Rugby club founder... and true family man
A TIGER BAY figure who helped found a long-running rugby club has been remembered for his dedication to helping others.
Tribute has been paid to great-grandfather Alec Neil after his death on September 29 aged 89.
Born in Tiger Bay, Alec attended Church Street school before being evacuated during the war.
Together with his brother and celebrated headteacher Betty Campbell, the teenager spent a number of years in Aberaman and kept in touch with his host family throughout his life.
As a young man, Alec found the love of his life in his wife Lena. The pair went on to share 68 years of marriage together.
The family man will also be sorely missed by children Beverly, Lorraine and Gary and grandchildren Danielle, Nadia, Sorelle, Elliott, Lloyd and Siobhan.
In 1947, the father-of-three helped form the Cardiff International Athletics Club, better known as CIACs.
After retiring from the club’s rugby team at the age of 36, Alec took on the roles of first-aider, club coach and lifelong supporter – sharing countless nights at the clubhouse with Wales and international rugby players alike.
As well as founding separate football, basketball and softball sides, the club enjoyed annual Easter tours and made lifelong friends along the way.
Known for his social conscience and need to help others, Alec also played an important role organising an anti-apartheid demonstration with the club when the Springboks came to Cardiff in the 1960s.
Away from rugby, the grandfather-of-six was known as a staunch Labour supporter and union activist.
A former foundry worker at companies including John Williams of Cardiff, Alec volunteered at the Charles Street youth project and Rumney Primary School.
Later in life, the bowls and cricket lover also became caretaker at Rumney technical college.
Of Welsh, Bahamian and West Indian heritage, the great-grandfather-of-11 loved to travel.
Alec’s funeral will be held on October 14 at 1.30pm at the church of St Mary the Virgin on Bute Street, and later at Thornhill Cemetery at 3.30pm.