Ray Davies, the indefatigable peace activist, socialist, local representative of his people in Bedwas, Trethomas and Machen, and lover of Male Voice choirs, died age 85 on May 7, Election day.
He would have been pleased at his send off on May 15.
Bedwas Workmens Hall was packed to capacity with people from every aspect of his remarkable life. Ray lived within a four mile radius of his birthplace in Llanbradach, but was at home in the world, as was witnessed by messages of support from as far afield as Gaza and the US.
Ray had borne his pancreatic cancer with the same physical courage that he faced the picket lines during the Miners Strike, the dangers underground as a boy miner, the tear gas and tanks in Ireland, and the bullets in war torn Gaza. He pushed himself to the end, cycling, swimming and walking his beloved Cwm. HIs last act before he went into hospital was to plant runner beans in the garden, in the sure knowledge that they would come up in the summer.
Ray always said he wanted no "mumbo jumbo" on his death. As his body was donated to Cardiff School of Medicine, he , as his son said, even missed his own funeral, but at last made it to university.
This event was organised by Ray's family to share their memories and allow his community to express their appreciation for his lifetime of public service. There were many local political figures- the Lord Mayor, his fellow town and county councillors, MEP Jeff Cuthbert, and MPs Wayne David. Newport MP Paul Flynn had been with Ray in Caerwent Peace Camp, when he was attacked with a baseball bat for protesting against nuclear weapons. Betty Hunter was among the representatives of Palestine Solidarity Campaign. Ray had made many visits to Gaza, the West Bank and Israel, had been shot in the head while escorting ambulances to hospital carrying injured Palestinians, and been beaten by the Metropolitan Police during a Gaza march in London. Hanif Bhamjee represented Wales Anti Apartheid. Ray was with Cor Cochion when they were arrested in Merthyr for singing in support of the South African boycott. Comrades from the Anti Poll Tax campaign came from London to join the commemoration.
Ray believed in a strong voice for Wales,. He had only recently been speaking on the steps of the Welsh Assembly to call for greater powers to be devolved from Westminster. Members of the Yes for Wales campaign were there to show their appreciation.
The local community was there in force: environmentalists who sought to preserve the beauty of the woodlands in Graig y Rhacca; residents opposing the development of Ray's beloved Cwm; local historians; and the many people who had come to Ray for advice and help. He touched so many lives.
Ray was deeply involved in the work of Bedwas Workmens Hall, and an appeal was made in lieu of flowers to raise money for a lift so that the local landmark could continue to serve the community.
Ray always believed in the power of music to communicate and change lives. Caerphilly Male Voice choir, Cardiff Arms Park choir, and Côr Cochion (which he had helped form) sang movingly and there were heartfelt appreciations from his family.
Ray truly believed he could change the world, and he made us believe we could too.
So, now it is our turn to preserve the things we love that he fought so hard for.
Ray left a big hole in our lives to fill.
But must all do the best we can to carry on his spirit.