More tributes to Aled Roberts who leaves 'a towering legacy of public service'

Tributes have poured in for Welsh Language Commissioner Aled Roberts who passed away on Sunday aged 59.

The former Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member and Leader of Wrexham Council, from Rhosllannerchrugog, was described as a "role model community servant" who wanted a Wales where people can speak Welsh every day.

Aled Roberts, Welsh Language Commissioner.

Councillor Ian Roberts, Leader of Flintshire County Council, paid tribute, saying: "We have heard the sad news that Aled Roberts Commissioner for the Welsh language had died. Aled had been a Wrexham Councillor and Leader of Wrexham Council, a Regional member of the then Welsh Assembly for North Wales and more recently Welsh Language Commissioner.

"It is clear to all that Aled loved the Welsh language and the importance of developing the Welsh language. Aled was very kind to Welsh learners and interested in the development of Welsh learners and encouraging them to use the Welsh language and to build their confidence. This is particularly important when we consider the ambition of the Welsh government to achieve 1 million Welsh speakers by 2050.

"The Council will be writing to Aled’s wife, Llinos, and his family to express our condolences to them on his sad passing."

Then Mayor Aled Roberts talking at the launch of the Golden Opportunity appeal.

Councillor Huw David (Bridgend), Welsh Local Government Association Presiding Officer, also paid tribute.

He said: “He was an exceptionally respected figure as WLGA spokesperson for the Environment, Sustainability and Housing for many years. A committed public servant to his core, he had served his community with distinction as a councillor on Wrexham County Borough Council before being elected leader of the authority in 2007.

“Aled continued to be a keen advocate for localism and education on his election to the National Assembly in 2011 and maintained a close, constructive working relationship with the WLGA and local government following his appointment as Welsh Language Commissioner in 2019.

“An affable man with an unshakeable commitment to Wales and his community in Rhos, Aled leaves a towering legacy of public service. His passing will be keenly felt by all who worked with him, and we extend our deepest sympathies with this family and friends at this sad time.”

Leader readers paid tribute on our Facebook page:

• Trudi Angell said: "Aled was such a lovely and friendly gentleman. He was so helpful with the Sixth Form students at Ysgol Rhiwabon when he gave talks for their Welsh Bac studies. My thoughts go out to your family at this sad time."
• Jackie Aitken said: "Gosh, so young! I knew Aled through our roles in the Courts. Always a smile and a kind word. Had time for everyone. My condolences to his family."
• Leanne Gibbons said: "Had the pleasure of working with Aled years ago, such a kind and caring man. Thoughts are with his family."
• Franca Di Sessa said: "Condolences to family and friends, I had met him a few times at various meetings he was a very lovely and approachable person."

• Elaine Bennion said: "RIP Aled, I worked with him years ago through my role in Legal Aid when he was a solicitor, he was always great to work with and had a great sense of humour."