Mourners celebrate life of much-loved publican who drank with royalty
HUNDREDS of mourners turned out for the funeral of a legendary publican who would mix with anyone – including Prince Charles.
Hugh Alun Williams – known as Al Wern – died suddenly, aged 62, at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor, on August 22, with his family at his bedside, after suffering with mouth cancer.
On Saturday, hundreds – many wearing Wales football and rugby shirts – came to pay their last respects to the popular, “no-frills” publican known for his banter.
Mr Williams’ coffin was carried into the historic St Mary’s Church in Caernarfon by six pallbearers, including his son Ricky Williams, to the “Z Cars” theme tune, synonymous with Goodison Park and his beloved Everton.
Leading the bilingual service, The Rev Canon Roger Donaldson said they had come to say “farewell to a friend.”
Tributes were led by friend Gwynedd Roberts, who said: “He worked and played hard; there was no frills or fuss with him. He had a great sense of humour and a wicked laugh and could deliver a killer one-liner.”
At school, Mr Roberts remembered them, and a few other Everton fans, taking on the Rest at football but always losing, although attending school later became “optional” for Mr Williams.
Mr Roberts said that they learned “some very basic business skills” cut- ting and selling logs, making handrolled cigarettes, playing cards and listening to stories from drinkers at Y Fic pub, which Mr Williams now ran.
Describing his friend as a “people’s professor”, Mr Roberts said: “It wasn’t school but it was an education.”
Mr Williams’ son Ricky told of how his dad, when he was ill, insisted that he should buy grandson Cynan an Everton kit when he mentioned that the young boy was wavering towards Liverpool. He is now an Evertonian, Ricky added.
He also remembered his dad being pleased at finding a “hidden gem” of a beach on a family holiday in Australia. It was only after spending all day swimming that they saw a “No swimming” sign because of shark- infested waters.
Mr Williams’ father-in-law Carey, from Australia, called him “a legend” and “very proud Welshman”.
He once drank whisky with Prince Charles and employed cycling supremo Sir David Brailsford behind the bar.
The Rev Marcus Robinson told the congregation of how Mr Williams had once reminded Prince Charles “he needed to pay for the drink (of whisky) he’d just had” at Y Goron Fach, one of the pubs he’d previously run in Caernarfon. All the tributes were greeted with applause by the congregation.One of Mr Williams’ favourite songs, the Elgins’ Heaven Must Have Sent You, was played as his coffin was carried out, to be taken for burial at Eglwys Llanfairisgaer.
The hearse was adorned with a floral tribute to “Taid” from the family. A Welsh dragon flag and Everton’s colours were also displayed.
Mr Williams and his widow Sue, 58, ran Y Goron and Y Goron Fach pubs in Caernarfon before moving to Tafarn y Fic in Y Felinheli. She described him as “an amazing and wonderful husband.”
He leaves behind his wife, children Ricky and Peri and grandsons Morgan and Cynan. He was the son of the late Glyn and Peggy Williams and brother to Ann, Gill and the late Emrys and families. Donations were accepted towards Alaw Ward, Ysbyty Gwynedd and Heulwen unit, Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.