Tributes have been paid to an Aberystwyth man who was a leading light in the Urdd movement and built Y Lanfa in the town’s marina.

Prys Edwards, who had lived with Parkinson’s disease for several years and latterly dementia, passed away last week aged 78.

His son Sion said that Mr Edwards had been ill for a long time but had “fought very bravely and stayed incredibly positive”.

“Luckily as a family we had time to say our farewells,” Sion told the Cambrian News.

“We are all incredibly proud of his many achievements and we will miss him dreadfully.

“Clearly he was so respected and achieved a lot of things in his life.”

Mr Edwards, who designed and built Y Lanfa in 1995, will be most remembered for his involvement with Urdd Gobaith Cymru, an organisation founded by his father Sir Ifan ab Owen Edwards in 1922.

He was at various times the Urdd’s treasurer, chair and president before becoming an honorary president.

Sian Lewis, the Urdd’s chief executive, said there “was nothing the Urdd couldn’t achieve in Prys’ eyes”.

“His biggest dislike was underachievement or missed opportunities. His friendship, advice and vision were invaluable. He will be sadly missed,” she said.

Urdd chair Dyfrig Davies said Mr Edwards “grew up in a household where the organisation was part of the family”.

“The movement and Prys were really one,” he said. “His voice and enthusiasm are still alive and drive us to achieve the best for Urdd Gobaith Cymru.”

Mr Edwards’ brother, the late Owen Edwards, was S4C’s first chief executive, and the channel said Prys’ “leadership was instrumental in ensuring that S4C was at the forefront of the digital revolution” in the mid 90s when he served as the channel’s chair.

S4C chief executive Owen Evans said: “Prys was an instinctive leader, ready to take risks, innovate and push the boundaries.”

An architect by profession, Mr Edwards was also a member of the boards of Wales’ historic buildings service Cadw, the British Tourism Authority and the Wales Millennium Centre.

He also chaired the Wales Tourist Board between 1984 and 1992.

Mr Edwards leaves behind his wife Cath, children Lisa and Sion, and grandchildren Beca, Mali, Elan, and Ifan.

A private funeral was held on Thursday.