Tributes paid to former Plaid councillor ‘instrumental in implementing Gwynedd’s language policies’

Tributes have been made following the death of a prominent Plaid Cymru councillor who was instrumental in implementing Gwynedd’s language policies.

Maldwyn Lewis, from Porthmadog, died yesterday after a short illness. He was 93.

Former Plaid Cymru leader, Arfon MP and honorary president Dafydd Wigley said: “He was one of the founding fathers who laid the foundations for the Plaid Cymru Group on Gwynedd Council from 1973 onwards.

“He was a remarkable election agent for me in 1979 and 1983.”

Plaid Cymru MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd Liz Saville Roberts said: “It’s sad to mark the death of former Councillor Maldwyn Lewis.

“He was a key figure in establishing Gwynedd’s pioneering language policies. The vitality of the Welsh language is a testimony to the courage of Maldwyn and a small crew of Plaid councillors, officers and head teachers in the 1970s.”

As well as being a councillor, Mr Lewis was also a prominent member of a local group who took over the running of the Cob between Porthmadog and Penrhyndeudraeth.

‘Proud Welshman’

The association was formed to collect and raise money from the toll users which was then shared with local organisations and charities.

Gwynfor Owen posted on Twitter: “Very sad news from the Porthmadog area. Losing Maldwyn Lewis. A short man in height, but a giant of a Welshman, a person who contributed so much to the area with Plaid Cymru, the whole of Wales and Plaid Cymru Gwynedd.”

Mr Lewis’ eldest son, Dewi, owner of Siop Dewi, Penrhyndeudraeth, said: “With a heavy heart we share the sad news that we as a family have lost our father. He was a proud Welshman. Sleep in peace Dad xx.”

Mr Lewis said: “My  father was a proud Welshman and a lifelong pacifist. Pacifism was important to him.”

Mr Lewis leaves two other children, Geraint, a journalist living in Greece and Gwenith.

A private funeral service in the current circumstances will be held on Friday, April 16th 2021 at Colwyn Bay Crematorium.

The hearse will start from Hafod y Gest, at around 12.30pm and continue along Porthmadog High Street, over the Cob, through Penrhyndeudraeth and on to the Crematorium.

The family said it would be reassuring for them if Mr Lewis’ friends and neighbours come out to pay him their last respects if they wish – by following existing distance guidelines and restrictions. Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Mr Lewis towards Y Wylan and Cancer Research UK are received through the undertakers Pritchard and Griffiths, Dublin Road, Tremadog LL49 9RH. 01766 512091.

Newyddion trist iawn o ardal Porthmadog. Colli Maldwyn Lewis. Dyn byr o ran taldra, ond Cawr o Gymro, person a gyfrannodd gymaint i'r ardal i .@Plaid_Cymru ac i Gymru gyfan @Plaid_Gwynedd

— Gwynfor Owen (@GwynforO) April 9, 2021