Welsh presenter Gethin Jones has issued a heartfelt tribute to his beloved dad who has passed away and thanking the NHS for his care during a period of illness.
On Instagram the Morning Live host expressed his feelings and relationship with his father, Goronwy Jones, whom he confirmed died on Monday, August 11. In a heartfelt tribute to his dad the presenter revealed that his dad had been “poorly for a while” but that the “importance of faith” and “his love for classical music” remained with him until the end.
Gethin spoke of his father’s love for rugby, which he shared with his son, and his gratitude towards the NHS staff that cared for him. Describing him as “strict and direct” but “always reasonable” individual Gethin said Goronwy had been a teacher for four decades and a head teacher for 28 years
On Monday afternoon the presenter wrote an extensive tribute to his father on his Instagram page. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter.
He wrote: “‘Wales defeated England..’ (the famous line from Max Boyce) – Hymns and Arias with dad last night, before he left us this morning. The most perfect, peaceful end. Welsh hymns playing, and the grandsons on speaker phone saying goodbye.
“Dad was poorly for a while, he put up a good fight, incredible really. It was so nice to see his dry humour, the importance of faith and his love for classical music shine through at the end.
“Every day I’ve been at the Heath Hospital in Cardiff, someone would stop me and ask me about dad. He probably taught them at some point. He made a big impact on education in these parts over a long period of time. He was strict and direct, always reasonable. A teacher for 40 years, a headteacher for 28!
“Always grateful for the care and understanding of the wonderful NHS staff – my sister is one of them. But this time, she was also the daughter. One of the strongest I know, (and then will cry at an emotive sentence in Welsh!). She’s just been amazing, didn’t miss a beat.
“A little mention to her WhatsApp group with her mates. Finding the humour when needed is so important isn’t it.. along with the unconditional support. A tough old week. But lucky in so many ways. #AmyneddYwAmodLlwyddo”.
The hashtag at the end of the Instagram post is a reference to a Welsh saying: ‘Amynedd yw amod llwyddo’, which translates to “patience is the key to success”, something of which the presenter has discussed as his philosophy in the past.
