today was Basil’s funeral. He was 85.
Born and bred in Trelawnyd, Basil farmed Ochr y Gop most of his life. A bachelor, he shared his beautiful Georgian farmhouse with his sister Mona, who was famous in my eyes as a champion scotch egg maker but who also was the school mistress of Gwaenysgor village school for many years.
I had a great deal of respect for Basil.
When I had my small holding up and running, he would often stop at my gate for a chat and when I held my open days and ran the flower show, he would always turn up in his Sunday best to support the event.
Quiet and measured, praise given by him , always had extra gravitas and meaning and I remember once feeling near tears when he stopped to thank me for what I had “done for the village”, once one of my open days was over.
I was always grateful to him too as he always took the time to ask how My husband was and always referred to Chris by his name. That acceptance has always had my respect and was never ever forgotten .
Trelawnyd said goodbye to a dear son today
God Bless You Basil
Sounds he understood you better than you might think.
ReplyDeleteHe was a gentleman
DeleteIt's nice that you remember him so fondly. He obviously thought a lot of you, too. xx
ReplyDeleteI hoped so
DeleteGod speed Basil.
ReplyDelete👍
DeleteI am so sorry for your loss. Friends are precious, and it sounds as if he was a good one.
ReplyDeleteSince covid I’ve seen nothing of him, many of the villagers haven’t . I’m sorry for that
DeleteHe sounds like a gentle and honourable soul. Rest in peace, Basil.
ReplyDeleteHe had a great deal of honour
DeleteBasil's was a life well lived and I'm sure others in the village received kind and thoughtful compliments from him. We shoulld go and do likewise. Kindness is free.
ReplyDeleteHugs!
I’ve posted this on the village website. It seemed fitting
DeleteWhat kind and thoughtful words you have joined together for Basil. May he rest in peace. Was he buried in the churchyard?
ReplyDeleteHe is resting with his sister in the churchyard yes
DeleteWhat a lovely tribute. I wish I had known him.
ReplyDeleteI’m proud I did
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ReplyDeleteThis is a perfect example of the affect our words can have on another. In this case, both Basils and yours. Sounds like he was one of the good ones, not to be taken for granted in todays society. Ranee (MN) USA
Basil chose his words carefully
DeleteHe never embroidered anything
I feel quite emotional hearing about Basil Davies - His spirit though I'm sure will remain in Trelawnyd and The Gop hills xx
ReplyDeleteFlowery but I agree flis
DeleteAnyone should be proud of reading an Obit like that about themselves John.
ReplyDeleteA fine remembrance of a good man. Well done.
ReplyDeleteRest in peace dear Basil. You will be missed but always remembered.
ReplyDeleteTo be remembered, is to be loved.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gracious and kind man - the kind that used to be referred to as "upright" . I can imagine you had a lot in common. May he rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a kind and humble soul; there is much pleasure in knowing a person like that! RIP Sir.
ReplyDeleteJo in Auckland
It doesn't matter how much money you had, how big a house you lived in, who you knew. It comes down to how you treat people, they will remember how you made them feel. He left a good legacy. RIP
ReplyDeleteKarma x
DeleteSorry for the loss of your friend.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful remembrance of this gentleman.
ReplyDeleteLinda from Alabama
He was a beautiful human
DeleteI'm not sure if it's possible, but he looks very Welsh to me.
ReplyDeleteGot it in one
DeleteI can see why he meant so much to you and the village. A fine gentleman. RIP Basil.
ReplyDeleteThere was a huge turn out a the church
DeleteAs Being a kind and truthful human, it costs me nothing in doing so.
ReplyDeleteNicely put
DeleteIt's sad that the last part of his life was spent in isolation. Perhaps you could have called to see him, keeping your distance,and not entering the house. A chat on the doorstep can mean such a lot to those who are still isolating. There must be many people made lonely by Covid.
ReplyDeleteHe had visitors and carers going in. But yes I could have done more
DeleteR.I.P. Basil, Ochr y Gop a true gentleman. I knew him via my late brother in law Hubert Roberts, Gop Farm. We’re losing so many of the characters from the area.
ReplyDeleteThank you for that comment
DeleteSounds like a good soul. Living through Covid (if one is so lucky) is especially awful for the elderly and those in poor health or with limited mobility.
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