Eulogies

Godfrey Weatherley Rundell Hill 1923 - 2011

May I, on behalf of those present today, express our deepest sympathy to Joyce and her extended family on the death of her dear husband Godfrey. Since I moved to Wales just over 41 years ago, Godfrey was one of the first of my colleagues in M.A.F.F.I met and rapidly he became a close friend and indeed almost like a brother He and I spent many hours together in the field in Pembrokeshire and later on in my move to Aberystwyth in 1980 throughout Wales on a joint investigation with MAFF Regional Pest Service, into the Fox and Badger population and its involvement in the possible spread of diseases – Rabies, Brucellosis and T.B in the farm livestock. We spent many hours together tramping woods and fields looking for fox lairs and badger setts.- even in the Swansea area.

On retirement and even before this – on weekends, we became ardent Hill Walkers . I remember once when coming down into Barmouth and walking in line – as we were passing a man cutting a hedge – he shouted to us You remind me of the Members of the Last of the Summer Wine Godfrey was a superb companion at all times, as my fellow Rotarian walkers will agree, and he led us over most of the 181 mountain summits of Wales, over 2000 feet, then flat walks (coastal paths, Canal towpaths, Railway lines) until we gave up last year. Godfrey and I climbed to the top of Snowdon when in our 80th year. The only adverse comment I have to make is that he always got to the top of a mountain before me! I personally owe him a great deal in that he helped me down the 3000 feet from the top of Carnedd Dafydd, when the 2 of us were climbing together after I fell on the rocky summit cairn and knocked myself out ! This was what he did – a good kind and helpful friend.

He was a man of few words, but always made sense when he spoke – Many of you present here today, remember his involvement, as President in both the Rotary Club and Probus Club ,as well as his long time involvement in the Meals on Wheels ; Service in the Town. He was a Rotary Paul Harris Recipient for the outstanding service he did for the Organisation and the local community and the world at large. He was a good President and active member in both. He and his wife Joyce enjoyed the various trips ,both here and abroad which were arranged in both clubs.

His various hobbies reflect his enthusiasm for life- painting ,photography, local urban and industrial archaeology , politics, literature. nature conservation ,as well as hill walking and visits to Churches in Wales. He was a very good public speaker- especially with regard to Aberystwyth and its environments, and his researches into industrial archaeology.- The Pimlimon and Hafan Tramway comes to mind. He loved Classical music and the Operas of Verdi and Puccini and we spent many pleasant evenings in the Great Hall at U.C.Aberystwyth Finally, at the many occasions we and our wives attended functions both in Wales and on trips in England and on the Continent we shared his love of red wine and a wee tot of Whisky together.

The number of people here today is surely certain evidence that Godfrey will be sorely missed by us all.He was a wonderful kind man and I will always remember the handshake and smile he gave me when last I saw him , just a week ago.

Godfrey was a true Cornishman – born in Torpoint over the Tamar from Plymouth. He told me that he was a choirboy in his local church and was a keen Boy Scout. He well remembers the wartime bombing in Plymouth and travelling by ferry to attend Devonport High School. He obtained his qualifications at Leicester University He was a member of the Paratroop Regiment from 1945 – 1948 attaining the Rank of captain and then became a major in the Territorial Army . He entered Government Service in M.A.F.F.in 1948 in the Rodent Control Advisory Service moving to Cardiff in 1952 and then on promotion to Aberystwyth as Regional Pest Officer . He was delighted when he was given a flight in a glider over Talgarth and the Welsh hills near Brecon not so long ago

John H Ockey  BVSc, MRCVS  1923-2019

John, a Rotarian for thirty eight years, passed away in February this year age ninety six.
John was born in Hackney, London where his father was a police officer in the Metropolitan Police. The family later moved to Hereford where there were strong family connections. After leaving Hereford School he entered the Liverpool University Veterinary School in the mid-Forties. His first post was in private practice in Buxton and then Hereford before joining the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in Shrewsbury as a veterinary officer.  While there he was involved in combating the outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease..

Later as a divisional veterinary officer he worked in Hereford and then Haverfordwest. While in Pembrokeshire he was the first recipient of the Idris Davies Memorial Trophy awarded for outstanding service to Pembrokeshire Agriculture.

His final move was to Aberystwyth in 1981 as deputy regional officer before retirement in 1985.

Having been a member of the Rotary Club of Haverfordwest from 1972 to 1981 he was inducted into the Aberystwyth Club in October 1981. Following three years as Club Secretary, John was elected Club President 1992-93, then after nineteen years as Club Almoner he was elected Honorary Member in April 2017.

At his funeral service one of his grandchildren spoke of his infectious love of nature and of the countryside. For many years,  he had organised weekly walks in the hills of Wales for fellow Aber Rotarians.

Margaret his wife, a long time member of Inner Wheel survives him as well as his two daughters Janet and Elizabeth,  five grandchildren and nine great grandchildren

Peter Gardner 1933 - 2019

Peter arrived in Aberystwyth in 1986 when he was appointed to the post of Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Bronglais Hospital, having previously held a similar position in the Armed Forces in Germany. 
Peter proved to be an extremely competent and experienced surgeon and with his former Armed Services colleague Lyn Padget provided a first class department. He was blessed with good communication skills and a superb bedside manner. His patients derived great confidence from his calm and reassuring approach, as did his nursing and medical colleagues. Often called out in the early hours to deal with emergencies such urgent Caesarean sections, ectopic pregnancies etc he would still arrive in the morning 20 minutes before the clinic was due to start to ensure that all the case notes and information he needed was available. He was always immaculately dressed and was renowned for his variety bow ties. This was not simply for sartorial elegance, but as he often stated with a smile that given the nature of his work a tie would prove an inconvenience.
His time at Bronglais coincided with a period of great change in the NHS. The hospital was required to appoint a Medical Director and of course Peter with his Armed Forces background and management experience was the obvious candidate. Peter succeeded  where many failed. He fulfilled the role admirably for 5 years until his retirement in 1997.
Peter was always a wise counsel based on many years of experience, and with a great deal of diplomacy he retained the confidence of both his colleagues and management.
In retirement Peter remained very active and community spirited. Many happy hours were spent with Celia tending to their garden and his horticultural interests were further fulfilled as Chairman of the local Horticultural Society. He had a fine tenor voice and was a member of several local choirs. He was a member of Probus, the Wine Society and the 30 club. He was an active member of the Aberystwyth Rotary Club and was a familiar figure on Owain Glyndwr Square in the days before Christmas wearing his rotary tabard and collecting funds for local charities. The fundraising summer barbecues which he and Celia hosted were memorable events.
He was a multitalented man who always gave 100%.
Thank you Peter for your contribution to this community of Aberystwyth. A verse to be found in the Gospel according to St Mathew can be truly said of Peter:  “Well done thou good and faithful servant”.