The eulogy to our dear friend Norman Lewis
There was a wonderful eulogy from Noel Rees to our good friend Norman Lewis at the funeral service held at Llanelli Crematorium yesterday.
Here is an edited version of Noel's speech -
Jill, Jeremy, Thelma, family and friends . . .
Today, I feel very privileged to be asked, but I feel somewhat inadequate, to pen this tribute to Norman, a man who spent his whole professional working life crafting his own individual and wonderful way with words.
Not, how did he die, but how did he live?
Not what did he gain, but what did he give?
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of birth.
Not what was his church, nor what was his creed?
But had he befriended those really in need?
Was he ever ready, with word of good cheer,
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say,
But how many were sorry when he passed away?
Before every Phoenix Theatre curtain-up, Norman would ask me from his elder statesman’s ...