TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Bishop of Bangor following his death at the age of 80.

The Right Reverend Saunders Davies had been living in retirement in Cardigan, Ceredigion, having stepped down from his post in February 2004 after serving the ministry for 40 years.

Born in 1937 at Ty Gwyn, Pontfaen, he began his ministry as assistant curate in the parish of Holyhead on Anglesey.

He was ordained at Llandaff Cathedral in 1963 and proceeded to hold posts all over Wales.

In 1993 he was appointed Archdeacon of Meirionnydd and Rector of Criccieth with Treflys, and he held this post until his consecration and enthronement as Bishop of Bangor in January 2000.

“Saunders was a farmer’s son, the only child of Tom and Clare Davies, who was christened and confirmed at St Brynach’s Church, Pontfaen,” long-time friend Lilwen McAllister told the Cambrian News.

“He went to Fishguard County School and then left to farm with his parents. But he then decided he wanted to become a vicar so he went back to school, passed his A-levels and O-levels and went on to college.

“At one point he studied at Bonn, West Germany, for a while.

“He was a sweet gentle boy who was also very down to earth – Saunders never forgot his roots.”

Rt Rev Davies, who died at Morriston Hospital, is survived by his wife, Cynthia, son Sion and daughter Angharad.

The funeral service took place at Cardigan’s St Mary’s Church on Saturday followed by burial at St Brynach’s Church, Nevern, Pembrokeshire­.