We are deeply saddened to share the news that our dear friend and stalwart member of the society, Dr Ken Davies, has passed away. We know you will want to join us in sending heartfelt condolences to Ken’s surviving sons Robert and Gareth. Another son, Hwyel, predeceased him. Ken’s beloved wife Signe died in 2021.
Ken was a man of many talents and broad interests. Born in 1940 in Ffynnongroyw in north Wales, he left school at sixteen to go to sea. On his travels he met and married Signe, a Norwegian, and they spent time in Norway before settling in north Wales. Ken returned, aged 36, to college to get the further education he had missed two decades earlier. He studied psychology, sociology, history and linguistics, and also developed his interest in economics, industrial relations, politics, philosophy and literature. He studied further in Swansea, Birmingham and the Open University as well as teaching himself and spending many years working with disadvantaged people.
Ken wrote many academic papers and articles, firstly on his professional interest, but later broadening into maritime and local history. He wrote books on his beloved home town of Ffynnongroyw and the north Wales coal trade. He published a ‘fascinating and compelling’ novel, ‘Chasing the Tide’, in 2016, which was followed by an anthology of short stories and a collection of poetry.
Ken never lost his fondness for his wife’s native land, and was a stalwart member of the Welsh Norwegian Society. We recently made him an honorary member in recognition of his tireless efforts. He will be most fondly remembered and sorely missed. We will find a way to remember him properly in due course.
Ken’s cremation will take place on Friday 26th April at the Croesyceiliog Crematorium, Cwmbran at 1:30pm. Afterwards there will be a reception at the Ashbridge Hotel, Cwmbran. Everyone who knew Ken is invited.
Welsh Norwegian Society 