TRIBUTES ‘Danny was a lovely man who always had time for everyone’
A COMMUNITY figure who dedicated 50 years to football in the Cynon Valley has died.
The life of Danny Evans from Penywaun has been celebrated following his death on January 7 aged 69.
A grandfather to six and a former miner, Mr Evans held top roles in the Aberdare Valley Football League and the South Wales FA.
Born in Penywaun, Danny began volunteering with his local club from the age of 12 hand delivering match details to opponents and referees.
From there he was elected to the management committee of the Aberdare Valley Football League in 1974 and remained with the organisation as secretary then treasurer, helping ensure generations of footballers could play the sport.
As well as football, Mr Evans also played bowls and was involved in cricket around the area.
A miner for more than a decade, he juggled his work with the football community with various jobs around the area including as a park keeper before retiring several years ago.
Paying tribute, his son Lee said: “He always put his family first. He was a down-to-earth, regular person who had time for everyone. Nothing was ever too much of a problem.”
“He retired but football has always been his main love.
“He has travelled hundreds of thousands of miles to watch it – west, east, south and north. He was well known not just in the Cynon Valley, but all over the country.”
Councillor for Rhigos, Graham Thomas said: “Danny has always carried out his many duties in a friendly and conscientious manner demonstrating his keen community spirit.
“His passing will be a sad loss to all that knew him and to the community at large. We will all be thinking of him and his family at this sad time.”
Aberdare West councillor Ann Crimmings added: “I would like to offer my sincere condolences to Danny’s family. Danny was always supportive and eager to work with us, representing football and Aberdare Valley Football League.
“His passion and dedication to the sport over the years has been immeasurable; he was a lovely man who always had time for everyone – he will be truly missed.”