Anglesey Council has lost a highly respected councillor and a stalwart of Welsh football.
Councillor Trefor Lloyd Hughes MBE has passed away after a period of illness.
Trefor was elected on to the Isle of Anglesey County Council in 1995 and then again in 2008. He represented the Ynys Gybi ward until his passing. During this time, he also served as the Chairman of the County Council and Chairman of the Anglesey Charitable Trust.
It was football rather than politics, however, that was his true passion. His footballing journey took him from 15-year-old volunteer with his local village side, Bodedern, to the distinguished role of Football Association of Wales President.
Council Leader, Councillor Gary Pritchard, paid tribute to his political colleague and a dear friend.
He said:
“Trefor spent his life serving his community in Holyhead as a Town Councillor and as a County Councillor, but his first love was football.
“On a personal level I will miss our long conversations about the beautiful game. We never managed to discuss politics for too long before we started discussing the hopes of the island’s football teams or the trials and tribulations of the national team. He was very highly regarded, not only in Holyhead and Anglesey, but throughout Wales and beyond.”
“I send my deepest condolences to Janet his wife and all the family at this incredibly sad time.”
Trefor was a huge advocate of grassroots football and spent time as secretary of the Anglesey League, Welsh Alliance and North Wales Coast Football Association. He later became the North Wales Coast FA Area Association representative on the Football Association of Wales (FAW) council.
Trefor was elected as FAW president in 2012, having previously served as treasurer and senior vice-president. He also spent six years as an official UEFA international football delegate – a role which took him to football stadia around the world – before stepping down in 2019. He was also awarded an MBE in 2016 for his services to football.
Anglesey Chief Executive, Dylan J. Williams, said:
“Trefor was a tremendous character and a true football man who left his mark on both the national and international stage. As a politician, he was experienced, astute and always there to guide and help younger elected members. He served his community, the County Council, local and Welsh football with distinction for many years.”
“Trefor’s passing will be a considerable loss primarily to his family and friends, but also to Holyhead, Anglesey and the whole of Wales. He was a true gentleman, who was always supportive and shared a positive outlook on life.”
“My thoughts and sympathies are with Trefor’s family and friends.”
A retired ambulance driver, Trefor also represented the Maeshyfryd ward on Holyhead Town Council and had previously served as the town’s Mayor. He also served as a member of the Anglesey Borough Council in the early 1990s.
