THE funeral of a well-respected Wrexham councillor who died suddenly last week is to be held on Thursday.

Barrie Price, right, who had served as Plaid Cyrmu member for his home village of Ruabon since 2008, and was deputy leader of his party on the council, was struck down by what is suspected to have been a massive brain haemorrhage after returning home from lunch with family and friends on Tuesday afternoon.

His widow, Elaine, to whom he had been married for 40 years, said Cllr Price’s funeral is to take place at Hill Street Presbyterian Church in Rhos, where he was an elder, at 10.30am on Thursday, followed by burial at Ruabon Cemetery.

Last week his family, council colleagues and North Wales Plaid Cymru AM Llyr Huws Gruffydd all paid tribute to him and tributes have continued to pour in on the Leader’s website.

John Brooks wrote: “Barrie was a true gent, totally sincere in all his actions, and will be sadly missed by me and all my colleagues at Remploy Wrexham.

“His support of our factory was tremendous and he always made time for us, even when he had other commitments - he was one in a million on behalf of Remploy, Wrexham.”

Malcolm Smith wrote: “I worked with Barrie for 15 years. Never a cross word between us. As close to being a brother as it's possible to be with different genes.

“A gentleman and a true friend. Will be greatly missed.

“My thoughts are with Elaine, the girls and family and friends.”

Welsh Witch wrote: “Such tragic news. Barrie was a true gentleman.

“Nothing was too much trouble, he was kind, thoughtful and always had a smile to share.

“He will be missed by all who knew him.

“Our thoughts go to Elaine and his family at this very sad time.”

A Cahill wrote: “If ever there was a councillor who deserved respect this man was the one.

“Although I only spoke with him on one occassion his whole attitude and intellegence were impressive and a shining example of a man dedicated to the people who elected him and to Wrexham as a whole.

“As a person and councillor he will be sadly missed.”

Sarfra69 wrote: “Very sad news, Barrie was a lovely and very kind man.
“He did a lot for Ruabon, he will be missed.

“Our thoughts are with Elaine and family at this very sad time.”

Democracy wrote: “If all politiicans were like Barrie Price then we would be living in a far better world.

“What a terrible loss for Ruabon, Wrexham and Wales.”