A FATHER of two who has died at the age of just 44 whilst serving as a police officer on the other side of the world has been described as an “absolute credit” to his family.

Senior constable Dylan Owen, formerly of Abererch, left north Wales about 20 years ago to start a new life in Australia and at his funeral last week hundreds of people lined the street to pay their respects.

Police officers from Cairns and across the Far North region, including high-ranking officials, remembered their colleague by forming a guard of honour along the funeral procession route.

Mr Owen, who leaves behind his wife Danae and two young children Tomos and Kedea in Cairns, Queensland, was a well-known and well-liked member of the Llyn Peninsula community before emigrating, and many of his family still live locally.

The Cambrian News understands the popular senior constable died following a heart attack earlier this month.

Pwllheli councillor Dylan Bullard remembered the father-of-two fondly.

“I knew Dylan whilst I worked in Dwyfor Leisure Centre as he was a constant visitor,” he told the Cambrian News. “He was a very likeable lad and very polite and would always stop for a chat.

“I can’t believe the news and would like to pass on my condolences to his parents Ann and Wil, he was an absolute credit to the two of them.”

See this week’s Arfon/Dwyfor paper for the full story, available in shops and as a digital edition now