Tributes to ex Abergele mayor

Jan 8 2009 by David Simister, North Wales Weekly News

ABERGELE residents have paid tribute to a former mayor who passed away last week after suffering a series of health problems.

David Byrne, right, a member of Abergele Town Council for more than 30 years, died on New Year’s Eve.

Current mayor Ron Peacock led tributes to his former colleague: “He was a great councillor who did some very good work for Abergele, and is someone I know will be sadly missed.”

Mr Byrne, 77, was one of the first members of Abergele Town Council when it was created following local government reorganisation in 1974 and was instrumental in helping create its system of committees, many of which still exist today.

He also held a variety of positions in local politics, including a stint on Colwyn Borough Council from 1991-96.

However, it is for his time serving as the town’s mayor in 1988-89 which many residents will remember him most fondly for.

Gele councillor Richard Waters, who also worked alongside him on the town council, said he remembered Mr Byrne as a pleasant man who used his background in the construction industry to aid the council on many occasions.

And Delyth Macrae, the town’s current deputy mayor, added: “He was a very well respected member of the council who had a great deal of specialist knowledge.”

Mr Byrne’s funeral will take place at St Teresa’s Church on Dundonald Avenue on January 13.