Tributes have been paid to a well-known Wrexham trade unionist and campaigner.

Steve Ryan, 67, from Coedpoeth, died early this week, with his family by his side, following a short illness.

His wife Myra, children Emma, Hannah and Tom, their partners Mark, Thomas and Alan, and grandson Luca, said they were devastated by the swiftness of their loss and in total admiration of the strength and fortitude with which he faced his diagnosis.

The family said: "He had so many passions and interests, a pioneer of organic gardening, a love of travel, mountain walking, martial arts and Tai Chi, ancient places, dowsing, druids, history, music, festivals, politics and protest to name just a few.

"They have all touched and shaped our lives, he was much loved and will be with us forever."

Friends and former colleagues have also paid tribute to his work and contribution to a wide variety of campaigns during his time as a leading member of the PCS (public services union).

Originally from Dursley, in Gloucester, he’d lived in Cornwall before moving to Coedpoeth to work at the tax office.

There he continued with his passion for trade union work, which led him to be elected to the PCS national executive and eventually vice president of the union.

He was a life-long socialist and a campaigner who was a familiar and respected face on protests both locally and beyond.

After retiring, Steve started on a degree course in Modern History at John Moore's University, Liverpool. An outstanding student, just before his death he learnt he had been awarded his degree.

Former firefighter and now councillor Mike Davies said: "Steve was a passionate supporter of workers' causes and we first met to discuss support for the fire service in its pay campaign 20 years ago.

"At the time I was a fledgling local official in the Fire Brigade Union. I was impressed with his passion and dedication to good causes and it encouraged me through my journey as a union activist.

"I feel honoured to have met such a decent guy as Steve and was impressed with his dedication to good causes.

"He will be sadly missed. It would be good to raise a glass to his memory some time soon."

Darren Williams of the PCS said: "This is devastating news. There was universal respect and affection for him throughout the union and everyone who knew him will be shocked and saddened by his passing."

Fellow local trade unionist Lindsey Jones said: "I'm truly saddened to hear this. Steve was the heart and soul of not just Wrexham office but the North Wales & North West PCS Branch and PCS nationally.

"A true force of nature and a man I will always be proud to call my friend. RIP comrade."

Another PCS activist, Siân Boyle, added: "I've known Steve through PCS for over 25 years and have some very good memories of demos and picket lines.

"Steve was a major influence in PCS Wales and was a friend and mentor to a lot of younger reps.

"Steve's passion for equality and justice was insatiable and a force to be reckoned with. He will be greatly missed by us all and we are thankful for the time we spent with him."

Long-time friend Cllr Marc Jones said: "We met at a Wrexham anti-apartheid meeting 35 years ago and hit it off straight away.

"He was always politically curious, a thinker, a rabble rouser, a campaigning trade unionist and libertarian socialist - and great company over a pint.

"He loved his live music, his cider and his family. My condolences to Myra and the children.

"We last spoke the day after his leukaemia diagnosis was revealed. It was typical of Steve that he wanted to start a campaign so that others didn’t have missed diagnoses that may have made a difference.

"He knew it was too late for him but, as ever, he was thinking of others. Sadly, he wasn't well enough to see that through and died a few short weeks later.

"He loved life and contributed so much to making other people’s lives better. He was a real one-off and he'll be missed by so many."

The funeral will take place at Pentrebychan Crematorium on Thursday, September 30, at 1.30pm.

Due to Covid restrictions, there will be a limit on places, and those wishing to attend are asked to register either via Steve's Facebook page or log in directly to his personal page on the funeral director's website - https://pentrebroughton.co.uk/tributes/ - where you will find all the information that you need.

The service will be live streamed for anyone not able to be present.