RIP - David Michael Lloyd Rees (HOSTEL, 49-54)

David Michael Lloyd Rees (HOSTEL, 49-54)

24th March, 1938  - 8th February, 2023

Born in Whitchurch, Cardiff, the son of Haydn and Megan, brother to Miriam. Michael was always very proud of being born in Cardiff and was a lifelong supporter of Cardiff RFC, a point he was always more than happy to remind his Bridgend friends of during social encounters.

During the War he was evacuated to Merthyr Tydfil and subsequently moved to Tonypandy where the family lived for around 10 years. In 1949 to 1954 he was a boarder at Christ College Brecon. Here he developed his passion for rugby & cricket and would play at every opportunity. He was always proud of the fact that he was presented with his school cricket colours on the field immediately after scoring a century for the first XI. Equally, although being a regular in the first XV for 2 seasons and getting his rugby colours, he was disappointed he never got to play in the annual Brecon v Llandovery game, firstly due to the weather and then the next year due to a mumps outbreak in the school.

At 16 the family moved to Bridgend when his father was appointed the rector of Coity with Nolton. He met Ann at the Church Youth Club and seven years later they married, a marriage that lasted sixty years. Three children were born – Caroline, Julia and Martin, he was always equally proud of them and took a keen interest in their activities and achievements. The birth of six grandchildren – Jonathan, Samantha, Catrin, Bethan, Rhiannon and Lowri brought him great joy. He was also a proud brother, brother-in-law, Uncle and father-in-law.

Michael left school at 16 and took up an apprenticeship in Port Talbot with British Steel. Rugby was still never far away for him and during his late teenage years he played first class level for both Aberavon & Bridgend RFC and was also pursued and offered a chance to play for Glamorgan Wanderers. The travel proved to be too much and he joined Pencoed RFC.

The Church played a large part in his life and was important to him. He fell in love with the beauty of Nolton church and was a member of the choir, an altar server and a sidesman and would attend Holy Communion on a weekly basis until he became unwell. In later years, he also worshiped at Ewenny Priory. Michael had a wide music taste, he sang with the Police choir in his younger years, and could harmonise by ear . He enjoyed Jazz and Classical works equally. He collected ties, baseball caps, teddy bears and umbrellas.

In retirement he continued to enjoy catching up with friends and indeed made new ones as well. He became a member and Vice President of Glamorgan cricket, enjoying watching some of the big names playing at Sophia Gardens and an Annual pilgrimage to watch Test Matches at Lords. Michael had impeccable manners and was often described as a true gentleman, many people letting us know how they remember him politely opening doors and doffing his flat cap. He always used to say “manners cost you nothing” and was always smartly dressed and took great pride in his appearance.

Although not well over the past 4 years, He and Ann continued to enjoy short trips in the car, coffees in Porthcawl and enjoyed happy times with his family. He fought valiantly until the end.