John Lewis Davies (30 Nov 1929 - 30 Sep 2020)

Some of my best memories of childhood were the holidays my family spent with John, Judy, Bill and Sally. These times were really childhood heaven, the stuff of good old fashioned happy storybooks. A time before computers and social media. A time of good wholesome fun which you all know how to to do so well. How blessed we were. I'd forgotten about the seaweed fights, but I remember when you spoke of them Bill. The way you both screamed in delight as the first piece was stealthily flung out of the blue. Not sure whether to avoid or join in. I was travelling through Scotland in the middle of September this year and took a detour to visit the places in Galloway we visited on our first holiday together when I was 10. I went towards Castle Loch where we were bitten alive with midges and we went fishing. I think I came across the farm we stayed and we had Cloutie dumpling and could not fool John with a plastic egg at breakfast time. I am reminded of John many times now as an adult I have become a birdwatcher and live by the coast... and whenever I see a cormorant or an immature gull I think of him. Or as I name a wildflower as it is John naming the wildflowers on the Devonshire coast that motivated me to learn wildflowers. Strangely I always think of him as I check the oil in the car as I remember him searching for a level space to check his oil, and I never find a flat space and try and make do and wonder if it matters. Everything everyone has said resonates with me. It is exactly as I remember John. Thinking of you all often. Much love, Janet.

Mum and I watched Johns farewell yesterday online. Mum and Dad would've been there if it wasn't for these strange times we're living in at the moment. Sally and Bill you both did your Dad proud. I have very fond memories of him coming to the farm, his shoulders always bouncing up and down when he laughed. Loved staying with John and Judy when I was ten years old, my first visit to London. He was a lovely Gentlemen.

My first memory of meeting John was on your arrival, 50 years ago, to holiday at the Farm Yeo’s West Town. He knocked on the farmhouse door wearing a bowler hat, mackintosh and carrying an umbrella – A real city slicker I thought. A wife and 2 children then appeared, Judy, Sally and Bill just eighteen months old. It rained cats & dogs the whole fortnight. My mother, Doris Cloke said it doesn’t rain like this all the time in Devon, please come again.
Today we are remembering all the wonderful times (over a span of 50 years) your family and many friends spent holidaying on the farm. They were such special and full of fun and laughter, never a dull moment. Alan always loved it when you arrived.
Thanks to yourself and John, in latter years for the memorable holidays we spent with you, Scotland, Hereford and Derbyshire, not forgetting of course Tenterden on many occasions. The wonderful Christmas market weekends.
John will be remembered for his integrity & intellect, a man of great knowledge, mind of information and such a gentleman in every way.
We will have for ever very fond memories of you all in so many ways. Thank you. All our love Alan, Elizabeth, Lee and Andrea xxx

Thanks to Alan and Liz Pickard for their kind donation
Sally

In memory of John, a truly lovely man.

Mark, Jamie and Jeannie Emly

John and Judy were lifelong friends to our mum and dad, Brian and Betty and it was a friendship that they so enjoyed and relished over many decades. John was always so friendly, kind and welcoming to us all, including to Mark's wife Jeannie who remembers how he made her feel so at ease. With his home brew and hearty laugh he always made sure everybody had such an enjoyable time whenever we were able to be together.

We all remember him with such fondness and warmth, he was truly a gentle man and will be missed by everybody who knew him.

Our thoughts are with the whole family at this time.

As a 15yr old I attended my Cousin (2 nd)?) Judy & John's wedding with my parents - Charles & Winnie Moon. Whenever I have seen them over the years, we always have a great time, chatting together. John was always friendly with a ready sense of humour and keen to talk to my husband Andy, and myself about birds, music and of course his steam engine.
He was a lovely gentle man and his presence will be missed.

John was always Uncle John to us, and was a calm, kind gentleman.
An Old Dunstonian that made his mark.
We are grateful to have known him, and are the better for it.
With kindest regards,
Stephen and Por

John was a very dear and respected friend of us all.
He had so many diverse interests.
He spoke and wrote beautifully correct English and enjoyed his crossword puzzles on the daily commute to London, with my husband, Peter.
As well as his reading, he enjoyed playing the piano, was a keen bird-watcher and was very knowledgeable on the subject; and had a lifelong interest in rugby, and steam trains.
Apart from his hobbies, he was a wise and sensible, and a good person to ask for advice. I really valued his support when I needed it most, and truly thank him.