Yesterday Peter and I went for a walk along the Ystwyth Valley, taking a route we had never tried before. We had a map, though nevertheless managed to become lost. But it was such a beautiful afternoon, and after all there’s little to fear in being lost in such bucolic surroundings, especially when you know food is waiting at home once you’re back on track.
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Our dear friend David Lewis died peacefully in his bed on Thursday night, his family around him. Though mortally ill, a bare ten days before the end he had hopped onto his motorcycle and sped off to have tea with a neighbour. I love to think of him bowling along, the high hills streaming away into the wide blue yonder on either side of the ridge road. To the end he continued to be the man he had always been: intrepid, life-affirming, generous of spirit and quick to laughter. A paediatrician, farmer, ceramist and cello player, he was in all senses a great man, though in the gentlest and most unassuming way. I can’t think of anyone more boyish in enthusiasm than David, and yet wise and brimming with humanity. Whenever I spoke with him I never felt that there was anything on his mind more pressing or interesting than whatever thoughts I was sharing, no matter how trite. He never looked distracted or preoccupied, but gave his all to whoever he was with. Everything to David was ‘marvellous’ and ‘wonderful’ and ‘interesting’. He was full of grace, full of energy, unafraid of his approaching death. When we asked him, he said that the thing he felt most about what was to come, was curiosity.
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His absence leaves a hole in our hearts you could park a jumbo jet in.
That is a lovely tribute.
To take long, thoughtful walks when someone passes out of our lives seems right and important. I love the photos, they have a deep, elegiac quality which struck me even before reading your words about David.
So sorry to read of the death of your close friend. As we have discussed in the past, the world seems to grow a little smaller with the loss of each friend, but we are richer for having known them.
I’ve said my say elsewhere but send much love as a postscript.
I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautifully written tribute. XO
So sorry to hear of the death of your dear friend David, he sounds like a very special man who will be greatly missed. The comments already posted say it so eloquently, what a lovely tribute you’ve made here today.
Love and best wishes
What a lovely tribute to your friend. My condolences.
I’m sorry you’ve lost such a dear friend, and glad you knew him. Thank you for sharing him with us today, in words and in these gorgeous pictures.
Your remembrance of your friend reads as an enlightened guide as to how to live well, treat others and explore the time we are given fully. He seems to have been a friend you will cherish long after his physical departure. I’m sorry your heart aches but it is all we can give the dead aside from honor- and you have done that.
LG
i am so sorry for your loss, clive. big hugs to you and peter.