The Funeral of Mr Alf Arrowsmith (Thimswarra)

 

 

Alf’s funeral took place on Thursday 1 October 2002 at the Church of St Michael and All Angels in Middlewich, Cheshire.  The church service was well attended by a large number of family and friends.  Unfortunately due to a horrific crash on the M6 motorway some mourners travelling to the funeral were delayed and did not arrive in time for the church service or the Crematorium service which followed.

 

I had been asked to contribute to the service by saying a few words about Alf’s life.  I was honoured to do so.  As many of you know the Firths and Arrowmiths had been great friends for many years.  Alan and I had bought two bitch puppies from Alf some 27 years ago and one of these was Champion Thimswarra Estelle.  Alf had already made up his first Champion, Champion Thimswarra Roulette who was Estelle’s sire.

 

Alf had judged at Championship show level for many years, having judged in the UK, Ireland, Denmark, Sweden, Canada and several times in America. His last appointment in America was at the prestigious Montgomery County show in October 2000.  His breeding had done particularly well in the States and he was a frequent visitor there.  He loved America and had made so many close friends in that country.

 

Although Alf had served as a committee member of the Cairn Terrier Association, he was also closely involved with the Midland Cairn Terrier Club, taking a very active part in its formation in the early 1980’s.  Alf helped at our shows and behind the scenes, only Alan and I know to what extent he worked both before and after a show. In recognition of his help and support, Alf and his wife Lil were bestowed Honorary Life Memberships in 1999.

 

Alf’s interests included the computer, watching television, growing plants for his hanging baskets and he enjoyed big band music.  Alf had served in the Royal Navy and retired from his last employment with RHM Foods in Middlewich in 1988.  Alf had suffered with ill health for the last few years and was admitted to hospital two weeks before his death on 1 October.  Our condolences go to his Lil, his wife, his daughter Maureen and family and to Alan, his son and family.

 

Linda Firth