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St. Aubrey Elsdon created a bench- mark in quality where only the best would do. The successes of the kennel, the key dogs that were imported and the homebred dogs that had phenom- enal careers in the show ring, would lit- erally fill a book, but without doubt the acquisition of Am/Can Ch St. Aubrey Laparata Dragon from Lilian Snook was the most significant as far as the Peking- ese breed is concerned. While The New Pekingese —now widely accepted as a classic work on the breed—was published in Nigel’s name, he was the first to admit that much of the substance of the book had actually originated with his partner. One of the many memorable quotes I attribute to Nigel Aubrey Jones when giving seminars and discussing the definition of ‘quality’ is “Quality is the difference between pottery and porce- lain.” Before Nigel died, he admitted to me that it was actually Bill who coined the expression, but Bill was of course happy for his partner to take the credit. Bill was a connoisseur and he and Nigel surrounded themselves with beautiful things; not just dogs but por- celain, bronzes, paintings, furniture and books. He was also a great Anglo- phile and fervent monarchist. When, in 2013, he was presented with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his “lifetime com- mitment to purebred dogs” he was hugely touched. He had a unique sense of style and was always immaculately attired. Patronizing the most bespoke of tailors in London, Bill’s wardrobe was sheer quality… always the best suits, shirts, ties and shoes—he was an arbiter of good taste. Bill adored his gardens and fol- lowing the “Chelsea Flower Show” on TV was an annual highlight for him. Until his death he subscribed to
Country Life Magazine . The vast gar- den at Twynn Ponds was breathtaking when in full bloom and his love of gar- dening was shared with Nancy Allen, who has been with Nigel and Bill for all her adult life, caring so selflessly for “Mr. Jones” and “Mr. Taylor” as well as the Pekingese that she groomed so impecca- bly, having been taught by the Masters. As a judge, Bill had no equal in my eyes. Not only was he hugely knowl- edgeable of all the breeds he judged, but his integrity was unquestionable. He always judged with ruthless honesty and fairness, regardless of whether or not he was faced with friend or foe. Internationally he was admired and respected as not only were the mechan- ics of his judging so flawless, his stately demeanor and impeccable manners were appreciated by show organizers and exhibitors alike. Bill’s last show was judging the Toy group for the American Kennel Club at its 2009 National Championship show where Ron Menaker was determined to make Bill’s assignment a memorable one; though at the time he hadn’t actu- ally made the decision to retire. How- ever as his mobility became limited he decided that the AKC would be an appropriate farewell and that he could “finish at the top”. He may have stopped judging, but Bill never lost his interest in the dog world. Until the time of his death, he would quiz me about dogs that I had judged when I made my weekly tele- phone calls. If there was anything that I was obviously excited about he demanded a photograph by email and within hours I would receive a detailed critique of the dog. Thankfully we sel- dom disagreed but when Bill did think differently, he would question my judg- ment in the most tactful of ways. My sympathies now go to Bill’s devoted niece Norah and of course to Nancy who was such a support for both Nigel and Bill for so many years. Nigel was my mentor and idol. Bill continued my link with him. Now he has gone. In our last tearful telephone call, Bill reminded me that it was always understood that his ashes should come to me so that I could scatter them in the same spot where we scattered Nigel’s 12 years ago, on the Welsh mountaintop overlooking his family home, Abernant- y-Groes. That is the last thing I will be able to do for my friend.
Bill visiting a Pekingese kennel in oregon when still in his teens.
The dog world has lost a very, very special person. I have lost someone I admired and loved deeply.
From HaroLd ButLEr
How can you sum up an entire lifetime of friendship? I loved him. I respected him. We had a mutual appreciation for great art, good food, drink and our dogs. I was thrilled to learn Bill made sure I have some jars of marmalade that he left for me before he went back into the hospital. We take our marmalade seriously! I will certainly think of Bill every time I open a jar of marmalade. An end of an era comes with Bill’s passing, that is for sure.
From Luc BoLiEau Knolland Farm
I have been a friend of Nigel and Bill’s since the late 1950s. They were responsible for my becoming a professional handler in Canada. After moving to the United States in 1970, I had the great pleasure of showing Pekingese bred by Nigel and Bill. I was able to do a lot of winning with the St. Aubrey Elsdon Pekingese. I tried to contact Bill, as I was in Montreal for the Christmas holiday, but was unable to reach him. I received the news of Bill’s passing while driving back to the States. Both he and Nigel were great friends, and very helpful to me with my career both in Canada and in the United States. They will be greatly missed.
one of Bill’s very favourite bitches, ch. St. aubrey Tinkabelle of elsdon. (Photo by evelyn Shafer)
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