The dog showing fraternity of South Wales was saddened and distressed to learn that the familiar and much respected Terrier man Drys Thomas had died suddenly on Monday 3rd December. Whilst Drys had not enjoyed the best of health recently, no-one suspected that he had anything life threatening, so the news of his passing came as a great shock.

Drys started his career in the dog game by following his father and brother Charlie first in Wire Fox Terriers and then into his favoured breed, Welsh Terriers. Under the prefix Philtown, he bed in all three UK champions, but his most famous dog was exported to the USA after winning two CCs over here and went on to become an American Champion and eventually the top sire in the breed, a record which still stands today. This dog was Philtown Protocol.

Drys was a much respected judge of Welsh Terriers and also awarded CCs in Smooth Fox Terriers, Wire Fox Terriers, Irish Terriers, Kerry Blue Terriers and Sealyham Terriers. He was also approved to judge the Terrier Group.

He also served on many committees in South Wales. When I first met Drys in the early 70s he was Secretary of the Dog Section of Bedwellty Agricultural Society. He was also Secretary of the Welsh Terrier Association for 13 years before becoming Chairman. He was elected to the committee of the South Wales Kennel Association in 1976, becoming Vice Chairman in 1981 and was very proud to be elected as Chairman in 1997, a position which he held until his resignation due to ill health in the year 2000.

He was a well loved figure on the Welsh show scene and in the Terrier world in general and will be sorely missed. To his two sons, Alan and Steve, and his daughter Helen, we extend our deepest sympathy.

Isobell J Dyke