Lord Garfield Davies, a Bramhall Resident RIP

Local hero left to wait years before finally receiving a devastating diagnosis of the progressive neurological condition, PSP, passed away at home on Monday 4th March 2019 surrounded by his loving family.

Lord Garfield Davies of Coity CBE has given his life to supporting workers in the retail sector in South Wales, East Anglia and nationally. During the course of his career, he worked his way up the ranks of the trade union USDAW and into the House of Lords.

Garfield was the son of a miner, born in 1935 in South Wales and in 1950 he joined the British Steel Corporation in Port Talbot where he served his apprenticeship and later worked as an electrician until 1969. In that year he got a job with the USDAW trade union in East Anglia. He was subsequently promoted to Deputy Divisional Officer and in 1978 was appointed National Officer for the Union with responsibilities for the milk industry and the retail cooperatives. In 1985 he was elected the General Secretary and took over the leadership of the Union in early 1986. In 1991 and 1993 he was re-elected. In his time he became a member of the TUC General Council and was also TUC international spokesperson. He was also president of Euro-Fiet (the Commercial Workers’ International) and in 1996 was awarded the CBE for services to industrial relations. He retired from the Union in June 1997 and took his seat in the House of Lords on 1st October that year. He took a leave of absence due to ill health on 20th February 2018, having eventually received a formal diagnosis of PSP in September 2017. He was a major campaigner against apartheid in South Africa and met Nelson Mandela.

After living in Bramhall, Cheshire for nearly forty years, he leaves behind Marian, Lady Davies, his loving and devoted wife of 59 years, four daughters – Helen, Susan, Karen and Rachel. Also grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Garfield would wish for his death to bring increased awareness of PSP to help those currently with the condition and those yet to be diagnosed. Just as in life he is continuing to campaign for others and to this end has donated his brain for medical research. The family will continue to raise funds and raise awareness.

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Wendy from I Love Bramhall was privilage to meet Lord Garfield Davies at his book launch in November 2017 surrounded by his supportive family and friends, I personally wish to pass on my condolences to the family. Rest in peace Lord Garfield Davies

Lord Garfield Davis & Wendy from I Love Bramhall

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