Welsh Society Mourns Loss of Long-Time Members
By EIFION WILLIAMS
VANCOUVER - The Vancouver Welsh Society regrets the passing of several active and prominent members over the summer.
Gwen and Tony Tonack, who sadly died within a few weeks of each other, had given invaluable service to the Society over the years. They were both actively involved in the smooth running of events in the Cambrian Hall, never failing in their commitment and selfless service to the membership. Gwen and Tony first met in Ponoka, Alberta, and had been married 57 years. Their cheerful disposition will be greatly missed at the Cambrian Hall.
Gladys Evans was another faithful member who shared with Gwen a commitment to the Society’s Women’s Auxiliary and a similar cheerful outlook on life. Gladys volunteered for many tasks that frequently went unheralded but which she enjoyed doing. According to her friends Jeff and Gaynor Owen, Gladys was very proud of her Welsh heritage and said “that she was in heaven when a visiting choir had a social night at the Hall and the singing began.”
The Women’s Auxiliary will also miss Bev Thomas, another active member and a regular volunteer in the Society’s activities. Bev will also be missed at the monthly bilingual church services where she had frequently been a participant in the past.
David Rhys Mason was another member of the Welsh community who had made significant contributions to the Society in the past. David was Treasurer of the Society for many years and played a role in instituting the Annual Golf Tournament in 1984. A native of Aberystwyth, David came to Canada in 1953 and eventually became Head of the Surveying Department at BCIT.
The loss of these faithful members, together with that of Tecwyn Vaughan-Jones earlier this year, will leave a gap in the Welsh Society that will be difficult to fill. They will always be fondly remembered by those with whom they shared in the volunteer work, the music, the laughter, the commitment and the pride in their shared Welsh heritage.
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