First of all, the family would like to thank everybody for coming today to celebrate our father’s life and I would like to take this opportunity to tell you a bit about my dad, Trevor Hughes James.
Trevor was born in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, the eldest of 3 and the only boy. He loved his sisters and whilst growing up, he looked after them in lots of different ways. Unfortunately, his sister Elizabeth, or Betty as she was known to the family died of cancer aged 31- this was obviously a big blow to Trevor. Betty left behind three small children which Mary, his youngest sister looked after at that time. My dad always talked to us about his sisters and his younger sister Mary is still living in Fishguard.
Trevor went to primary school and excelled in all subjects. At the age of 11+ he passed the scholarship and attended Haverfordwest Grammar School. Maths and Languages were his forte- he could recite the Greek alphabet quicker than you could the English.
After a year he went to a boarding school in Llandeilo which was run by Christian brothers. He did well there and stayed until O level stage- unfortunately his mother could no longer afford the fees so Trevor came out of school and immediately started to work. Between the ages of 18-20, Trevor completed his national service and represented his country in Egypt.
After a few years, Trevor found himself in Cardiff and settled there. He eventually married and had 6 children. The six of us were born with a year between each one so we are close in age.
Our dad was very proud of us and would spend hours knitting us little jumpers and cardigans when we were children. Dad was very particular about hygiene and cleanliness and I can remember he always made sure we all looked presentable before leaving the house, even checking that we had washed behind our ears!
Dad was a keen gardener and had three allotments in Rumney. He would often take us with him and was proud to give us a tour of his fruit and vegetables. He would also take us with him individually to spend quality time with him.
After 17 years, the marriage broke down and a divorce was granted with the permission of the priest. Dad had to move out of the marital home and these were difficult times for the whole family. After living in a few different places in Cardiff, he then settled in Canton and was a regular churchgoer here at St Mary’s.
We all constantly kept in touch with dad, regularly seeing him and involving him in any weddings and other family occasions. Dad’s health over the years waivered and at one point, he underwent intricate heart surgery.
My father never let another man down. He fulfilled any obligation he undertook and his word was his bond.
He had old-fashioned values and was a true gentleman. If we asked dad how he was, he would always reply –‘I’m very well, thank you’
Dad never asked for anything, he preferred to give to others and was always there if you needed him.
My father’s last days were not easy…..Always used to being in control, he found it hard to depend on others for support. Always a giver, now a receiver. Always the one in charge, now he was in the charge of others.
Summing up my father’s life, I keep coming back to one thought:-
Never would you find a man who more faithfully lived his values.
On behalf of our family, I would like to say:-
Thank you Dad for being the mist incredible father we could ever have wanted,
Thank you for making the world a better place to live in and for showing us the right path to follow,
Thank you for making sure we knew we were loved every day of our lives.
WE LOVE YOU DAD
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