Tragic loss of beloved man who shared Wales’ stories with all ages

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Gareth Roberts was a figure who truly brought Welsh history to life for everyone, earning heartfelt tributes as a “man of the people.” Known for his unwavering dedication to local history, he believed firmly that “everywhere has something interesting about it.”

From his home in Deiniolen, he painstakingly built an archive rich with details about Dinorwig Quarry, stories of local characters and culture, and created walking maps that highlighted the historical significance of various places while promoting their names.

His passion for sharing knowledge crossed generations, engaging both schoolchildren and the elderly with equal enthusiasm. In recognition of his contributions, Gareth was honoured by being inducted into the Gorsedd of the Bards at the 2023 National Eisteddfod in Boduan. His family sadly revealed that he suffered a medical emergency during a walk with his son Gwyn, and despite immediate CPR from bystanders and care from paramedics and the Wales Air Ambulance, he passed away at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor on Good Friday.

Gareth leaves behind his wife Melanie, to whom he was married for 25 years, and their son Gwyn. A gifted illustrator and photographer, he had previously survived a heart attack in 2003 and underwent a quadruple bypass, after which he raised significant funds for charity.

His niece Karen Lewis expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of condolences, saying, “We are so touched and take great comfort from the tributes and have read each and every one. Gareth was my uncle and I was so fond of him. He was younger than my mother so he was like my big brother.”

She also extended thanks to the members of the public who administered CPR and sought a defibrillator, acknowledging, “We heard they did everything they could.” Pwyllgor Pentra Deiniolen CIC conveyed their shock and sorrow, stating, “Our hearts go out to Mel and Gwyn during this unimaginably difficult time.

Gareth was a deeply respected and truly special man. He seemed to know every corner of our area and far beyond.” They praised his encyclopedic knowledge, built on thorough research and genuine passion for local history and nature, which he generously shared with everyone, bringing joy and wonder through his captivating stories.

Huw Pritchard, trustee at Llandudno Museum, reflected on Gareth’s commitment to local history, noting, “Gareth was a great believer in the local history axiom that ‘everywhere has something interesting about it’. He proved this time and time again, sometimes from the most superficially unpromising location.” He added, “I learned a great deal about storytelling from Gareth – amongst which were not to be too long-winded (!) and the skill of bilingual presentation.”

Huw expressed that Gareth’s passing is a significant loss to the study and sharing of North Wales history and hoped others would continue his work, offering sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Nathan Abrams, a close friend, described Gareth as “an unsung hero of Welsh Jewish history.” Their friendship began about a decade ago during a guided walk in Y Felinheli, and since then, Nathan’s family joined many of Gareth’s tours across Bangor, Llandudno, and RAF Llandwrog, gaining much knowledge and even improving their Welsh.

Together, they developed the Walking Jewish History project, producing maps, walks, and talks about the Jewish communities of Anglesey, Bangor, and Llandudno. Their last collaborations marked D-Day in Llandudno and launched an exhibition on the Jews of Anglesey at Holyhead Library.

At the time of Gareth’s passing, they were working on maps of Caernarfon, Colwyn Bay, and local family histories, which Nathan is committed to completing in his memory. He said, “He will be much missed as a friend but also for his work on our local history. May his memory be a blessing.”

When Gareth’s 2023 Eisteddfod honour was announced, Gorsedd Cymru described him as “a man of the people and a man of his locality,” highlighting his efforts with Menter Fachwen’s young people and local school pupils to connect them with their heritage.

They praised his creation of a local archive, his energy and enthusiasm, and his inspirational talks, tours, and exhibitions, including his walking maps that promote place names and encourage physical and mental wellbeing.
The funeral service will be a private occasion for family and close friends.