Paul Davis — March 1, 1946-February 18, 2023

PAUL Davis passed away just three weeks after his beloved wife, Nana, succumbing to the same Strep A infection that had suddenly and cruelly taken her.

It has been difficult for all of us to process this double tragedy and come to terms with the loss and then to be part of a double celebration of life service at St Mary’s Church in Wargrave.

It was a testament to them both that the church was absolutely full and brimming over with love on that day.

Paul was born in Salisbury and was four when he moved to South Africa with his parents as his father became a curate in Cape Town.

During his formative years he travelled to Rhodesia and America before coming back to England to study psychology at Reading
University.

Paul and Nana were married in Durban in 1973 and had two children, Kim and Gary, and three grandchildren.

He was a loving, caring and devoted, husband, father and grandfather. He has been described as a silent rock that was always there with an ear and sage advice, ready to listen over a cup of tea.

Throughout his children’s lives Paul always supported their decisions and life choices.

Even if they didn’t take his advice, he was always there to help pick up the pieces when things didn’t work out and celebrate when they did. He had an incredible work ethic, especially when heading up the human rescources function for Control Data, a computer software organisation.

This job eventually brought him back to England before he moved on to being a self-employed management consultant and trainer. Paul was a proud and long-serving freemason. He rose through the ranks to become a grandmaster and lodge leader. He was so proud to achieve this.

He would always talk proudly of the masons and all the unsung work they do for their communities.

His role as lodge mentor allowed him to help guide the next generation of masons through their journey. Once a trainer always a trainer, as they say.

He was a lifelong Christian, borne out in this message sent to Kim and Gary: “I treasure your dad’s telephone conversations about faith.

“He really supported me and gently challenged my thoughts and made the time to share his experience and wisdom, which will forever remain with me.”

Paul served the Church as a reader and sidesman at St Mary’s and other neighbourhoods within the areas the family lived. He took incredible strength from his faith.

We should know and believe that Paul is with Nana again, in another place, enjoying a glass of wine and wanting us to not feel sad.

Dick Bush