Tributes paid to council worker after death aged 54
A BELOVED father, husband and long-standing Merthyr Tydfil council worker has died aged 54 after he is understood to have had coronavirus.
John Sellwood had worked for the local authority for 33 years and was well known to sporting and leisure organisations across both the county borough and throughout Wales.
On Thursday, the council said it was “deeply saddened” to confirm his death.
Disability Sport Wales said on Wednesday: “It is with great sadness that we have been informed that John Sellwood, head of culture, leisure and sport development in Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council, has passed away as a result of coronavirus. Our thoughts go out to John’s family at this incredibly sad time.”
Mr Sellwood was the head of culture, leisure and sports development and manager of the Active Merthyr Tydfil sports development team for the council.
He worked for the council for 33 years, where he started out as a pool attendant at Aberfan Leisure Centre. He then went on to become a manager at the former Rhydycar Leisure Centre.
Mr Sellwood played rugby for Merthyr RFC and later coached the club’s mini and junior sides, as well as Hoover Cricket Club’s junior section.
He was also a volunteer organiser for Merthyr Tydfil Swimming Club and took up skiing after his son, Thomas, became a competitor.
Council leader Kevin O’Neill said: “John Sellwood has played a huge part in sport and physical activity for many years as a coach and as a member of the Active Merthyr Tydfil team.”
He added: “He helped support all of our sports clubs and school PE departments and his passion and enthusiasm to get people in Merthyr Tydfil active knew no bounds. His legacy will continue for years to come through the work of Active Merthyr.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with John’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time, and we offer our condolences to his wife Jane and children.”