Tributes are being paid to former Rhondda Cynon Taf Councillor and Mayor John Watts, who has sadly passed away following illness.
Rhondda-born Mr Watts was elected to represent the Ystrad ward on Rhondda Cynon Taf Council in 2004 and served his local community until 2017.
During that time, he served as Chair of the Council’s Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee and also as Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf during the 2014 Municipal Year.
One of the highlights during his time as Mayor was presenting the Freedom of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough upon the late Bernard Baldwin MBE, the founder of the Nos Galan Road Races, during a ceremony held at the Cynon Valley Indoor Bowls Centre in Mountain Ash.
Mr Watts’ Consort during his term as Mayor was his late wife Anne, accompanying him to many civic and charitable events. The couple were married for over 50 years.
A minute’s silence in memory of John Watts took place during a full meeting of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, held on Wednesday, February 9.
Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, said: “John was passionate about his community and was heavily involved in so many local groups. He was someone who loved where he lived and represented his community so well during his time as a councillor.
“We mourn his sad passing and send our sincere condolences to his family at this time.”
A former coal miner, Mr Watts was a National Coal Board apprentice at Tonypandy Powerhouse in 1958. He began working underground at Cambrian Colliery in 1960 before moving on to Lady Windsor Colliery, Ynysybwl, where he worked until 1967. He later worked in the engineering industry, based in Llwynypia, before retiring from work in 2010.
Posted on 11/02/2022