The choir once again attended Capel Mawr, Denbigh. On this solemn occasion it was to take part in the funeral service of choir member Leslie Jones.
Leslie Jones
The Reverend Wayne Roberts extended a warm welcome to the congregation.
Leslie Jones Tributes
Leading the tributes was the Reverend Hugh Pritchard. “It is a privilege to honour a true Christian and a faithful friend. Leslie Jones was well respected by the entire community.”
Leslie’s interest and love of people made him a natural communicator. A proficient and persistent leg puller. But he was always ready to help in any circumstance.
Toolbox always at the ready in the event of any problem. Leslie also knew how to use his tools. A polished craftsman and had made a valued wooden cross for Capel Mawr.
A keen and efficient gardener. Moreover, he and Mair loved walking, cycling, caravanning and being out in the open air.
Leslie Jones Family Life
Leslie married Mair over 55 years ago and together they nurtured a strong family bond. Proud of their children and grandchildren, enjoying their achievements and successes.
Retirement from his work as Superintendent at the Alwen reservoir came in 1993. The family then moved to live to Denbigh.
Leslie Jones and the Choir
Leslie Jones (right) with wife Mair and Gwyn Williams in Biebertal, Germany, 2013
Then Leslie joined Denbigh and District Male Voice Choir. He was a member for over 20 years. His tender, lyrical tenor voice suited to his favourite song ‘Bugail Aberdyfi.’
Ill health over the last two years prevented Les from coming to the choir. He also had to promote Mair to ‘Head Gardener’ but took pride in calling her ‘The Carer of all Carers.’
Elin Huws gave us a heart breaking reading of ‘Mi Gerddaf Gyda Thi’ (I’ll Walk Beside You). This was also a visceral demonstration of the love of a granddaughter for her grandfather. The whole congregation was palpably moved.
Leslie Jones (extreme left) at the National Eisteddfod, Denbigh 2013
The choir then sang the inspirational ‘Arwelfa.’
The service ended with the congregational singing of ‘Love divine, all loves Excelling.’
In conclusion, our condolences go to Mair and the family in their loss and bereavement.
Thank you, this was lovely to read from Perth, Western Australia, as we are saddened by the loss of our lovely cousin, Les Jones.
We remember him as warm and welcoming, keen to share his beloved Alwen with us, and he and Mair took us around the ‘significant to our family’ sites. He will be sadly missed, I am sure, by all who knew him and loved him. How thankful we are to have had the pleasure of meeting him, and even, the joy of attending concerts, on two occasions, of your wonderful choir.
Thank you Barbara for sharing your thoughts and sentiments about your cousin Les Jones. He was exceptionally popular and will be sadly missed.
The couplet on his Funeral Leaflet is worth noting –
‘Ei weld oedd gweld anwyldeb
A’i fwyn wên anghofia neb’
To see him was to see affection
His tender smile never forgotten