DOLGELLAU Athletic Amateur Football Club is in mourning after losing one of its most influential characters.

Kenwyn Parry, 83, had been with the club since its formation in 1971 and served as chairman for nearly three decades between 1980 and 2006.

Mr Parry, who spent all his life living in Meirionnydd, died last Friday after complications from a fall he had earlier in the week.

His son, Stephen, also serves with the club and has been treasurer since 1982.

He said he has been touched by just how much the death of his father has rocked the town.

“The comments I’ve received both in person and online are very much appreciated, touching and a great comfort to me,” Stephen told the Cambrian News.

“I’ve practically been in tears reading some of the wonderful things that have been written about my father.

“Some of the comments have been so eloquent and heartfelt and from the most unexpected of sources, I really do want to thank everyone for their support.

“They’ve helped me through a difficult time.”

The former chairman had always been extre­mely active and had recently returned from a trip to New Zealand where he was able to meet his newly born great-grandson and namesake, Max Kenwyn.

A spokesperson for the club said: “Without Kenwyn Parry’s passion for Dolgellau AAFC and local amateur football, many of us would not have had the opportunity to play and app­reciate the beautiful game.

The spokesperson added: “Kenwyn, you’ve provided us with so much happiness and memories, you were a true gent and football personified."

See the full story in this week’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News