Tributes to former archdruid
EX-PROSE MEDAL WINNER PRAISED FOR HIS WISDOM
ALAWYER and former columnist who became the Archdruid of Wales has died. Robyn Lewis, from Pwllheli, was the first winner of the National Eisteddfod Prose Medal to become Archdruid.
He had been in poor health for some time and died at a care home in Nefyn last Monday at the age of 89.
A retired solicitor, barrister and former columnist, he won the award for prose at the Eisteddfod in 1980 and was elected Archdruid in 2002.
He was not at the recent National Eisteddfod in Llanrwst, which was the first time for many years he had missed the festival.
Gorsedd Cymru said that Robin Llŷn (his bardic name) was “a colourful character with strong opinions and we will miss him in the Gorsedd and on the Eisteddfod stage”.
The organisation said: “His thinking was sharp and his advice wise and worthwhile. His expertise in the world of law was a great asset to the Gorsedd, and he had an excellent command of words.
“He took pride in his role as a former Archdruid and enjoyed being involved in all Gorsedd ceremonies and events. He was sorely missed on stage in Conwy County last week.
“We send our deepest sympathies to his family and remember his outstanding contribution to the world of literature here in Wales and to the Gorsedd and his work.”
A National Eisteddfod spokeswoman said they were “very sad” to hear of his death.
“We thank him for his lifetime contribution and we send our deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time,” she added.
In addition to being active in Welsh literature, Mr Lewis was involved in Welsh politics,
first standing to be an MP for the Labour Party in Denbigh in 1955, then becoming a councillor for the former Lleyn Rural District Council.
In 1970, he stood for Plaid Cymru in Caernarfon, winning a third of the vote.
He resigned from Plaid Cymru in 2006 in protest at the decision of Elinor Bennett – the wife of then party leader Dafydd Wigley – to accept an OBE from the Queen.
Former Plaid Cymru Parliamentary leader Elfyn Llwyd said Mr Lewis was “one of the most significant people of the last century”.
His greatest contribution was probably his work of writing legal terms in Welsh, and his substantial volume, Geiriadur y Gyfraith, set the standard in the field.