TRIBUTES have been paid to a “quiet, gentle” former mayor.
Friends, family, residents and colleagues gathered at the funeral of John Emlyn Jones, 65 of Rhuddlan, at St Mary’s Church on February 4 to pay their respects.
Mr Emlyn Jones (right), a councillor in Rhuddlan for many years, died at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd on January 26, following a battle with cancer.
Gareth Rowlands, current Mayor of Rhuddlan, said: “My wife Nerys and I knew John as a friend and former neighbour for nearly 40 years and we have happy memories of street parties, bonfire nights and neighbourly DIY when our children were small.”
“Our condolences go out to Lisa, Ceri and their mother Linda and all the family at this very sad time but we are sure that they have plenty of happy memories to look back on.”
Mr Emlyn Jones grew up in Rhuddlan, worked in men’s fittings most of his life, and was active member of the PTA at Ysgol y Castell, when his daughters Lisa and Ceri attended the school.
His family left Rhuddlan briefly but returned, and Mr Jones served as Mayor from 2008 to 2009.
Mr Rowlands said: “He undertook the role with great dignity and pride in representing his beloved Rhuddlan.
“His health had not been good in the last two years but he made every effort to attend meetings when he could and bore his illness with great courage.”
Former Rhuddlan Vicar, Rev Gareth Griffiths, worked alongside Mr Emlyn Jones as Mayor’s chaplain and spoke at the funeral.
He described Mr Emlyn Jones as a modest man who worked hard but did not claim the limelight, who enjoyed gardening, walking, photography and valued his Christian faith.
He said: “Rhuddlan was very much his community. He was quiet, but unusually for a quiet man, he got very involved in things.
“He was very active and supported groups like the Parachute Regiment. He helped everyone of all ages. He was a gentleman.”