Fire crews from Cwmbran and Malpas fire stations formed a guard of honour yesterday for the funeral of John ‘Joby’ Evans.
The 64-year-old former firefighter passed away on 12 June 2023 from glioblastoma, a brain tumour. Cheryl, his wife, told Cwmbran Life that he was diagnosed in August 2022 and surgeons removed the tumour on 22 September. He had three weeks of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. In February he found out it had regrown and was terminal
He worked at Malpas for ten years followed by 20 years at Cwmbran. The two crews on duty watch stood in a line, heads bowed, as the cortege arrived at Gwent Crematorium.
Around 250 to 300 mourners packed the pews in the chapel and the standing area at the back. Those who couldn’t get inside watched the 40-minute service on a screen in the outside corridor with more stood in the rain under umbrellas. His coffin was carried in by his three sons Ieuan Evans, Michae Evans and Andrew Evans, Nick Clark (John’s cousin) Paul Jenkins (his brother-in-law) and John Boots (Cheryl’s cousin) to the Scottish bagpipes playing My Home.
Chris Rees-Veal and Mark Robotham, from the South Wales Fire and Rescue Service’s Colour Party, walked in front of the coffin carrying a Standard. The Colour Party is made up of serving and retired firefighters to attend funerals and the annual Remembrance Day parade.
‘A true friend to so many throughout so many walks of life’
Caitlin, John’s daughter, and Michael, one of his three sons, paid tribute to their dad. Caitlin said: “Dad was the most kind, caring, funny and entertaining person we have ever known and we know that everybody here would agree. He always had the time and energy, and of course, that cheeky smile for everyone he met.
“Dad was an intelligent, caring, loving and fun-filled character. He was so proud of Cheryl, his children, and his grandchildren and was eager to share their successes.
“Dad was our cat with nine lives. After being cardioverted successfully three times, as a fireman falling from the roof, and fighting sespis in 2021, sadly his latest fight was the toughest ever and as hard as he fought it, it was just one he wasn’t able to win.
“The price of love is grief and today we grieve the loss of not only a loved son, husband, father and grandfather but a true friend to so many throughout so many walks of life. Thank you for being you dad, we love you. Night night, God bless, until we meet you again.”
Michael said that his dad joined the fire service on his 20th birthday and enjoyed a 30-year career: “Work colleagues and comrades became friends for life. evident by the number of messages and visitors we’ve received over the last few months.
“After his retirement from South Wales Fire and Rescue Service service dad continued to be an active member of the community. He became a valuable member of the school governors at both Croesyceiliog primary and comprehensive schools.”
Win or lose he loved nothing more than seeing the boys working as a team’
He said his dad coached his brother Ieuan’s football team for six years and added: “Over the last nine years dad has been a valuable member and youth coach and a friend of Croesyceiliog Cricket Club. In all that dad undertook, he was about developing opportunities for the boys, win or lose he loved nothing more than seeing the boys working as a team, having fun, and enjoying themselves.”
Michael said his dad’s “main passion” was golf and was “proud to say he had a least six holes in one.”
Breathe (In The Air) by Pink Floyd played as mourners watched a three-minute video tribute to John with dozens of photos of his life.
Reverend Karin Pardoe led the service. Mourners sang Guide Me, O Though Great Redeemer and The Lord’s My Shepherd. Cheryl, John’s wife, read a poem, Family Tree.
