It is with great sadness that the Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) reports the death of Mr Richard Ap Simon Jones, Ysguboriau, Tywyn, Meirionnydd, a former FUW Vice President and Life Member.
FUW Meirionnydd County Executive Officer Huw Jones, said: “Warm tributes have been flowing into the FUW Meirionnydd County Office following the news. He had a truly excellent farming enterprise at Ysguboriau, and was well known throughout farming circles in Wales. The farm has hosted several events and open days over the years which include the FUW, Welsh Black Cattle Society and the National Sheep Association.
“Undoubtedly a farming stalwart, he was a passionate campaigner for family farming and rural communities. He was very highly respected, and was involved in several organisations throughout the Principality. He was awarded the MBE for Services in the early 1980’s, and was a Fellow of the Royal Agricultural Society.(FRAgs).”
He was a founder member of the FUW in Meirionnydd who attended the very first meeting, was County Chairman in the early 1970’s, and took several roles on a national level, including being Vice-President between 1976 and 1980. Mr Richard Ap Simon Jones made an immense contribution to the development and growth of the FUW and was renowned for bringing some humour into all discussions.
“He had an unique skill in presenting his viewpoints, and was always held in very high regard by all. Our very deepest sympathies extend to Mrs Jones and all the family at Ysguboriau,” added Mr Jones.
Throughout his farming career, he used his membership of the Farmers’ Union of Wales to battle – locally and nationally – on behalf of Welsh farming. The highlight of campaigning came in the late 1970’s – Mr Jones being a Vice President at the time - when John Silkin, then Minister of Agriculture, announced he would give The Welsh Union the same recognition as the NFU.
He was a leading member of the Welsh Black Cattle Society, a former Chair of its Governing Council, and was President in 1990. Mr Richard Ap Simon Jones had also been judging at several Shows throughout the UK. The Welsh Black herd at Ysguboriau is one of the oldest of the breed, and dates back to volume one in the herd book. Amongst his many other roles was with the former National Rivers Authority, and Chaired the Gwynedd Flood Defence Committee during the 1990’s.