Tondu RFC stalwart Don traded boxing tales with Joe
THIS week, thanks to Tondu RFC press officer Mike Sully, we share memories of club stalwart Don Owen.
Don died on December 30 aged 78 after a long illness. But his passion for sport and work in the community will ensure his memory lives on.
Born and brought up in Penywaun, Aberdare, with brother Trevor, Don signed up to join the RAF at the age of 17.
He became an engine mechanic and later worked as a lorry driver and for the National Coal Board.
In 1965 he married Janet and they enjoyed 51 years of happy marriage. They had three children; Dean, Donna and James and five grandchildren; Jessica, Rhys, Edward, George and Emily.
Don and Janet ran the Mackworth Arms in Aberdare and then the Prince of Wales pub in Aberkenfig between 1978 and 1989.
For the last 17 years of his working life he worked as a store man for Sketchley Apparel Master, and later Johnson Apparel Master in the Ford factories in Bridgend and Swansea. Don was also the steward for Aberkenfig Conservative Club and Tondu Rugby Club.
Boxing fanatic Don established the Aberkenfig Boxing Club with friends in around 1982 as he had been a boxer while in the RAF. He also later be- came a referee and judge and medical secretary for the Welsh Amateur Boxing Association.
One of Don’s highlights in recent years was meeting the once undisputed world heavyweight boxing champion Smokin’ Joe Frazier at the Court Colman Manor Hotel in Penyfai.
The American legend, famed for his rivalry with Muhammad Ali, had been brought to Wales by friend and Kenfig Hill musician Jayce Lewis.
Don heard about his arrival and went straight to the hotel, only to find Joe had gone to bed. But his manager told Don to return in the morning.
He did and got chatting to Joe, explaining his love of boxing and his own experience as a boxer in the RAF. Joe was said to have been surprised and impressed at the amount of knowledge Don had about his career.
A photograph of Don and Joe together took pride of place in Don’s home.
Don, a former press officer for Tondu RFC, was also a well-known golfer and formed what is now the Tondu Golf Society. He was also a keen gardener and was involved with the Scout movement.
Don also received an award for donating 54 pints of blood over the years and was disappointed when his illness meant he could no longer continue.
Having been honoured with life membership of Tondu RFC, his photo now hangs in the club, where he is mi s s ed by all.