A genuine friend of Welsh farmers and farming in general is how North Wales AM Brynle Williams should be fondly remembered, said Farmers' Union of Wales president Gareth Vaughan today.
Mr Williams was vice chairman of the FUW's Flintshire branch in 2000 when he was one of the leaders of farmers' protests at Stanlow oil refinery at Ellesmere Port when week-long blockades over escalating fuel prices spread and brought the country to a standstill.
"Brynle went on to become chairman of the branch between 2001 and 2003 until he was first elected as a Conservative AM for North Wales," said Mr Vaughan.
"He was also an enthusiastic and popular member of the union's central land use and parliamentary committee at this time and I know FUW members across Wales would want me to pass on their heartfelt sympathy to all his family and friends.
"Since becoming an AM he stayed firmly rooted in his farming background and fought tirelessly for farming and rural areas. He remained a genuine friend of Welsh farmers and farming in general.
"He was always easily accessible, helpful and cheerful. His selfless devotion to securing a better future for Welsh farming will be sorely missed by everyone."