A MAN who founded and ran one of Wrexham’s best-known bus companies has died at the age of 92.

Clifford Arthur Evans, proprietor of M A Evans & Son which operated services in Acton, Rhosnesni, Maesydre and Borras, died at Broughton Hall Care Home in Wrexham on January 23.

The funeral service will be held at Trinity Church in King Street, Wrexham tomorrow at 12.30pm, followed by committal at Pentre Bychan Crematorium an hour later.

Known to his family as Cliff and as Arthur by most of his colleagues and friends, he started work as a mechanic and later worked in his own garage.

His father, Robert Daniel Evans, founded the bus company that operated a service to Acton and Rhosnesni and was later extended to Maesydre.

Following his death in 1933, the company was operated by Cliff Evans’ mother Martha Ann and so the company name of M A Evans & Son came into existence.

Mr Evans worked with the company first as a conductor and then as a driver.
During the Second World War he served in the army.

While away on active service his sister Mary and brother-in-law George helped Mr Evans’ mother run the company.

In 1985 the vehicles and operating rules were sold to E Jones & Sons of Rhos but the day before contracts were due to exchanged, Crosville applied to also operate the routes.

Mr Evans lodged a formal objection and a campaign was launched to win support for E Jones & Sons and although Crosville did operate the routes the public declined to travel on them.

Mr Evans is remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His wife died in 2006. The family were regular worshippers at Victoria Hall Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by daughters Elizabeth and Christine, son-in-law Ray, Christine’s partner Roger, grandchildren Ceri Cati and Ceinwen and great-grandchildren Jordan, Dylan and Aryssa.

There will be family flowers only with donations to the Royal British Legion.