Geraint Roberts - Ramblings of a would-be published novelist

RIP Chris Roberts

I had a blow last week, when my youngest cousin died at 44. He didn't deserve the adult life he got. He was a top bloke, good company and even handed with everyone. He used to be a tub, having left school and finding a job buzzing round North Wales in an overgrown fruit lorry. Then he got a job on a tramp steamer - he was the deckhand in a crew of Africans. Said he had a ball! Then he ran a bar in Gibraltar and did some chandlery. He loved telling tales of those times and I loved to listen.
But he contracted diabetes and slowly it thinned him right down and sapped his energy. He grew weaker and I saw less of him as I got to North Wales less and less, but we occasionally had the brief catch-ups. He had a cat called Lemmy, he had his own place down Tan-Lan. We asked him to be Godfather for Gareth and he was so proud. He went out and got a t-shirt with El Padrino and bought my boy a Welsh flag T-shirt (for 4-6 years, but hey Chris was always forward thinking). At the christening, I teased him. He was given a candle to bless and missed the signal to extinguish. I kept on saying 'don't worry, just be calm, whilst the world was waving him to blow it out. He saw the funny side, he always did.
On the day of his cremation, they laid out his Liverpool scarf. He had given instructions for 'You'll never walk alone' to be played. The 'hymns' were 'Honky Tonk Woman' and something by the Ramones (sorry Chris they all sounded the same to me). All his mates wore Ramones T-shirts and jeans. I wish I'd got the message. Lost on the bush telegraph. His brother did a great, amusing elegy and I respect his courage and his love for his brother and mate. We had a bite to eat in his local country pub after.

I think Chris would have loved his send off, They were standing in the chapel, it was so full. My son lasted half the service before he started yapping, but Chris would have just smiled at that. He would have enjoyed him being there.

The journey was terrible that day. From Cadair Idris to the Conway Valley was low cloud and drizzle. The land wept for you that day, Chris mate. We all did.

I can't help feeling that life dealt him a bad hand. He should have had a chance to settle, have kids, earn a bit, even go watch his beloved 'Pool. It wasn't to be and it's a shit that this is so.

Well Chris mate, you used to run a bar. When the time comes, I expect a bloody decent pint ready.

Just know, it's not the same without you, but it was my pleasure to know you and be your cuz. RIP

posted by Geraint @ 8:31 pm