Use two fingers to move the map
In loving memory of Wayne Davies who sadly passed away on 11th April 2017. Donations if desired in memory of Wayne for Hospice at Home or Marie Curie, are being received by the funeral home of Kevin Matthews.
Ben's words.
Hello Friends and Family
Today is a very sad day my Bampi was very special to me and he still will be special to me.
Love you lots Bampi
Ben xxx
Welcome and Tribute
Good afternoon to you all and on behalf of Liz can I thank you all for coming here this afternoon, not only to say your own fond goodbyes to Wayne but for supporting them all throughout the past days, weeks, months and years, since Wayne was first taken ill.
Each of you have taken the time to step away from you own lives to make things easier for Wayne and Liz and to help whenever you could.
This act alone shows that friendliness, sympathy, kindness and understanding towards each other is still the foundation of our society and is the safety net of support that has at time kept Liz going.
For some people, discussing anything about a funeral is difficult, discussing the content of their own funeral is virtually impossible, however not for Wayne. He and Liz had the time to sit quietly with one another and Wayne was able to leave instructions as to what he would like included today, knowing that Liz would carry out his wishes.
First and foremost as you would expect, he didn't want a solemn or morbid service. He wanted the next 30 mins to be filled with laughter and stores from his life....to include his likes and his loves and reflect upon the life he has led.
But whichever way you look at it, it is a sad occasion because Wayne is no longer visibly with you and today is all about saying that final goodbye to him.
And so today's funeral has been planned with unconditional love by his family...they have sat and discussed at length the things they would like to be included along with Wayne's wishes. memories they want to share with you, and those memories which are too precious to be shared, especially by Liz....as there are any that she will cherish as hers alone...
But....above all it is a celebration of his life....
The lad that became a soldier at 16 years of age...spending 7 years with the Army, to the man who became the lorry driver for the next 40 years, not only for Tesco but also John Lewis.
Refining the art always managing to look busy and convince everyone that he worked hard.....or so he thought.
I know that he also had a passing affiliation to Welsh Rugby and a slight interest in Arsenal Football Club...
And above all of that was his love for his Family. His son's Simon and Chris from his first marriage and his two Step Children Sarah and Phil from Liz's first marriage. However, there weren't children or stepchildren... there was just one family. Everyone treated the same.
Ben and Ellie, his grandchildren were adored by Wayne and he loved the fact that he was called Bampi. Grampy just being too difficult for them to pronounce when they were very young. And as they got older...why would they change it?
Family outings with them all to the Moto GP, Santa Pod or the Sausage and Cider Festivals.
Or holidays with either family or friends of both... His last one being to Tenerife at the end of February.
As Wayne was a good cook he would always enjoy entertaining...everyone tucking into the BBQ which of course always included his home made punch. The fruit not lasting long as the kids would pinch that out of it within minutes.
The loves of his life where always his dogs, Whiskey, Emma and now Oscar. Hours spent with them, walking across the fields, sitting in the pub or just curled up on the couch together.
As you all know, friends were important to Wayne....And many happy times were spent with you at the Artichoke or at Overstone Club.
He always tried hard to keep in touch with everyone...especially via Facebook as his illness began to curb his ability to see you all.
And Liz
His wife of 24 years...the one lady that not only told him what to do at home but told him what to do at work!!!
And of course his Mother-In-Law Betty....
Liz has asked me to read out to you all a letter Betty wrote to Wayne:
Dear Wayne
Just a little not to convey to you my sincere thanks for the kind husband you have been to my daughter Elizabeth.
I know how comforting it will be for her to remember the holidays and trips you arranged for the both of you during your marriage.
You actually made Elizabeth "do" many things for enjoyment and pleasure - sometimes lacking in her younger days....
God Bless You
Betty
Poem to Wayne
Still Trucking From Above
I have a warm and friendly feeling as I think of you each day.
And I wish we could visit again, but you’re many miles away.
I’ve heard you spin many a yarn and even say “you bet”
A better person I’ve become, because one day we had met.
The Lord has blessed us with a truck driver, which we have all come to love.
God’s hand was always watching him and sometimes even driving from above.
He travels freely now over heavens rolling hills to its shining sea.
He was a special man God made just for you and me.
As heaven and earth now divide us, the special memories of you bring us near.
The common things of life we shared, laughter and sometimes a heartfelt tear.
So, father in heaven hear my prayer when I think of our beloved one each day.
Please protect our husband, father, brother and friend, while he’s many, many miles away.
Committal : request of the family the Voile only will close
Wayne Davies we bid you farewell.
We celebrate that we knew you.
We treasure the memory of you love and kindness,
Your tender smile and you infectious laugh,
Tenderly and reverently we commit Wayne's body
With Sorrow we bid you farewell
But with love we leave you in peace.
And so a few words in closing.
This afternoon you have remembered with love, some smiles and some tears, Wayne's whose life has now come to it's end.
Whilst no longer a visible part of your lives he will remain in your hearts and you memories. You will speak of his as though he were still here with you and you will include him in your conversations.
Wayne will love on through Simon and Chris and the generations that follow...
Crew 3..... The Naughty Crew will no doubt continue... even though they are now one member light....And Liz will still continue to pull her hair our with you.
However....Whilst Wayne battled the cancer bravely, there came a point at which you can battle no more, and as Wayne reached that point he was nursed and cared for by the Hospice at home team, that allowed him the dignity and peaceful last few days that he so wanted.
At home with his family around him, and, when he died on 11th April he still seemed to have the last laugh, as when he was taken from the home into the care of Kevin Matthews it took the gentlemen three attempts to transfer him from the trolley into the ambulance. Wayne at his best....
Wayne's influence on everyone he met was always a positive one...let that influence remain and by doing so you will allow it to become his very best and lasting memorial.
As you leave the Chapel in a few minutes you will see that donations are being accepted in Wayne's memory, and will, in turn be forwarded to the Hospice at Home Team and Marie Curie, and they you are all invited to join Liz and the family once again at The Artichoke pub in Moulton to raise a glass to Wayne...
The music you have listened to this afternoon so far has reflected Wayne's love of his Welsh roots and the rugby that he adored. Welsh National Anthem (sang by Katherine Jenkins) and Bread of Heaven (sang by Treorchy Male Voice Choir).
In contrast, the last piece of music is purely his and Liz's alone. Their tune.
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow (sang by Shirelles).
wrote
Report
Comments