Prominent Llanelli citizen dies

One of Llanelli’s most prominent citizens, the architect Wynford Lewis, has died at the age of 83.

Mr Lewis had a long and distinguished career as an architect, working on projects in Llanelli and further afield. He cared passionately about the community of Llanelli and was actively involved in charitable causes and local organisations. He celebrated his 83rd birthday on March 16 and his passing came as a shock to family and friends.

His son Philip said: “His last birthday was celebrated with the usual family gathering, where he surprised everyone by rising to his feet and making a little speech thanking Val for all their years together and saying how proud he was of his children and grandchildren. This made everyone very emotional, to say the least.”

Mr Lewis and his son Philip were the twin pillars of the firm of Lewis Architects, of Park Crescent, Llanelli. Mr Lewis was born and brought up in Seaside, Llanelli. His family worshipped at St John’s Church.

His father was a partner in an electrical contracting firm, namely Lewis & Rees. Mr Lewis was educated at Copperworks Infants and Boys Primary Schools, followed by Llanelly Boys Grammar School. He was an accomplished pianist and tennis player in his young days.

In 1954, he graduated from the Welsh School of Architecture in Cardiff with distinction after winning a number of in house awards. From there, he went to work for Carmarthenshire County Council’s architects department for two years but was then approached by W Griffiths and Son, Architects and Surveyors in Llanelli. He started work in September, 1961, a month after getting married to Val, who had been part of his life since 1955.

He was eventually made a partner and remained there until the end of 1994. In 1995 he and his son Philip, who by now had graduated from Cardiff and joined the firm, started up their own business, where he remained until the present day. Son Philip said: “He loved to be in the hub of things and keeping his mind active.”

He spent 58 years as a practising architect, during which time, after being approached by the then Clerk to the Town Council, Mr Selwyn Samuel, in 1978, he served as Llanelli Town Council’s Consultant Architect for many decades. He was a member of Llanelli Rotary Club, eventually becoming President and Club Secretary. In his younger days he was a Freemason.

He was awarded the Order of St John for services to the town. Tom Lewis, a local magistrate and businessman got him on board to fight for a Hospice for Llanelli and in the mid 90s he played a big part in the design of the Ty Bryngwyn Hospice. He served on the St David’s Diocesan Board for a number of years as their consulting architect.

At one time he was a member of the Brin Isaac sports charity organisation. Family came first and he was very proud of his children and grandchildren. He had many interests, including classical and contemporary music and sports including rugby and cricket. The funeral will be held at Llanelli Crematorium at 11am on Friday (May 3).