TRIBUTES have poured in for a "big, big hearted" Anglesey community champion.

Residents of Malltraeth and the Llangefni area are mourning the death of Alwyn “Ali" Rowlands who has died aged 53.

He was well known on the island for his "unceasing" voluntary work.

Mr Rowlands collapsed at his home in Malltraeth on Christmas Day after suffering from a subarachnoid haemorrhage.

He died in hospital six weeks later having never regained consciousness.

His funeral, attended by over 400 mourners, was held at the cemetery of Eglwys Santes Fair, Llangwyfan on Saturday, February 16.

Attending the funeral was County Councillor Peter Rogers who worked for many years alongside Alwyn as part of the “Malltraeth Ymlaen” community group.

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

"From the 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 over 22 years Alwyn worked at Llangefni Town Council as the estates manager and was responsible for the maintenance of the playing fields and cemetery as well as coordinating events such as the annual Remembrance Service and the Christmas lights display.

Councillor Ieuan Davies, Mayor of Llangefni said: “The news of Ali's sudden passing away affected me individually with an immense feeling of shock.

"I had 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."

For many years Alwyn had been the driving force behind Llangefni Carnival and was the chairman of its committee.

Liam Griffiths said: “We, as Llangefni Carnival Committee, are completely saddened by the loss of our chairman.

"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.”

Llangefni Town Football Club paid tribute with a minute’s silence in his honour prior to their home game against Bodedern on Saturday, February 9.

To avoid conflict with Mr Rowlands' funeral, the club deferred the kick-off of their home game against Barmouth to 4pm, on Saturday, February 16.

Alwyn Jones, Chairman of the Club 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 has 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, County Councillor for Canolbarth Môn and former Mayor of Llangefni said:

“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.”

Alwyn leaves Jude, his fiancée for over 38 years, who said:

“Al was my best friend and soul mate, we have seen and done so much together.

"He was a kind, loving caring man with a big, 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 very 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 is going to leave a big hole in so many people’s lives, especially mine.”