Tributes paid to former Kerry vicar who 'touched many people's hearts'

Revd Canon David Griffiths, a former vicar of Kerry, near Newtown, died peacefully at the age of 81 at Wrexham Maelor Hospital on February 20 after a battle with Alzheimer’s.

Wife Beryl said he was a "real people person" and a "much-loved family man".

She said: “We would have been married 60 years this year.

“When he retired although he still conducted funerals, we managed to go on more holidays abroad which he loved, and we visited so many places like the Gran Canyon and Rome. He enjoyed his holidays.

“People said he was a shepherd; he was a real people person.

“He touched many people’s hearts throughout his life and I have received so many tributes. People spoke so highly of him.

David Griffiths

“He was a real family man and one of his main past times which he loved was collecting lead figures."

Revd Canon Griffiths worked in parishes in mid and north Wales, and was made Canon in 1998.

He has been described as a “fantastic vicar” by former parishioners when he served the Kerry and Llanmerewig community from 1974 to 1982.

Beryl added: “He also worked extensively with St John Ambulance where he was honoured as Knight of the Order in 2011.

“David loved working with children. He opened the Vicar David’s Gate in Gresford so that the children could come from school and not have to walk around the road.”

Mr Griffiths was a much-loved father of Alison and Eleri, dear father-in-law to John and Paddy, proud taid of his grandchildren Joseph, Oliver and Ffion, and his great grandson Solomon and a sadly missed brother and brother-in-law, nephew and uncle.

Bishop of St Asaph RT Revd Gregory Cameron said although Mr Griffiths had retired, he quickly got to know him.

He said: “David hardly kept a low profile, but he was a presence that was very welcome and appreciated.

“The thing I valued about him was that he was a man and priest with his feet on the ground, and yet a deeply caring and much loved pastor, which made him many friends among clergy and laity alike.

“He was humble for a man who had achieved so much, and his genuine love for the communities in which he served did not end when he retired.

“He often talked to me about the communities with which he was involved, and about the work of St John Ambulance and the associated Order of St John, knowledgeably, sensitively and with a concern that people should be affirmed and encouraged.

“He was a priest who knew and was known to his people. His period of ill health these last few years has not been without its challenges, and he has had the loving support of Beryl, his family and many friends alongside him.

“He will be missed, and we commend him to God confident that David will be at home with his Lord and holding Beryl and the family in our prayers.”

Mr Griffiths’ funeral was held at All Saints Church in Gresford on March 3 followed by a private family committal.

Donations will be accepted in his memory via the offertory plates for the work of the Alyn Mission Area and North Wales St John Ambulance Brigade.