TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Flintshire councillor who has been hailed as an 'inspiration'.
Gareth Roberts, from Holywell, died on Tuesday June 11, following a battle with terminal cancer.
The 86-year-old was a councillor for over 50 years, representing both Flintshire County Council and Holywell Town Council, before stepping down in 2018.
Mr Roberts had also been married to his wife, Gwenllian, for half-a-century before she died in December 2022 and the couple had two children; Rhodri and Gina.
Aside from his work as a councillor, he had worked for British Steel as a computer programmer and systems analyst.
He was also a 'huge supporter' of Holywell Town Football Club and Everton.
Paying tribute to Mr Roberts, his son Rhodri said: "His passion was local politics and he absolutely loved helping people.
"When he was a councillor, he would go around knocking on people's doors getting to know them all and would even help people outside of his electoral ward."
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Rhodri added: "He liked his football in general, but Holywell Town was the club he loved, as well as Everton who he used to go an watch when he was younger.
"He was my inspiration and was someone I always looked up to. Legend is a term that's banded around often now but that's what dad was to me and so many others."
Holywell Town Football Club also released a tribute to Mr Roberts.
The club wrote: "Everyone at the club was saddened to hear of the recent death of lifelong Holywell supporter Gareth Roberts.
"Gareth has supported the club for many decades and was the first person to buy a season ticket each season and would watch the team play home and away.
"Despite ill health, he continued to watch the team last season and was delighted to see the club win the Cymru North title.
"Gareth was a Plaid Cymru Councillor who would campaign vigorously for local issues, including ensuring that the club remained at its Halkyn Road ground 20 years ago when the council had plans to relocate the club.
"He will be sadly missed and the thoughts of everyone connected to the club go out to his family and friends. Gorffwys mewn heddwch Gareth."
A funeral service for Mr Roberts will be held at Northop Crematorium at 11am on Wednesday, June 26.
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