Gordon Parry, Baron Parry

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Gordon Samuel David Parry (usually Lord Gordon Parry) (30 November 1925 – 1 September 2004). He was created a Life Peer as Lord Parry of Neyland on 21st January 1976 by the Prime Minister Harold Wilson.

Lord Gordon Parry in his office 2002
Lord Gordon Parry in his office 2002

The son of Reverend Thomas Lewis Parry and his wife, Anne Parry, Lord Parry's early childhood days were mostly spent around his father's church, Molleston Baptist Church in Pembrokeshire. His university education was at Trinity College, Carmarthen. [1]

Lord Parry was a schoolteacher prior to going into politics, standing as a Labour Party candidate in the Pembrokeshire constituency.[2] but before then, as a young teen, he was a regular at Bethesda Baptist Chapel, Neyland, where his father was then pastor, and where today young Parry's name is preserved in the form of graffiti scratched into one of the pews.

Lord Parry was very active in travel and public works until the end of his life. His efforts reached around the world and today he is still fondly remembered in such far away locals as Macon, Georgia, USA, where he was highly important in the early years and ultimate success of the Macon International Cherry Blossom Festival.

Lord Parry teaches one of his Godsons to play chess
Lord Parry teaches one of his Godsons to play chess

Among numerous other accolades, Lord Parry was presented with The Welsh American Heritage Medallion by the National Welsh American Foundation during formal ceremonies in September 2001 at Philadelphia, USA.

BBC news presenter Jamie Owen provided a tribute to him at his funeral at Bethesda Baptist Chapel. His funeral procession took place in Neyland and for the event the town was closed to traffic. The procession was led by a full contingent of Welsh Guards, the streets were lined with silent well-wishers, and the Royal Air Force paid homage by a missing-man flyover at the cemetery.

He was predeceased by his wife, Lady Glenys Parry, and is survived by his daughter, Cathy Parry Sherry.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Parry, Gordon, Trinity '43-'45--A Legacy for Life, Trinity College Carmarthen Publications, Carmarthen, 1996
  2. ^ Tribute to the perfect teacher 9 Sep 2004
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