TRIBUTES have been paid to a Rhos man who worked tirelessly to serve the community he loved.

Cecil Edwards has died at the age of 77 at his home in Duke Street.

He had been unwell for two years suffering from emphysema, then 11 weeks ago Mr Edwards was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus.

Mr Edwards leaves his wife Eileen and two sons Phil and Paul. Mr Edwards and wife Eileen had been married for 51 years.

“The cancer was discovered when he was having a tube fitted to help with his eating,” said Phil.

“It was a dreadful shock for us all, unfortunately the condition was inoperable.”

Phil said Rhos meant so much to Mr Edwards and he did his utmost to help others.

He was born in the village, served as a governor at the former Ysgol y Wern primary school and was one of the driving forces in getting Lottery funding to help bring the
Stiwt Theatre back to its former glory.

As a young man Mr Edwards served as a military policeman in the Army during National Service and after coming out of the armed forces joined the civilian police force working in the Wrexham area for about four years.

He then went into business running a number of garages. Phil and Paul run Tan-y-Clawdd Garage in Johnstown.

Phil said that as well as being a devoted family man who cared deeply for Rhos, his father was a very hard worker with an excellent head for business.

Trefor Williams, chairman of Rhos Aelwyd Football Club, paid tribute to Mr Edwards, saying: "On behalf of the club I extend my sincere condolences to Mr Edwards’ family.

“Tan-y-Clawdd Garage was a major sponsor of the club for many years and he was also very vociferous when backing the club’s opposition to build on the Ponciau Banks pitch a few years ago.”

Rebecca Griffiths, manager of the Stiwt Theatre, said: “The board of trustees and I would like to pay tribute to Cecil, without who the Stiwt would simply not be here today.

“Through lending his support and advice from the very beginning, Cecil helped to ensure that the Stiwt still continues to go from strength to strength. Cecil was extremely well thought of and he will be sorely missed."

A funeral service will be held for Mr Edwards tomorrow, at St David’s Church in Rhos starting at 11am.