FRIENDS and family will bid a fond farewell to a musician whose career stretched to more than 60 years.

John Tudor Davies, of Crescent Villas, Johnstown, died at the Wrexham Maelor on March 6 after a short stay in hospital.

The 84-year-old will be remembered for his music, particularly his association with the Rhos Male Voice Choir, with whom he worked for more than 30 years.

He began as an accompanist with the choir in the late 1950s and also served as one of its conductors from the 1970s.

He retired from his musical role in 1992 but remained life president of the choir until his death.

During his tenure with the choir, he travelled the world to concert venues including destinations in the United States and across Europe.

He also played alongside the choir at a Royal Variety Performance in the Royal Albert Hall in London and helped the choir win numerous Eisteddfod competitions in both the Urdd and national Eisteddfodau.

He was made an MBE in 2001 for his services to music through his work with the choir.

Mr Davies’ son Dafydd said: “He was very revered by a lot of people.

“He played at the Penuel Chapel for more than 60 years, and even played there the Sunday before his death.”

Those paying tribute to Mr Davies noted he would be especially remembered for Gwahoddiad (Invitation), a piece of music he wrote that has been sung by choirs around the world.

He was also a music teacher at the former Grove Park Boys Grammar School from 1961 until 1984. It became the Grove Park School in 1972. He eventually became head of music at the school.

Jim Johnson, who served as arts teacher at Grove Park alongside Mr Davies, said he had fond memories of his colleague.

He said: “He was one of life’s nice people. He had a strong intellect.

“He was a very pleasant person. His asset was that he was always able to help people.”

He added Mr Davies was also a “very good” footballer, having played in the Staff XI against the pupils at school matches.

The two kept in contact at the annual reunions of the Ruabon Grammar School Old Boys' Association. Both were former pupils.

David Ethelston, president of the Rhos choir, described Mr Davies as: “a very nice gentleman and very affable to be around”.

He said: “He was very good company. Even after he retired, for the better part of 20 years, he used to travel with the choir on their tours, and was available as a back-up accompanist.

“He kept up his support of the choir until his death.”

John Tudor Davies leaves sons Ifan, Dafydd and Rhys; grandchildren Ffion, Cerys, Ioan, Hywel and Carys, great-grandchildren Elis, Osian and Mabli and siblings Betty and George. 

His funeral is at the Penuel Chapel, High Street, Rhos, at 2.15pm on March 24, followed by committal at the Pentrebychan Crematorium at 3.30pm.