THE mother of “the greatest Welsh Formula 1 driver” has died at the age of 83.
Gwyneth Pryce, mother of racing car driver Tom Pryce, died on Saturday, October 17 at Ruthin Hospital.
Her death comes four months after she watched a memorial plaque being uncovered in the centre of Ruthin in memory of her son Tom.
The memorial was set up to honour Tom who died after a fatal accident at the 1977 South African Grand Prix, where he collided at high speed with track marshal Frederik Jansen.
The Pryce family, including Mrs Pryce’s husband John moved from Brymbo to Nantglyn in the early 1950s.
The couple had two children, David, who died when he was an infant, and Maldwyn (Tom).
It was in Nantglyn that Mr Pryce took up the position of the village policeman.
The family moved around the area due to Mr Pryce’s job, and lived in Towyn near Rhyl, Denbigh and Ruthin.
Mrs Pryce lost her husband in March 2007, two days after the 30th anniversary of Tom’s death.
Tom’s best man, and family friend Trefor Williams spoke out about Mrs Pryce’s death.
“It is very sad that Gwyneth has died. The only redeeming factor is that she did live to see the memorial in Ruthin,” he added.
Ruthin Town councillor Bob Costain, a member of the Tom Pryce Memorial Trust, worked tirelessly for a memorial to honour Tom.
“I am speaking on behalf of the Tom Pryce Memorial Trust,” said cllr Costain.
“It’s very sad that Gwyneth has passed away.
“I am very pleased that we were able to unveil the memorial to her son before she passed away.”