| OBITUARY |
W
Bro Neil Carmichael Jones PPrGSuptWks
Penybont Lodge No 674316th
January 2017
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Brethren,
With great sadness, I report the news of the passing to the Grand Lodge above of Worshipful Brother Neil Carmichael Jones, PPrGSuptWks, a Past Master of the Penybont Lodge No.6743.
W.Bro. Neil was Initiated into the Penybont Lodge in September 1996 and was Installed as its Master in February 2003. During his year as Master, he was diagnosed with cancer and underwent extensive surgery and prolonged additional treatment to combat this disease. It did not detract, though, from his responsibilities, as he insisted on performing most ceremonies during this time and carried these out in an impressive manner. In all the offices he held in the Lodge, his dedication and commitment was notable, especially his work as Almoner where he was very effective in providing support and advice for those in need.
In 2006, he became First Principal of Atholl Chapter No.1752 where, again, his dedication and support of younger members was greatly admired.
By profession, W.Bro. Neil was involved in the construction industry linked to national companies throughout his adult life. Outside Freemasonry, his passion for MG motor cars was well known. His support of the Bridgend MG Owners Club was influential in making this a success by promoting both the marque and the club throughout the area and beyond.
Family life was very, very important to Neil with his wife Lynne being fully supportive of his progress in Freemasonry and Neil spoke frequently of his pride in the achievements of their daughters, Heidi and Samantha.
The funeral, comprising of a service followed by cremation, will take place at Coychurch Crematorium at 10.30 am on Wednesday February 1st 2017. His family has requested donations in lieu of flowers to the Sandville Self Help Foundation, Sandville Court, Ton Kenfig, Bridgend, CF33 4PU.
Although not enjoying the best of health over a number of years, Neil remained a generous, loyal and kind hearted individual with a highly developed sense of humour. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Our thoughts and prayers will be with Lynne and the family at this most sad and difficult time.
Andrew Wood ~ Secretary Penybont
Lodge No 6743 |
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| Coychurch Crematorium ~
Wednesday 1st February 2017 |
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TRANSCRIPT
OF THE EULOGY DELIVERED BY
W BRO BYRON BUTLER DL PAGDC |
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It is a privilege to be able to speak about our friend and Brother Neil Jones.
Neil Carmichael Jones was a Pontycymmer lad who I first met in the mid 60’s when he used to call for a chat and to see another Pontycymmer lad, Carl Roberts, who worked for me. (Irony of ironies, that other friend, Carl Roberts passed away on the same day as Neil.)
Our paths crossed occasionally in the intervening years until the mid-90’s during which time Neil had married Lynne and they had two daughters. Then, at that time, to my great pleasure, we learned that Neil was interested in Masonry and in the course of events, he was initiated into the Penybont Lodge here in Bridgend in September 1996.
Neil enjoyed his Masonry and progressed through the offices to become Master in February 2003. Neil had a good year ably supported by Lynne and was promoted to Provincial rank in our Craft in 2009 and further promoted a couple of years ago in recognition of his work, his extra-ordinary work as Almoner of the Lodge. He was also involved with Athol Chapter and had passed through the offices of that Lodge with competence.
Neil had a lifelong love of motor cars, in particular the MG marque. One consequence of that association is that Penybont has a number of members who
are also MG Car Club Members.
Neil had been living with the knowledge of his precarious health situation for a number of years, having an inoperable Aortic Aneurism as well as other health problems and he duly had to reluctantly retire. He told me of, and I know it would be his wish to mention, the kindness of his employer, Messrs. Persimmon, Housebuilders and their generosity to him when he eventually had to finish.
His ill health did not deter his enthusiasm and dedication to his duties as Almoner and his loyalty to the Lodge. He was well regarded by those people with whom he dealt and I know that many of
“his widows" mourn his loss today.
In Masonry, we are encouraged as part of our ethos, to contemplate our mortality, and
so by inference our immortality. Neil was able to do that with realism and confidence, and is an inspiration to us all as to what our attitude should be if confronted with a similar challenge.
To Lynne, to Heidi and Samantha and their families: We all express our sympathy and support to you today.
Our lives are a richer for having known our Friend and Brother Neil Carmichael Jones.
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