First, you’ll spot the “Family Announcements” section. It’s a cryptic mix of “Molly, you are forever in my heart” and “Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus to all the Joneses.” These aren’t just death notices; they’s a full-on community bulletin board. You’ll also see requests for “No flowers, please, but donations to the local cats’ home.” How very Swansea—kind hearts and a strong dose of practicality.
Then come the real gems: the personalised tributes. One will say: “Gwyneth, you were the light of our lives. Now you’re with the angels, enjoying a proper cup of tea.” Another will proudly declare: “Dai passed away peacefully, after a long battle with the lawnmower.” I swear, I’ve seen one that literally ended with: “He finally beat the weeds.” It’s dark, but it’s pure gold.
The art of the “Swansea Send-off”
You can’t read these without noticing the places. The funerals are always at Oystermouth Cemetery, or a crematorium with a view of the bay. The notices will mention a “gathering at the Mumbles Rugby Club afterwards.” That’s not just a wake; that’s a party with potatoes. And the dress code? Usually “smart casual, maybe a bit of red in memory of Gethin’s love for the Swans.”
Let’s be honest—some of these notices read like stand-up comedy routines. I once read: “John (aka ‘Sparky’): You finally fixed that washing machine. In heaven. Reunited with your toolbox.” And another: “Sheila: You always said you’d be late for your own funeral. You were. 15 minutes. We forgive you.” It’s as if the entire city of Swansea just refuses to take death too seriously.
Donald (Don) Strawbridge: Swansea Obituary & Death Notice - Swansea
Why we secretly love reading them
We read them because they remind us we’re all in this together. The notices are like snippets of a million different movies, all set in the same city. You’ll see a name you vaguely remember from school, and suddenly you’re Googling “Swansea Evening Post 1974” and wondering if that bloke from the chippy is still alive. (Spoiler: he probably isn’t, but his obituary was written by his daughter, who says he “made the best chips in town.”)
And there’s a beautiful etiquette to it all. The notices use phrases like “Into the care of the angels” or “Now at peace with the Lord”—but sometimes you get a bold statement like: “He went out the way he lived: leaving a mess and a smile.” That’s the Swansea spirit, right there. No fuss, just honesty and a bit of banter.
