Eisteddfod's warm tribute to Selwyn Evans who died last Sunday

* Selwyn Evans.

A long-standing volunteer with Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and its former treasurer has died aged 87.

Selwyn Evans passed peacefully away following a short illness last Sunday.

And a warm tribute has been paid to him by the Eisteddfod's chair, John Gambles, who said he would be missed by all who knew him.

Selwyn's two sons, Emyr and Hywel, said they were saddened to announce his passing in a post on social media.

Looking back on his life, they described him as: "Beloved husband to Dilys for 61 years; father and Taid to Daniel; Luis; Beth; Morgan and Teifi."

And they went on: "Born and raised in Llandudno Junction in October 1938 Selwyn attended Ysgol John Bright in Llandudno before starting his long career in banking joining Midland Bank in Pwllheli straight from school.

"Following his two years National Service and several Midland Bank branch moves across the whole of North and Mid Wales Selwyn, moved to Llangollen in 1973 with his young family to take up the position of Assistant Manager at Midland Bank in Llangollen.

"Green Lane became the family home and Dilys soon continued her teaching school career at Llangollen Infant School in Parade St in 1974.

"Selwyn was later to take positions as branch Manager of Midland Bank in Glyn Ceiriog, and taking early retirement from Midland Bank/HSBC as branch Manager in Corwen in 1996.

"Living within the shadows of the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod ground it was not long after settling in Llangollen that the Eisteddfod came calling - with Selwyn first becoming involved as a member of both the Finance Committee and the Friends of the Eisteddfod.

"He became a member of the Board of the Eisteddfod - serving as Treasurer for many years - providing service to the Eisteddfod for over 45 years.

"A gentle and kind man is how many who met and dealt with Selwyn over the years will remember him.

"Funeral arrangements to be confirmed."

Eisteddfod chair John Gambles said: "The Eisteddfod has lost a great friend, supporter and loyal volunteer with the passing of Selwyn Evans on May 31. Selwyn gave freely of his time and experience and his considerable financial skills in a lifetime of service to the Eisteddfod. 

"Moving to Llangollen in 1973 and, as a banker, he was immediately recruited to the Finance Committee. His financial skills and experience, together with his good nature made him a perfect choice as Company Treasurer in 1991, a position he served with distinction for 15 years continuously, and then again for a further three years in 2011.

"Those who worked alongside him not only valued his commitment and loyalty, but as a wonderful family man who was interested in them as people too and he was always a welcome visitor to the office when he eventually retired.

"In addition to his long service with the Eisteddfod, Selwyn was also a founding member and Treasurer of the Friends. Along with Dilys, who was chair of Friends from 2003 to 2008, they helped to build a strong organisation to support the Eisteddfod."

Another Eisteddfod colleague Barrie Potter said: "When I took over as chair after Dilys, there was, in fact, very little for me to do, as they had it all organised. Selwyn was always a great source of support for me while I was the chair, for which I will always be grateful. He was always generous with his help. I’m sure I made mistakes in my role, but I knew I could always count on Selwyn for friendly advice, which was always that – friendly.

"He will be missed by all who knew him, and we offer our deepest sympathies to Dilys, Emyr, Hywel and their families."