TRIBUTES have been paid to a ‘kind and loyal’ man who always ‘put others first’.

Barrie Charles Williams passed away peacefully at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital on March 19 at the age of 69.

Mr Williams was a ‘proud Welshman’ who was originally from Gwersyllt and attended Grove Park Grammar school before going on to qualify as a secondary school teacher.

He moved on to teach Geography, History and English at Sefton Park Comprehensive School in Liverpool and also spent time lecturing at Glyndwr University. Mr Williams later worked for Arriva as an auditor before retiring with ill health.

For most of his life, Barrie had a keen interest in politics and was elected on to Gwersyllt’s local council where he served for 'many years'. He was also elected on to Clwyd County Council and was 'proud to represent Wrexham' as Mayor in 1998-1999.

Paying tribute to him, his family said: “Barrie successfully mixed his interests in education and politics by serving as a Governor for both Gwersyllt’s Primary and Secondary schools.

“This was a role and responsibility that he loved. It was through his council work and shared interest in local politics that he met his wife Suzanne, a past mayor of Llangollen.

“He moved to Llangollen and continued working in politics by joining the Llangollen Local Town Council.

“Although often known as a formidable character, Barrie was a kind and loyal man, who put others first.

“He thought the world of his family and was always keen to spend time with his twin grandsons, Robert and Christopher. He will be sadly missed by all of his family and friends that new him.”

Mr Williams also leaves his wife Suzanne and step-daughter Nesta.