Tributes have been paid to a “community champion” who spent 22 years serving the people of Llangefni and Anglesey.

Alwyn Rowlands, known to most as ‘Ali’, collapsed at his home in Malltraeth on Christmas Day after suffering a brain haemorrhage.

But despite being taken to hospital, the 53 year-old died some six weeks later having never regained consciousness, with his recent funeral being attended by over 400 mourners.

For over 22 years, Ali had worked at Llangefni Town Council as the estates manager and was responsible for the maintenance of the playing fields and cemetery as well as co-ordinating events such as the annual Remembrance Service and the Christmas Lights display.

He leaves behind his fiancée of over 38 years, Jude, who described him as her “best friend and soul mate.”

“We have seen and done so much together,” she said.

“He was a kind, loving caring man with a big heart and a massive smile and his laughter would fill any room.

“Al always put others before himself. He has cared for so many family and friends over the years.

“He loved life and lived it to the full, was always busy doing something and
helping others.

“His community and its people where very important to him and he was involved with so many charities.

“He enjoyed being in his friends’ company and was life and soul of every party.

“Our nieces and nephews were a big part of his life and his wise words to them would always be ‘Love your life and believe in yourself’.

“He’s going to leave a big hole in so many people’s lives, especially mine.”

The Mayor of Llangefni, Ieuan Davies, a friend dating back several years, said: “The news of Ali’s sudden passing away affected me individually with an immense feeling of shock as I’d known him personally from my early childhood years.

“His knowledge, connections and experience will be a huge loss to the town of Llangefni and his employer, the town council.

“Alwyn leaves a huge void due to his many voluntary commitments he has supported within the town and also in his own community.”

Among the mourners at his funeral held at Eglwys Santes Fair, Llangwyfan, was county councillor Peter Rogers who for many years had worked alongside Alwyn as part of the Malltraeth Ymlaen community group.

Cllr Rogers said, “The massive show of appreciation and love to Alwyn at the funeral said it all.

“From this turnout It was so obvious that he was a legend not only to his cherished community of Malltraeth but also in his amazing commitment and beyond to his everyday work with Llangefni Town Council.

“His and Judith’s total kindness and in particular to children and the elderly in the Community was inspiring and typically, none more than his final moments preparing to entertain the residents of Rhos Nursing Home on Christmas morning.”

For many years Alwyn had been the driving force behind the very successful Llangefni Carnival and was the Chairman of the Committee.

Liam Griffiths, a fellow member of the committee said, “Ali was our anchor in the storm of carnival organisation. But most of all he was our friend.

“With strength and sheer determination to deliver his absolute best he gave everything he could. He will always be with us.”

In acknowledgement of Alwyn as a person and his achievements, Llangefni Town FC paid tribute with a minute’s silence prior to their home FAW Trophy game against Bodedern on Saturday February 9.

The club also deferred kick-off in their home game against Barmouth a week later so as not to clash with the funeral earlier that afternoon.

Club chairman, Alwyn Jones, said: “Everyone at the club is grateful to Alwyn for all he has done for the town and the friendly support and advice he was able to offer us.

“He’s served the town and the people of Llangefni with distinction over many years and he will be sadly missed by all of us.

“We offer our sincere condolences to his family, friends and colleagues at the town council”.

Dylan Rees, the Chair of Anglesey Council and former Mayor of Llangefni, concluded: “Both in and out of work Ali laboured unceasingly to improve the lives of people within the community.

“He had a true servant heart and we will always remember him with gratitude and affection.”