Obituary of Jonathan Davies (1916-2009), Dol-y-coed Bungalow, Heol Senni

From 'Brecon and Radnor Express and Powys County Times', October 2009

Jonathan Davies
We record with regret the death of Jonathan Davies aged 93 formerly of Brychgoed Farm and latterly Dol-y-coed Bungalow, Heol Senni on May 26 2009 at Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny.
He was born at Rhydowen Isaf, Crai and with his parents Mr and Mrs Rees Davies, moved to Brychgoed at the age of two. John, as he was affectionately known, started school at the age of five and a half at Senni C P School. His father died at the age of 51 when John was eight years old. At the age of eleven he sat the entrance scholarship exam at Defynnog CP School and was a pupil at the Old Boys Grammar School, Cradoc Road, Brecon for two years where he excelled at History coming top of his class many times, but leaving at the age of fourteen to help his mother and new stepfather at home in Brychgoed.
On November 9th 1940 he married Gwenllian Evans, Cewntwrch at Brychgoed Chapel and the same year was made deacon and secretary of that chapel, a post he held until his death. Their only child Ann was born April 9 1947. He and his brother David Rees continued to farm Brychgoed and Nantcoch Senni jointly until David's marriage in 1958 when he and his new wife Betty Morse moved to Nantcoch and John and Gwennie remained in Brychgoed. In August 1971 Ann married Morley Jones, Maesgwyn, Knighton and in 1973 they formed a partnership with Ann's parents. In 1976 John and Gwennie decided to build a bungalow at Brychgoed to retire but kept an active part in helping his son-in-law and daughters farm. On October 18th 1995 Gwennie passed away but John continued to live an active life giving talks on local history and giving demonstrations and classes on hazelwood basket making and weaving to local societies. He had been secretary of his beloved chapel for sixty nine years, was still trustee of Senni Village Hall, he had also been secretary of the hall for twenty five years and had also been Chairman of the Senni defence committee from 1963 to 1972 when the valley of Senni was under threat of being made into a reservoir.
The funeral took place at Brychgoed Chapel, on Saturday 30 May, where the coffin had rested overnight. Rev Gethin Rhys MA ably officiated assisted by Mr Wyn Lewis who lead the prayers the previous evening. The organist was Mrs Gretta Havard, Libanus, cousin to the deceased. Mr Glyn Powell BA Glansenni former neighbour delivered an eloquent eulogy of John's life.
Gwilym-Owain Morley Jones the eight year old great grandson of the deceased ably recited a poem on Senni written by the late Aeron Davies, in memory of his beloved great grandfather. The bearers were Mr Gerwyn Price Nantymadog, Mr Elwyn Jones Cefnfedwisaf, Mr Ken Morgan Gorslwyd, Mr Glyn Williams Cwmpadest, Mr Steve Forsythe Haulfryn, Mr Matthew Jones Bailea. The chapel seating and leaflets distribution by Jonathan Davies Cwrt-y-castell, Mrs Mair Jones Cefnfedwisaf, Mrs Liz Prosser Villa Rosa, Mrs Eirs Morgan Cradoc and Mrs Sarah Adams Nyth-y-wennol. The flowers in the chapel were artistically arranged by Mrs Catherine Phillips-Davies and kindly given by Catherine & Miss Gwenda Price Nantymadog. Flowers for the house were kindly given by neighbours, family and friends.
The mourners were as follows Mr and Mrs Morley Jones, daughter and son-in-law, Mr and Mrs Stephen Faragher granddaughter and grandson-in-law; Mr and Mrs Morley J Jones grandson and granddaughter-in-law, G M Morley great grandson. Mrs Betty Davies sister in law, Mr and Mrs Keith Bonsels niece and nephew-in-law. Mr and Mrs Jonathan Davies nephew and niece-in-law. Aled and Gethin Davies great nephews, Seren and Heulwen Bonsels great nieces, Mr and Mrs Elwyn Jones, Mr and Mrs Gwyn Morgan, Mr Dilwyn Jones nephews and nieces-in-law, Mrs Gwyneth Morgan, Mrs Glenys Lewis, Mrs Dilys Thomas, Mr and Mrs Eirwyn Williams, Mr and Mrs Eirian Davies, Mrs Nesta Jones, Mr and Mrs Merlin Roderick, Mrs Jennifer Davies, Mrs Margaret Tweedy nieces-in-law. Huw and Geraint Jones, Gethin Morgan, great nephews Gretta Havard, Gwynfor Williams, John and Francis Thomas, Gwyn and Glenys Price, Hefin Price, Janet Watkins, Jane Williams, Nancy, Rod and John Feldon, Islwyn Jones, Hadyn and Philip Jenkins, Gerwyn Price, Howell and Eira Jones cousins, Mrs Myra Evans sister-in-law.
Wreaths were from Ann and Morley, Jenny, Steve, William and Elin. Morley, Yvonne, Morley and Sophie. Jonathan Catherine, Menna, Keith. Rhodri Aled, Gethyn, Emyr, Gwynfor, Seren and Heulwen. Deacons and members of Brychgoed Chapel.
The Funeral Director was Mr Philip Morgan assisted by his wife Mrs Gaynor Morgan. Mervyn Prosser, Huw and Geraint Jones were in charge of car parking. The names of everyone was taken by Mrs Janet Watkins and Mrs Jane Williams. The public address system was in capable hands of Mr Andrew Bufton, Talgarth. Refreshments were beautifully served at Senni Village Hall by Mrs Yvonne Jones, Brychgoed and her assistants.
Ann, Morley and their family wish to thank everyone, relatives, friends and neighbours for the kindness and sympathy shown to them in their very sad loss, for all help in anyway, for the numerous cards, flowers, food and all donations amounting to £1,002 given as desired either to Brychgoed Chapel, Senni Village Hall, or Friends of Sennybridge Health Centre, and one to Senni Eisteddfod. Diolch yn fawr I chwi gyd.