A SAD TIME....HAPPY MEMORIES AND GRATEFUL THANKS.....new tributes will be added as they come in....
I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing, peacefully in her sleep, of Di Fry on Monday last, writes Andrew Brace. Thus we have lost another of the truly great breeders.I had known Di for more than forty years since she first established her Amantra kennel, named as a tribute to her two older daughters Amanda and Tracy, when we were young exhibitors on the Toy circuit in Wales and the West. Di’s kennel was first successful in Cavaliers and later King Charles and Japanese Chins. She was an instinctively gifted breeder, being smart enough to build her lines on the best available foundation stock, and always being mindful of the need to combine breed type with soundness. As one would expect of someone who was herself the height of chic and glamour, the Amantra dogs were always put into the ring in immaculate condition, perfectly presented and handled. She produced many Champions in all three breeds and was one of those rare and giving breeders who was prepared to let top quality stock go to other exhibitors when she was certain of their enthusiasm and commitment.
I vividly recall my first Championship show appointment at Southern Counties when I awarded a first CC to the beautiful tricolour bitch, Amantra Bohemian Image, a daughter of Ch Bohemian Rhapsody. She went on to win many more and it is hard to believe that this was actually 33 years ago. Di was a people-person. She was very family orientated and made friends easily. A gracious and generous host, there were many jolly parties held at Banwell where Di was totally unflappable and enjoyed entertaining her many friends. Furthermore as time went on and Amantra had become one of the leading kennels in her breeds, Di was always happy to share her knowledge with new or young enthusiasts and since her passing many have referred to her as being their mentor. Naturally bubbly and effervescent in personality, Di was always fun to be around and had a wicked sense of humour. Furthermore, whatever the circumstances she was never less than immaculately groomed and tastefully dressed. I recall many years ago driving together with Di when my car broke down. We had to wait some two hours for assistance and I swear all that time was spent with Di carefully back-combing her hair and checking her makeup! When she had the honour of judging BIS at the UK Toydog show last year friends were concerned that she appeared to be unwell and soon after it became known that she had been diagnosed with the debilitating and incurable motor neurone disease which came as a huge shock to all who loved her. With typical Di determination, she insisted on continuing to come to dog shows and even though wheelchair-bound she was still the same glamorous Di. Even when she had lost the power of speech, she continued to chat with friends via a pen and notepad; her courage was both humbling and inspiring. With the advent of FACEBOOK Di was able to communicate with her many friends around the world and she enjoyed being able to do so. Many appreciated the fact that they could stay in touch with someone they both liked and respected. Di will be missed dreadfully and we can only imagine the hurt being felt by her devoted husband Pepe, her daughters Mandy, Tracy and Marianna and her ten grandchildren. We send them all our deepest condolences...ANDREW BRACE
To my Second Mother, I will miss you so much, your help and support was always unconditional. To my second family, my love goes out to you all at this very sad time, I am here if you need me at any time of day or night I will be there like a shot. Mea Kendall
"Today when I heard the saddest possible news, I couldn’t help reflecting on the change Di Fry made to my life over 30 years ago. My search for another show quality Cavalier to join our young family and established show girl, began in 1978, but first I had to find the right breeder and that search eventually brought me to the door of Di Fry. I had watched and admired the Amantra Cavaliers for a couple of years, and then ‘once approved’ I patiently sat on Di’s waiting list until she had the right puppy for me. I’ve always been grateful for the trust Di put in me, and the quality this clever breeder graciously shared with me, a mere novice exhibitor. 34 years later, every Cavalier in my home goes back to my beloved, “Amantra Boogie Wonderland of Telvara JW,’ who proved to be a fun girl to show, and more importantly a wonderful foundation for my bloodline. My admiration for Di has strengthened even more over the years, not only for her huge achievements in several breeds, and her expertise as an international judge, but also for the radiant touch of glamour she brought to our hobby, with never a hair out of place and the smartest outfits adorning her petite frame. Di’s style, sense of humour, and lovely smile will be so missed by so many....her bravery throughout this tragic time of illness has been simply awe inspiring, and to Pepe, Tracy, Amanda and Marianna and all the family who Di clearly adored, I offer my sincere condolences on your painful and untimely loss. RIP Di..... you were one of a kind, and I will miss you." VERONICA HULL (TELVARA UK)
This is indeed very sad news. We spoke briefly to her at Manchester and at the Cavalier Club show but she was unable to talk and just smiled and gestured. Yet even in such a poor state of health she still looked smart with her hair neatly styled. If there is one word that summed up Di it was the word ELEGANT. She was always immaculately dressed whether judging or showing and her strong sense of style also applied to her dogs as they were always groomed and presented to perfection. She was the judge at the second show that we ever entered; the Eastern Counties CKCS open show in September 1980. Her top winning dogs at that time were Ch Amantra Anchors Away, Ch Amantra Bohemian Rhapsody, Ch Amantra Bohemian Image and Ch Amantra Roxy Music. We were so in awe of her line. Over the years she has bred some outstanding dogs in Cavaliers, Charlies and Chins. A lovely lady who will be sorely missed. Our thoughts go out to her family. DENNIS & TINA HOMES (LEOGEM UK)
So very sad to hear that Di has left us . Her bravery during the last , so very difficult , months have touched us all. Her loving daughters and friends helped her to keep her flag flying , to look as good as she always did , to show real pleasure when she saw her old friends .we had lunch with Di and Tracy on her Best in Show appointment at UKTOY and we thought we would see her for many years to come , in spite of that severe illness .
After 40 years of friendship , her daughters know how we feel for them . They will comfort each other , and Dis adored grandchildren ........and of course , her handsome Pepe. DI and CARL JOHNSON send loving respects to you all . In sadness xx
Such sad news, I have known Di and Tracy for 40+ years and Di has always looked the same, beautiful, immaculate and with a smile on her face and a hello to everyone. Her beautiful kennel of dogs, with champions in every breed show what a successful breeder she was. A big hug to you as well Mea, I know you have been there for the girls beyond the call of duty. To Tracy and all her family my sincere condolences x Elaine Berwick
I am so sorry to hear of this great loss to the Cavalier world. Di was such a marvelous person and certainly left her imprint on pretty much all Cavaliers today. My mother, the late Olive Darbyshire of Mingchen Cavaliers first imported to Canada, Amantra Pinball Wizard back in the 70's. This wonderful dog was the foundation of our start to the Cavalier. We were very fortunate to have imported several Amantra dogs since; the last being in 1990 Amantra Disco To Go. I give Amantra and Di Fry the credit for our success with Cavaliers then and still to this day. My condolences go to the Fry family.Louise Pearce
I first met Di at the West of England Open Show in 1972. At the time, she was the Secretary and made me feel very welcome. We have remained friends ever since. She was a talented breeder and, over the years, bred some lovely Cavaliers. She will be greatly missed. Condolences to her family, they will miss her dreadfully. Judy Wright.