Heartfelt tributes to sports teacher
HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a “legendary” sports teacher and one of Cardiff’s most popular rugby figures, Keri Evans, following his death this week.
The much-loved husband and father will be sorely missed by his wife Iola and their children, Dafydd and Elin Kate, as well as scores of friends, family and former pupils.
The former PE teacher at Cardiff’s Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf, renowned for his quick wit, had a hugely influential role in the lives of countless pupils and some of rugby’s biggest names, and also inspired a new generation of coaches.
Mr Evans, who hailed from Trebanos in the Swansea Valley, featured as a hooker for Cardiff in his playing days and was also capped at Wales U16 level.
During a long career as a teacher, mentor and coach, he guided some of Glantaf’s great rugby sides, although it mattered more to him that his pupils became good people. He was also a talented referee, and was the fourth official during Wales’ Grand Slam-clinching 2005 match against Ireland.
The Welsh Rugby Union say he died this week following a long illness. His family have requested anyone who would like to make a donation in his name to do so to Velindre or Marie Curie, who took great care of him.
Tributes have poured in from across the rugby and schools communities, with Ysgol Glantaf saying: “It is with great sadness that we’ve received the news of Keri Evans’ passing – former senior teacher, a loyal colleague and a dear friend to all who came across him.
“He was an integral part of the school and enjoyed a full career in which he positively influenced Glantaf’s pupils by supporting and inspiring our young people.
“He will always be remembered with fondness by the whole school community and we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and his many friends.”
Cardiff Schools Rugby paid tribute to a “legendary sports teacher within Cardiff and true gentleman”.
In a touching tribute, Wales and Scarlets fly-half Rhys Patchell said books could be written about the beloved teacher “and you would only begin to scratch the surface of a man who had such influence on so many”.
Patchell added it was a privilege to be picked as Mr Evans’ captain.
Wales and British and Irish Lions centre Jamie Roberts added his own personal tribute to a “wonderful man” of “brilliant values”.
“He did everything with a smile on his face – even when he was telling you off, because he understood what you were doing but wanted you to see that it was wrong,” Jamie said.
Former Clwb Rygbi head coach Gareth Williams said: “Mr Evans, Keri, KPE. Keri’s loss will be a great one for his family. His wife Iola and their children, Dafydd and Elin Kate.
“Keri was an inspiration to everyone, and his former pupils and colleagues, such as Peter Manning, Huw Gat Llywelyn, and more recently Rhydian Garner, will miss him a lot.”
Nick Robinson, former Cardiff Blues and Wales fly-half, said his “enthusiasm for the game and how it should be played in a positive way” had stayed with him, also citing Mr Evans’ memorable “skill is forever” mantra.
Cardiff Blues age-grade and academy said they were “deeply saddened” by the news, while Cardiff Blues said Mr Evans was a “huge influence on the strong rugby culture at Ysgol Glantaf ”.
Ysgol Plasmawr said: “It is with sadness that we mourn the loss of Keri Evans (KPE) a Ysgol Glantaf legend and a good friend.
“Our condolences to his family, friends and school community. He was an inspiration and a mentor to generations of young people whilst serving his whole career at Glantaf.”
Whitchurch PE department said: “WHS PE would like to offer our deepest sympathy to the family of Keri Evans his friends and colleagues at Ysgol Glantaf.
“A superb teacher and one of the nicest people you could ever meet.”
Llanishen High School’s PE department said: “Such sad news. Keri Evans was an inspiring, energetic and warm character in schools rugby.”
■ For more tributes go to wales online.co.uk