Book Of Remembrances

Frank Whalley - Barry 41 Club

FRANK WHALLEY1939 – 2015

Derek Day remembers Frank Whalley:

Frank Whalley came from Stoke-on-Trent – the Potteries. His research into his family history – one of his hobbies – showed he came from a long line of saggar maker’s bottom knockers. I never understood what they did but Frank assured me that without their assistance potters could not do their work.

By profession Frank was a chemical engineer, of which he was very proud. He obtained his degree in Loughborough and after working in firms in the Midlands he came to South Wales in 1970 to work in what was then Midland Silicones, together with his wife Pam and two little girls, Nicola and Lesley. The family went on assignment to Kentucky from 1977 to 1980 and returned to South Wales with son Matthew, so now there were 5.

Frank was the fittest sick man I ever met. He was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the age of 17 and suffered all his life. This did not stop Frank – he ran half marathons and played golf enthusiastically. A great “do it yourself” expert, he was decorator, electrician, plumber, gardener and allotment holder. It made me tired just to watch him.

He was a clubbable man, with an enquiring mind.I joined him in Round Table, 41 Club and Glamorganshire Golf Club. He joined U3A and was Chairman of the History Group at the time of his death.

The week before he died he played 18 holes of golf on Monday, celebrated Pam’s birthday on Tuesday, and gave a talk on Samuel Pepys to Cowbridge Probus on Wednesday. On Thursday morning he just collapsed whilst shaving and could not be revived.

Frank was a caring husband, a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was extremely popular as shown by the many mourners at his funeral.

I shall miss my friend Frank.