KATH MORGAN (Cwrt Afon)

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 Kath pictured at the WSSCSW Open Show 18th September 2016

 

Family and friends gathered yesterday 28th September to say farewell to Kath Morgan, of the Cwrt Afon Welsh Springer Spaniels Kennels, who passed away suddenly at home on the 21st September 2016.

The Cwrt Afon Kennels was founded in 1970 when along with Len’s sister Carole they obtained a Welsh Sringer Spaniel of Tregwillym lines. Kath and her late husband Len were very much a partnership doing everything together, Kath taking the lead when their bitches whelped and almost always having the final say in which puppy would stay at Cwrt Afon.

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Len and Kath Morgan

They ran a very successful kennel and were very conscious of maintaining type which they managed to do throughout their many years of breeding. They produced many champions at home and abroad, the last UK champion being Cwrt Afon Cadfor.

Overseas titles were won in America, Slovakia, Finland and France (a full champion). Kath and Len also kept Cocker Spaniels and an English Springer Spaniel, obtained from their great friends - Tommy and Sue Aston (Tasa).

Debbie Roberts a partner in the kennels for many years and known to many as their “adopted“ daughter handled and helped prepare the dogs particularly in later years when Len’s health was deteriorating.

Kath was very proud to be a founder member, life member and current President of the Welsh Springer Spaniel Club of South Wales and we cherished her dearly. Kath took on our club supplies with great enthusiasm and always welcomed members and exhibitors with her warm smile.

She was also a great supporter of her local Pontypool Canine Society and served as their treasurer for over forty years, I am sure they too will also feel a great sense of loss. 

She was a successful Championship show judge and last judged the breed at Paignton in 2010 where she awarded BOB to Sh Ch Trebettyn Bevin Boy and she was much looking forward to her next and final appointment at the South Eastern WSSC next year and to judging the Gundog group at Monmouth Ag. Society. She also judged the breed abroad accompanied as always by her beloved Len.

Both within dogs and as personal friends Kath enjoyed the company of Mansel and Avril Young of the Wainfelin kennels, they were near neighbours and shared the same commitment to both the breed and to our club.

Kath worked for Estee Lauder and Christian Dior and thoroughly enjoyed her career being a natural in her role of meeting people. Anyone who knew Kath would appreciate her great sense of style and fashion, she was always impeccably dressed whatever the occasion. A true lady as many have remembered her.

Len and Kath really enjoyed their holidays particularly cruising with friends and following Len’s death five years ago she continued this passion with her sister Alison and friends Sue Aston and Yvonne Billows. Always putting on a brave face even though she never really recovered from the loss of her soul mate Len. This wonderful couple now re-united, Kath will always be a bright star shining on us and we will miss her greatly.

Our condolences to their son Darren, Kath's sister Alison, brother Jeffrey and to all their family and friends.

Deb Roberts / Jan Janes

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Kath, as many remember her, smiling behind the counter of the club shop at one of our shows.