Annwyl bawb, 

Many older members will remember Paul Gray, who along with his wife Diane was a fixture of the Gymdeithas. Paul recently passed away, and Rhodri has written a few words in memory. Diolch i Rhodri am y geiriau yma.

Hwyl,  Gareth Lawrence


It is my sad duty to pass on the news that one of our oldest and longest standing members, Paul Gray, has passed away. He had been living recently in a care home in England and was suffering from Parkinson's disease.

Older members of the society will remember Paul and his wife Diane, who passed away a number of years ago, both contributing greatly to the cultural life of Brussels through theatre and music. Over the years Paul organised and directed performances of Under Milkwood for the society on three occasions, and I was privileged, along with other members, to perform in the last of these with him.

Paul was something of a polymath; a scientist, operations manager at a nuclear power station, EC director for environmental research and honorary PhD. Knowing almost nothing about science myself I was always very interested to listen to Paul’s explanations on the subject.

I first met Paul when he started attending my Welsh lessons. He already spoke a number of languages quite fluently and decided to try his hand at a little Welsh. Ironically neither of them was born in Wales. Paul’s family roots were in Wales whilst Diane was evacuated to Wales during the war. Nonetheless they were regular attenders at and contributors to our events. 

One of my fondest memories of them was attending their golden wedding anniversary party where I was touched by their love for each other and by the affection in which they were held by so many. This was no surprise because they were extremely generous and friendly people. I feel very grateful to have known them and very sad at their passing.  

Rhodri Thomas