‘UNBELIEVABLY KIND AND LOVING PERSON’
THE theme of this year’s Llŷn Bible Week is “Nothing... but Christ” / “Dim Byd ... ond Crist”. Steve Levy of Swansea will bring four expositions from Colossians. This short letter is full of Christ: His glory, His power and His saving sufficiency for His people. The Bible Week takes place from August 27-30 at Capel y Drindod, Pwllheli at 7.30pm. A bilingual service to celebrate 160 years of Holy Trinity Church, Penrhyndeudraeth will be held on Sunday, September 2 at 10.30am. The church was built by donation from Mrs William Cernffydd Oakley of Plas Tan Y Bwlch in 1858. An exhibition by Clwb Camera Deudraeth Camera Club featuring images relating to the church architecture and historic churchyard, with supporting Family History records supplied by Gwynedd Family History Society, will take place throughout September at the church, open daily, 9.30am-3pm until Friday, September 28.
AYOUNG, fit and active deputy head teacher died after collapsing while exercising in the gym.
The heartbroken family of keen sportsman and deputy headteacher at Ysgol Friars in Bangor, Gareth Parry, who was just 40 years old, said they were devastated by his death.
They described him as a “kind and generous man who would do anything for anyone.”
The dad-of-two died after he collapsed while on the treadmill at the Arfon tennis centre in Caernarfon on Wednesday evening.
Mr Parry could not be saved despite frantic efforts from gym staff, paramedics, and medics at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor.
Mr Parry’s father-in-law Dennis Pritchard described him as “Kind, generous and loving”.
He said: “Gareth was a dedicated family man.
“He was as unbelievably kind, generous and loving person as you would come across.
“He would do anything for anyone.”
Mr Pritchard said his daughter Zoe, who has been with Mr Parry for 17 years and married for 11, had been left devastated by her husband’s sudden death.
He has a 21-month old daughter, Beth, and six-year-old son, Jack.
Mr Parry grew up in Llanrug and took on jobs including working as a PCSO and at an oil depot before he moved into teaching.
He worked as a primary school teacher in Mid Wales before working as a maths teacher at Ysgol John Bright in Llandudno.
From there, he moved to Ysgol Friars in 2007 to work as the deputy head teacher.
Ysgol Friars headteacher Neil Foden said: “Gareth was a brilliant deputy headteacher who transformed the school’s pupil support services and made a huge contribution to the successful school which Friars is today.
“He was one of the kindest men I have ever met and one of the best friends I have ever had.
“Many pupils will remember the support, advice, time and kindness he showed them when they needed it most and his colleagues will also remember his kindness, boundless enthusiasm, humour and patience.
“People often say no one is indispensable but he is the closest to irreplaceable, as both a friend and a colleague, that I could ever think of and our lives, personally and professionally, will be diminished by his passing.”
As news emerged of the tragedy, hundreds of tributes were posted on social media.
One woman said: “Absolutely devastated. Gareth was an amazing teacher, loved by all the families, children and professionals who had the pleasure to have worked with him. Our thoughts go out to his wife, children, family and friends at this very sad time. RIP matey xx.”
One parent said: “My children go to Friars, we are all shocked and saddened to hear this devastating news.l.”
Another said: “As a deputy head, he was incredible, he helped both my children in so many ways, it has hit us very hard, he was a friend to everyone, he had a huge smile and a passion for his work..”
A post on the Ysgol Friars Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA) Facebook page said: “We will always think of Gareth as a wonderful human being and an exemplary teacher and mentor to our children.”
Outside of teaching, Mr Parry was a keen sportsman who had represented Wales in weightlifting as a youth.
He had just completed a coaching course, and was planning to set up an under-seven football team.
The family thanked those who had come to Mr Parry’s aid after he collapsed, and also said they were grateful for all of the support they have had.