Owen John Thomas Obituary ans Death, a Champion of Welsh Culture and Politics, Dies at 84
Owen John Thomas, a dedicated politician, and passionate advocate for Welsh culture and language, has passed away at the age of 84. As a former Assembly Member and founder of Clwb Ifor Bach, Thomas left an indelible mark on the lives of many in Wales and beyond.
Born in Albany Road, Cardiff, Thomas was deeply rooted in Welsh heritage, with his grandparents hailing from a prominent family of Welsh Baptists in North Pembrokeshire. His love for Wales, its people, language, and culture drove his political career, which spanned over two decades.
As a Plaid Cymru politician, Thomas represented the South Wales Central region in the Assembly from 1999 to 2007. He was a vocal advocate for Welsh language and culture, and his contributions to the country’s cultural landscape are still celebrated today.
Thomas’s legacy extends beyond politics. He co-founded Clwb Ifor Bach, a music venue on Womanby Street, which became a hub for Welsh music and culture. His book on the Welsh language in Cardiff is a testament to his dedication to preserving and promoting the language.
Thomas’s family was his rock, and he is survived by his wife Sian, six children, and 11 grandchildren. His son Hywel, an independent Senedd Member for South Wales Central, remembered his father as a champion of Wales and its people.
Despite being diagnosed with dementia in 2013, Thomas’s passion for Wales never wavered. His legacy continues to inspire generations, and his impact on Welsh culture and politics will be remembered for years to come.
Friends and colleagues praised Thomas for his tireless work and dedication to Wales. Phil Jones and John Benson, former ASW employees and pensions campaigners, expressed their gratitude for Thomas’s support, saying, “He did so much for us regarding our pension miscarriage of justice, we at ASW will always be proud to have known a legend of a man who helped so many.”
Thomas’s love for Cardiff and its people was evident in his stories about the city’s streets and buildings. His son Hywel remembered how he would often stop to talk to people, sharing his knowledge and passion for the city.
In conclusion, Owen John Thomas was a true champion of Wales and its people. His legacy continues to inspire and motivate others to fight for the causes he believed in. His love for Wales, its language, and culture will never be forgotten, and his impact on the country’s political and cultural landscape will be remembered for generations to come.
