December 2005

  Photo courtesy of Avril Lancashire

I first got to know Liz and Terry when they imported Ali (MyWays American Dream Of Renza). He was a dog I greatly admired and I followed his career with interest.

Liz became a close friend and Foxhollow was a home from home for me. She had a wicked sense of humour, didn't suffer fools gladly and gave sound and sensible advice. If you entrusted Liz with a confidence you knew that it would never be passed on. A true friend like Liz is rare and I , among many, will miss her laughter, her irreverent comments on many things and just her being there on the other end of the phone.

She bore her illness amazingly, determined to get through it while carrying on with her life. Not many people realised quite how it affected her but she came through it. She had a party after her treatment finished and that was a fabulous day. Food and drink aplenty and loads of laughs. Liz was looking forward to the future and campaigning Red. Unfortunately this was not to be and I think the speed with which we lost her is the thing that staggered everyone. Those that knew Liz well know that a genuine friend has been lost.

I have many memories but the one that will  forever stick in my mind was at a Western Club Open Show. We held it at Easter Compton and were lucky with the weather so the ring was set up in the car park. Alongside the car park was a public right of way. Liz was showing Red herself that day. The judge had gone over him and Liz set off down the ring. Now, bless her, Liz didn't have the longest legs in the world and as she turned at the bottom of the ring to come back to the judge, Red spied a member of the public walking two little dogs towards the ring. He decided it would be much more fun to join the little dogs than to stop before the judge. So off they set up the ring, Liz's legs going nineteen to the dozen trying desperately to keep up with Red. She just about managed to stop him before he ran out of the ring. Liz was laughing, the spectators were laughing and Red was having a wonderful time.

That's how I will always remember Liz, doing the things she loved best, showing her dogs. God bless you Liz, you left us far too soon.

Terri Borash  (Quaisuma Afghans)

Remembering Liz

I have been asked to start off this post for people to express their feelings at the very sad and shocking news of the passing of my good friend Liz. This is extremely hard for me and I am sure for many others. I just cannot find the words to express my sorrow. I have lost a true friend and the breed a staunch supporter. To her husband Terry, my deepest condolences and I hope he will take comfort from the fact that Liz was well loved and extremely well thought of by those who knew her. Avril Lancashire (Drishaun Afghans)

I can only re-iterate many of your eloquently written feelings, Avril. Although Liz was not a close friend of mine, I have known her for very many years, both as a fellow breed club secretary, and as a fellow exhibitor.  She has borne her dreadful illness, and equally ghastly treatment, with such bravery, and I shall remember her continuing to smile, at least in public, throughout. For her to be taken so soon after enduring so many months of treatment, and at such a comparatively young age, is cruelty in its extreme. Our thoughts are very much with Terry and the rest of Liz's family at this sad time.  Rest in peace Liz. We will all miss you. Lesley Busby (Wilbus Afghans)

I am saddened. Liz was one of the gang from the old days, she and my Hazel were usually in the same class, laughing together good humouredly. Her loss has brought back many memories, all good. My thoughts have been with Terry the last few days, and with those who were close to Liz. God bless you.
love, Gerry Darnley (Ghinja Afghans)

God bless you Liz, a truly special person, we were honoured to have known you. Our thoughts are with Terry and all the family, and Liz's dear friend Wendy, you must all be devastated, rest in peace dear friend, Love Sandra and Stuart Weston (Sanstas Afghans)

Liz held a very special place in my affections, as she was the very first person I spoke to when I was trying to find my first afghan puppy. I had been advised by the KC to ring one of the breed clubs and by my good fortune, I happened to choose the MAHC. We had a very long conversation indeed and at the end she suggested that I go along to their forthcoming champ show to find out more about the world I was about to enter. This I did, and Liz personally introduced me to many people and patiently answered my many questions. I was so grateful to her for making me feel so welcome. I became a member of the Midland at that first show, before I even owned an afghan, thanks to both Liz and our other much missed friend, Carmel, telling me that they wouldn't let me leave the showground until I had joined up!  Although we never became very close friends, we never missed the opportunity to talk at shows, when she was as friendly and supportive as the first time I spoke to her. She certainly was a lovely lady and I along with everyone else, will miss her smile and her readiness to help anyone with anything at any time. My sincere condolences to Terry, her family and all her close friends. Cathy Harding (Ashhani Afghans)

Hi, I would like to take this opportunity to say how very shocked and saddened I was to hear the very sad news that Liz had passed away, Liz certainly bore her dreadful illness with such bravery and was still smiling only so recently at the BAHC show As with Lesley I was not a close friend with Liz but have known her for many years I always found her to be friendly and helpful to anyone who needed her help or advice, she was someone that I had the utmost respect for, she will be missed by so many people and I am sure by those who were closest to her. I send my deepest and most sincere condolences to Terry and the rest of her family. Jayne Edwards (Valkour Afghans)

We can only say that we will miss Liz as I'm sure everyone else will, our thoughts go out to Terry and his family at such a dreadful time. Liz was so knowledgeable about the breed and was passionate about its future, she always took measured time to think things through whenever you asked her anything. It seems that she has been around forever, Secretary of the Birmingham Club then Secretary of the Midland Club, the time she has given to both of these Clubs alone is priceless. She knew breed type and this reflected in her judging. We admired Liz enormously for the strength and positive attitude she had right through this awful illness, to be honest we never heard her complain, and her delight in the Summer when we all thought things had turned the corner was a joy to see - when she smiled her whole face lit up. We have our dear Dixie to remind us of happier days with Liz and Terry. Jill Cross (Gilari Afghans)

I would like to add my condolences for Terry. I feel deeply sad that Liz has lost her brave battle. Ann Bettridge.

I was very shocked and saddened to hear Liz had passed away and will remember her for her encouragement, help and that wonderful smile. I would also like to send my condolences to Terry and family at this very sad time. Tricia Churchill

I was shocked and saddened to read about Liz, I know the afghan world will miss Liz greatly. My condolences to Terry and their family at their very sad loss. Sue Oakley (Nanak Afghans)

I did not know Liz, Avril, but would like you to pass on my condolences to her family at this sad time.  Although I did not know her, many people I do know and respect had only kind words to say about her and her dedication to the breed.  She is a sad loss to not only her family and friends but the breed as a whole.  Deepest sympathies, Shona Bettany and Rory Daley (Cubanba)

I too did not know Liz well except in passing. She always had a smile and a hello for everyone. I only found out on Friday evening past how ill she was and could not believe reading on here that she had passed away. My sympathies to her husband Terry at this very sad time. Elizabeth Beck

David: Liz will be greatly missed by all that knew her. She was blessed with a wonderful sense of humour and a quick wit. She was very forthright and always spoke with conviction and always remained true to her beliefs. Her input at Breed Council always cut to the chase and was always impartial in dealing with any topics that arose. She gave freely of her opinion, though would always listen to the thoughts of others. I shall miss her very much and take comfort that she is reunited with Layla and Ali, two of her very special friends.

Brian: When I think of Liz, I consider that she personified the word dignity. No matter how you met her, in an official capacity at a show or informally, she was always the same. She always gave you her honest opinion, which I always respected because it was a sound one, based on solid reasoning. When she had a criticism to make, it was not made with malice, but a considered assessment using her years of knowledge. She knew her afghan hounds, and I consider it a privilege to have known her. Liz bore her illness with great dignity too. I can only admire that, and send Terry and the family and remaining hounds my love and regards. Brian and David (Numa Afghan Hounds)

Please pass my condolences on to Terry and family, Liz was a lovely, lovely lady. It was only a couple of months ago that Liz was giving me some advice. She will be so sadly missed by all who knew her. Pauline (Hairymary)

Rob and I were very deeply shocked and very saddened at the loss of Liz. It does not seem like 5 minutes ago that she and Terry were sitting in my garden choosing her puppy, the very beautiful Laylah. I really am lost for words except our thoughts and prayers go out to Terry and the family at this sad time. Life can be so cruel. Pat and Rob Latimer (Zharook Afghans)

Avril, I didn't know Liz either, but judging by the wonderful words all her friends are saying, I missed a true ambassador for the breed. Please pass on my condolences to her family, may they rest assured that she will be looking after the Affies at Rainbow Bridge for us all. Its a cruel world we live in - where is the justice? Love Mo Hudson (Shimkhani Afghans)

Hi Avril, Nicky and I would like to send our condolences to Terry and the rest of Liz's family for their sad loss. Richard and Nicky Gunn (Katanga Afghans)

We would like to offer our deepest sympathy and up most condolences to Terry and family on the very sad passing of Liz, she will be greatly missed in the breed as a Judge, Exhibitor and friend to all.  Peggy and Ronald Clifford

We were very shocked to hear of the passing of Liz and not attending many shows this year we had no idea she had been so ill. Our sincere condolences to Terry and family on such a sad loss and I can only repeat what has already been said about Liz and know she will be sadly missed by all who knew her. Chris and Les Bagshaw  (Kalaztra Afghans)

It was a real blow to hear of Liz's passing. There was a woman with the courage of her convictions, she knew exactly what her expectations where and settled for nothing less, never went with the fashions just simply strove for her ideal. The Afghan world has lost a great woman who earned a great many peoples respect for her dedication and honesty. My deepest condolences to Terry at this difficult time. Nikki Deen ( Jahera Afghans)

We will always remember Liz with great affection for her friendship and support over the years, having given Maddie her crowing CC at WELKS in 1992.
We were also pleased that when we found out about her illness she told us she took comfort and strength from the way Clive dealt with his illness. It is such a pity that her treatment was not as successful. Our thoughts go out to Terry, the family and Liz's close friends. Susan and Clive Winters (Tokando Afghans)

Avril. Would you please pass on our condolences to Terry and family at this very sad time. Liz was a very brave lady. Jackie and Alan Buttle

We would like to add our condolences to the long list of those already expressed at this tragic time for Terry, family and all those who held Liz dear in their affections. Liz obviously bore her illness with a great deal of courage, and we should all feel proud to have known a woman with such character. In the relatively short time we knew her, she came across as a wise and generous woman, both in terms of humour and advice. We will miss her. Regards Rich and Jan Twentyman (Gothika Afghans)

Hi. All I can do is reiterate all that has been said about Liz, I served with her on the Midland committee for a while, she as said by others, was an attribute to our breed. She will be greatly missed My heart and sympathy go out to Terry she will be sadly missed Claire Millward and all at (Alouann Afghans)

Please pass on our deepest sympathy to the family. Jackie Michael Christopher and Robert Day (Khorinyas Afghans)

Like others I was shocked to hear this news. My deepest condolences to Terry at this so very sad time. I will remember Liz with affection. Carolyne Allward-Chebsey (Lorah Afghans)

My thoughts are with Terry and family and friends of Liz, especially today Christmas Day. Liz was a lovely lady who will be very missed by so many people.  Avril please pass my condolences on to Terry. Hazel Cranham (Zanavar Afghans)

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