IN 2023, we sadly lost some fantastic members of our communities.
Yesterday, we shared an article remembering some of those we lost this year.
On New Year's Eve, we pay tribute to some more of those who are no longer with us.
Phil Phillips
The 73-year-old ran Wrexham Town Trails tour guiding alongside his wife and won national awards for his tour guiding - including from Croeso Cymru (Visit Wales). Phil was known for his love of Wrexham and its community. Tributes poured in after he sadly died after suffering a heart attack whilst on holiday in Canada in September.
Peter Norman
The founder of the Village Bakery Half Marathon, Peter was a world triathlon title winner in his 70s.
His own successes in ironman triathlons and duathlons were all the more remarkable because he didn’t take up running until he was in his 50s.
The competitions took him right around the world and he was still running earlier this year, winning his age-group in the World Duathlon championships in Ibiza in April. He sadly died of cancer in June, aged 86.
Jon Kennedy
The 46-year-old, from Buckley, tragically died in a road traffic collision on the A55 in September. A talented musician, he was previously the bass guitarist and a singer in the world-renowned metal band Cradle of Filth for a year between 1994 and 95.
He was also known as 'Jonny Darko' - and was one of the founders of the black metal band Hecate Enthroned.
Edward Simon Jones
Edward, known better as Simon, made headlines last year after buying his first home - aged 86, earning him the tag of Wales' oldest first-time buyer. But Simon, from Mostyn, was best known for being an "absolute gentleman". He sadly died last summer following a short battle with stomach cancer.
Angela Williams
The 62-year-old tragically died in a road traffic collision in her home town of Flint in June. Her family said in tribute: "She was an incredible person who overcame many obstacles in her life, whilst being a support to others. She was such a positive presence in our family."
They added: "Angela was popular in her local community and spoke highly of her friends. We would like to thank them all for making her feel welcome in Flint."
Gareth Bowen
The 46-year-old, from Broughton, was tragically swept out to sea whilst on rocks at Trearddur Bay, Anglesey, on July 29. His body was sadly discovered on August 2. Over £7,000 was raised in his memory for the RNLI - which assisted in the search for Gareth.
Andy Thomas
The 54-year-old, from the Summerhill area of Wrexham, tragically died in a road traffic collision in June. He was described by his family as having been a "ray of sunshine". A tribute said: "Andy Thomas was a wonderful husband, son, father and brother who was tremendously loved by many, many people.
"He was a huge motorbike enthusiast who lived his life to the full, making the most of every day possible.
"He was an absolute ray of sunshine, who put others before himself at all times and devoted his life to his family."
Maria Edwards
The Wrexham AFC fan, from Llangollen, bravely fought a brain tumour for three years. She sadly died in May, aged just 34.
"Maria, or Minnie, as we called her, fought it (the cancer) head on," her parents said in tribute.
"She remained positive until the very end. She never wanted to stop the chemotherapy as she truly thought she'd beat it.
"Maria referred to her brain tumour as 'Timmy the ticking time bomb' - she'd always find a way to lighten the mood, that's just the sort of person she was."
Paula Challoner
The 55-year-old mum and grandmother, from Acrefair, "left an impression on everyone she met". She was a hugely popular character at her workplace; the former Marks and Spencer shop based at Eagles Meadow in Wrexham. She sadly died in March.
Colin William Hale
He was known to many for his family-run jewellery business in Wrexham city centre, PW Hale.
Aged 83, Colin died on January 5, 2023, following a long battle with dementia.
His family said in tribute: "He loved his shop and his life. He would always help anyone out, and was a real upstanding pillar of the community."
Dave Birch
Dave was a former Connah's Quay town councillor and community stalwart. He served the Golftyn Ward for a number of years, and was a former chair of the town council. He was also vice chair of the Connah's Quay Labour Club over 12 years. He sadly died suddenly in February, aged 64.
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