TRIBUTES PAID TO ‘VOICE OF WELSH RUGBY’
DAVID Parry-Jones, the man who was known as “the voice of Welsh rugby” has died aged 83.
The former rugby commentator and analyst for BBC Radio Five Live passed away at a hospice in Penarth yesterday.
Known to Welsh audiences as the face of Wales Today, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2009 and was cared for by his longterm partner, Radio Cymru presenter Beti George.
Born in Pontypridd in 1933, after attending school in Cardiff, Mr Parry-Jones was educated at Merton College, Oxford where he read classics and captained the Greyhounds rugby union and Authentics and college cricket teams.
After completing his national service, in 1959 he took up journalism and started his career with The Times before moving to the BBC.
He famously commentated on Llanelli’s 1972 victory against the All Blacks and was the author of several books about rugby.
Rhodri Talfan Davies, BBC Cymru Wales director, described Mr ParryJones as a “consummate broadcaster” who was admired and respected in Wales and far beyond.
“His authority and charm made him a natural presenter for BBC Wales Today,” he said.
“And in the commentary box, he quickly became the voice of Welsh rugby – one of the very best in the business.
“More latterly, his public battle with dementia – and the remarkable care of his partner, Beti George – has helped millions of people to better understand the challenges of living with Alzheimer’s, prompting a public debate about dementia care.
“Our thoughts today are of course with Beti and David’s family.”
The couple took part in a BBC documentary earlier this year to raise awareness of the condition called Beti And David: Lost For Words.
Speaking at the time, Beti George said: “We have such a good relationship still – David’s not a burden, he’s actually rather loveable and easy to deal with.
“I know many others don’t have things so lucky and have to cope with outbursts of aggression from the people they’re looking after.
“David’s still got his humour and we still laugh together a lot.
“What is more, he’s never failed to recognise me and I know he appreciates everything I do for him.”
Western Mail columnist Carolyn Hitt also wrote about his illness in February.
She said: “This is the Welsh broadcasting icon who brought the erudition of an Oxford graduate to rugby reportage and the insight of a man who had been steeped in the game since his youth – from the schoolboy enclosure of the Arms Park in the 1940s to skippering Cardiff Harlequins RFC.
“In his trademark sheepskin coat, he cut an elegant and eloquent figure on the Welsh and British rugby scene.
“And he was as impressive with the written as the spoken word.
“The award-winning author of 16 sports books, David was also a rugby correspondent and columnist for The Times and Sunday Mirror.
“I had grown up with David as the face of Wales Today and the voice of Welsh rugby, so when our paths crossed regularly in my adult life I was pretty awestruck to be in his company.
“But with his usual charm, warmth and sense of fun, he put me at ease from our first meeting.”
Tributes: Page 30