Grav!
Those who knew this man hold him in the highest regard!
His reputation went before him in all that he tackled.
On the playing field he earned his cap and wore it with pride.
The red jersey gave him the fire of the dragon.
He sought approval of his peers; even of some who feared him;
Yet he was met as an equal, able to fulfil his obligations.
The Dragon was true to his heart and his courage was its kinsman;
Kindred spirits recognised each other and held each in mutual esteem.
He was a character who moulded sense and purpose;
Upon the stage he cast another shadow embodied a great depth.
He turned his hand to many activities, pursued many avenues of life;
There was no challenge that he would not face; he overcame adversity.
Shy, reticent, but a showman with high standards who was due respect.
Television and radio were his familiar haunts, when active rugby had retired him.
Welsh was his language, Wales was his love.
Wales recognised Grav through the National Eisteddfod of Wales, honouring him as Bard.
Titled Ray o'r Mynydd he was appointed as Grand Sword Bearer.
Llanelli RFC, 1970 to 1985, as Centre; was his home, his team, and Strady Park his venue.
Wales, 1975 to 1982; 24 caps his international recognition.
The Barbarians, 1975 to 1977, 4 caps; and the British Lions, in 1980; upon these he made his mark.
Llanelli remoulded as the Scarlets in 2003, the advent of a professional game.
Honoured as Club President in 1998, a position held until his death, in 2007.
Rugby, a hard game offered its lifeblood, as amateur sport; unpaid,
Most players worked for their living; Grav. was an electricity board linesman.
The game eventually maturing to a professional level, players were paid salaries;
For Grav his interests had taken him on another journey.
Radio, Television, Film!
Many of his colleagues have given tributes.
Stories abound for this man, who was a friend with passion,
A man who Roy Noble called him "a Celt to his bootlaces.”
Peter O' Toole, noted actor and star, considered Grav. his favourite.
He was recognised by Phil Bennett and Gareth Edwards, each Captain of the Wales team;
Karl Francis, film maker, spoke highly of the man as actor.
Delme Thomas, rugby player, was admired and a friend, sharing the same birth date.
Mike Ruddock, Welsh coach, had positive comments, and understood the early late tackle.
Those who recalled stories of this unique man;
Frank Hennessy found him irrepressible, a loose cannon;
Richard Hughes, the Grogg Shop, moulded a favourite ceramic.
Peter Jackson, sports journalist, shared several experiences.
Grav!
Warrior like and bearded; Often seeking reassurance; A proud Welshman;
One of sensitivity and passion; A lost member of the family; Emotional!
Keith Davies and son,were thrilled to meet famous internationals, treated as equals;
Tomos Morse considered the man, a colleague in Television, as genuine and genial.
Illness! Type 2 diabetes, cost the man four toes, and the loss of a leg.
Heart failure took the life in Málaga Spain, aged 56, October 31st2007.
Born September 12th 1951, from his youth his favourite place, Mynydd-y-Garreg.
At Millennium Stadium they tolled the bell; A celebration of life held at Strady!
Gwyneth Glyn sang, Adra, a song he once reconsidered, released his sensitivity.
Raymond William Robert “Ray” Gravell; A loss to the Welsh nation; always remembered.
Will George © April 21st2008
Will George Poet
will-george-poet.co.uk