Tributes paid to 'kind and thoughtful' councillor after cancer death

GARY ROBERT JONES, A CARMARTHENSHIRE COUNTY COUNCILLOR, HAD BEEN SUFFERING FROM CANCER FOR NEARLY THREE YEARS SHAURYA SHAURYA 11:21, 30 May 2025Updated 11:23, 30 May 2025 Tributes have been

pouring in following the death of a Carmarthenshire councillor who had been suffering from pancreatic cancer for nearly three years. In a post on his official page by his family, Gary Robert

Jones, the councillor for the Llangennech ward in Llanelli, has been described as an “avid reader”, “campaigner”, “socialist”, and a “labour stalwart”. The late councillor leaves behind his

wife, Cara, two daughters Molly and Rowen, his sister Dawn, brother David, and son-in-law Matt. The post added that Gary passed way on Tuesday, May 27 at the Prince Philip Hospital in

Llanelli. Mr Jones grew up in Beaufort, Gwent, where he followed in his father Bob’s footsteps after finishing school by taking up a job at the Ebbw Vale steelworks as a tin plater. _Stay

informed on Carms news by signing up to __our newsletter here_ His family moved when the steelworks closed and started a new life in Llangennech, near to the Trostre steelworks. Remembering

the late councillor, the post says: “He was a trade unionist, Labour Party stalwart and loved rugby. Most of all, he was an avid and informed reader, and a collector of military

paraphernalia.” It adds: “His passion for his new village community became evident with his election as a Labour Councillor to the local Community Council, and he spent a year as chair of

the Community Council. He was also a dedicated member of Carmarthenshire as a unitary councillor for Llangennech and Bryn.” The post mentions that Gary was an active campaigner and was often

seen around his ward on “litter picks, problem solving and helping anyone in need". It concluded by saying: “His many friends on from Beaufort, Trostre, the Labour Party, Laugharne,

Llangennech and across the country will miss the humour and good conversation on a huge range of subjects. “His constituents will miss his tireless work on their behalf. The family will miss

the kindest, gentlest, most modest and generous man that ever was.” Lee Waters, the MS from Llanelli, also paid his respects to Gary for being “full of integrity” and having served

Llangennech “in a way that reflected his values.” Sharing the post by Gary’s official facebook page, Mr Waters wrote: “Gary Jones was a very good man. Kind and thoughtful, and full of

integrity. “He served his community of Llangennech in a way that reflected his values - it was never about being someone, it was about doing something. He helped people because he cared. I

know his family will feel his loss the most and they have all my love. Diolch Gary, it was a privilege to know you.” Labour MP for Gower, Tonia Antoniazzi, remembered how she taught

Gary's daughters several years ago, calling him a "fighter". She said: “I first met Gary and Cara Jones when I taught their daughters many years ago at Bryngwyn school. Family

orientated, people focussed, really fantastic people who care for their community. “Over the years we have shared many laughs thanks to the Llanelli Labour Party and mutual friends. Gary

was a fighter, his battle with pancreatic cancer was a real testament to his character and love for life.” The MP added: “To Cara, Molly, Rowen and all your family and friends my deepest

condolences and my love to you all. Rest in Peace Gary, you are loved and will be always fondly remembered.” Article continues below In leiu of flowers, the family have asked for donations

to Pancreatic Cancer UK or to the Prince Philip Hospital's Acute Medical Assessment Unit.