Saturday, September 04, 2010

Tribute to my father - At his funeral May 1994

It was 16 years ago and I still miss him but rejoice he is with The Lord.


Fred Weeks was born in Newport, Monmouthshire, the sixth and youngest child of Christian parents. His forebears had for generations been skilled metal workers. In 1936 he was half way through his apprenticeship to his father as a tool maker when his father suddenly died. Shortly after Fred was converted among the Christan Brethren. In 1940 he was conscripted into the Royal Artillery and posted to Stonybrough Barracks near Thirsk to service searchlights on the moors. Worshipping at Castlegate Methodist Church he met his wife, Mary, daughter of the pastor, George Graham. Fred soon returned to Newport, his former employers needing his skills for war production. In 1944 was married to Mary Graham at Topcliffe Methodist Church. They lived in Newport until 1947 when they moved to Topcliffe.

Fred started preaching and Sunday School teaching among the Christian Brethren in his home town. When he moved to Yorkshire he continued to witness in both ways becoming a Methodist Local Preacher in 1949.

He worked for Bamletts Agricultural Engineers in Thirsk and other engineering employers until 1955 when oil related dermatitis forced him to leave his trade. He found new employment selling brushes for Betterwear, a job at which he excelled becoming top salesman in the north of England.

In 1951 the family moved to Skipton Bridge where he taught in the Sunday School for over 30 years. Hospitality was extended to many, especially to young men on National Service at R.A.F. Topcliffe.

After retirement, home was in Thirsk. Mary went to be with the Lord in 1990. Fred is survived by two sons, four grandchildren and his elder sister.

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