THE LATE MR RICHARD BONNER THOMAS.
On Friday morning an esteemed and respected townsman in the person of Mr R. Bonner-Thomas, jeweller, Bank-place, passed away at the age of sixty.Up to a few months ago deceased, who was a powerful well-built man, had enjoyed phenomenal good health, but on the death of his son-in-law, Mr John Williams, the Oakeleys, which happened with painful suddenness, his system received a shock which revealed an internal disorder. This disorder grew as time went on and was ultimately the cause of his death.
For months he battled bravely against the malady which was sapping his strength away all however to no purpose, and week by week and day by day he rapidly lost weight and strength. A few weeks ago he returned from a visit to Anglesey, a mere shadow of his former self; still, with unbroken spirit he looked forward to recovery, but a few days before his death he had to take to his bed and hoping to the last, he passed quietly away.
Born September, 1840, at Festiniog, deceased was the eldest son of the late Mr Owen Thomas, watchmaker, at Llan, and afterwards Blaenau Festiniog.
About thirty-eight years ago he came to Portmadoc and opened a small shop as watchmaker, jeweller, etc. Possessed of keen business instincts, coupled with a winning geniality of manner and backed by a resolute will, his affairs progressed rapidly. Self- reliant and tactful to a degree, he gained and retained to the last a large and increasing circle of friends and customers. His clientele was composed of some of the titled families as well all the humblest worker in the quarry and on the farm, all finding him an honest and fair dealer.
The humbler folk found him ever-willing to oblige and attend to their needs. Soon after starting business at Portmadoc, as a young man of twenty two years, he was married to Miss Roberts, youngest daughter of the late Mr Evan Roberts, Llwynygell, Rhiw, Festiniog. There were ten children to the marriage. Two died at infancy, while the eldest son, Richard, died eight years ago at the age of twenty three.
Mrs Thomas and seven children survive, and the town and district unite in condolence with them in their great sorrow and loss.
The business will henceforth be carried on by the two surviving sons, Messrs E. R. and O. B. Thomas. The funeral, which took place on Tuesday at the Public Cemetery, was of a private character. The Rev J. J. Roberts (Iolo Caernarfon),of whose church. the Tabernacle C.M., deceased was a faithful member, assisted by the Rev Thomas Owen of Garth C.M. Chapel, officiated at the house and graveside.
The chief mourners were Mr E. R. Bonner-Thomas and Mr 0. Bonner-Thomas (sons), Mr W. O. Thomas (brother), Mr J. S. Thomas (son-in law), Mr R. Roberts, Mr Evan Roberts, Mr Owen Williams, Mr David Williams, Mr Lloyd (Festiniog), and Dr Samuel Griffith.