LOCAL LEGEND
Tributes after death of dedicated community worker and historian
TRIBUTES have been paid to a dedicated community worker, historian and avid maritime enthusiast who has died.
The death of John Cave MBE, who was in his 80s, was announced by his friend, Anglesey MP Albert Owen.
Leading the tributes, Mr Owen said: “It is with great sadness that we learn of the peaceful passing of John Cave – a dear friend and colleague. John, a local legend and a thoroughly decent man. I will miss him. My love and thoughts are with his family.
“John was in Parliament only last week with a group from the maritime museum and he was taking pictures, he loved capturing memories on camera.
“I have shared some important moments with him and hosted him and his family on the terrace of the House of Commons when he got his MBE, we spent many Christmas mornings at local hospitals or met for coffee.
He had a great sense of humour and he made those who knew him laugh – John was a rare gem. RIP Mr Cave MBE.”
Mr Cave had dedicated his life to community life in Holyhead.
His work with the community has ranged from organising countless fundraising events, reaching across the Irish Sea to secure firm links between the ports, and giving his time to pro- viding the people of Holyhead with a window into the town’s past.
He was particularly keen on promoting the Llaingoch area and, last year, when the local primary school was one of three closed in the town, obtained special permission to visit each one and take photographs.
“Somebody has to, because once they are closed they’re gone. Ysgol Llaingoch, Park School and Ysgol Thomas Ellis are part of the town’s history,” he said at the time.
He was awarded the MBE in the 2006 Queen’s Birthday Honours list for his work in the local community and with Holyhead’s Maritime Museum.
Paying tribute, Cllr Vaughan Williams of Holyhead Town Council said: “Heartbroken to hear of passing of Mr John Cave.
“To say he’ll be missed is a massive, massive understatement. Very sad news for our community in Holyhead. If ever a soul deserved to rest in peace its his. Sleep well John.”
Writing on Twitter, Ray Carson said: “Oh no! What a loss to the Holyhead community. Sincere condolences to the Cave family.”
And Mark Bertorelli added: “I spoke to him in Tesco a few weeks ago, he knew my dad well from “working down the railway”, not related to John but he felt like my favourite uncle, we were lucky to have him.
“His family and other friends are in my thoughts.”