Dad brought so much joy, love, hope and goodness into the lives of people especially to the family; a loving and kind husband, easy-going father and a doting grandfather. Loved by all, he brought comfort to those who were in pain as a great healer, not only as a doctor but also with soothing words of encouragement and advice. He was patience personified, with immense knowledge and a wise counsellor. Dad inspired me with his thoughts on life, heaven, salvation through simply believing in Jesus Christ, sharing the Word in the gospel. An avid fisherman and gardener his knowledge and skills were simply awe inspiring, he shared with us the wonder of nature and all the Welsh names of plants and animals. His passion for Wales, for independence and activism through peaceful protest taught us to be relentless in pursuing justice and fairness for all as a great liberal and proponent of Plaid Cymru from the very beginning.
I remember when we were naughty as children, he would use his training as a consultant psychiatrist and instead of corporal punishment (which was popular in those days), he would ask us to explain how we were feeling, what kind of effect this would have on others. He would challenge us to reflect and justify our actions. Just having made him disappointed was dreadful, but he would cheer us up and encourage us to work hard without being caught up in competition unless it was the Rugby. He, Gareth and Simon were avid Welsh rugby fans – having played for Welsh Medical University and following all manner of games with sheer delight, especially when Wales beat England.
Growing up, he never ceased to amaze me at his knowledge in just about everything on the planet. Not only medicine and science but also history, Welsh literature and language, economics and politics as well as investments and banking.
He gave us so many wonderful experiences and memories, enough to fill a library. Most of all we were blessed to have known such a wonderful, brilliant man.
Sian van Es
18/10/2020
