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Community Councillor Bill Allen, who died last month, has been remembered as a fun-loving, mischievous soul, who was dedicated to his family and community.

The former chair of Penyrheol, Trecenydd and Energlyn Community Council, and the former chair of Penyrheol Community Centre, Bill was known for raising thousands of pounds for charity and community projects.

Tributes to him were paid at a memorial service held on Sunday, July 10, at the community centre in which he did so much good.

Andrew Davies, a former reverend at St Andrews Church in Penyrheol, which Cllr Allen attended, led the tributes at the service.

He recalled how his friend Bill had volunteered him for the stocks at a community fête – and even went to the trouble of making a custom-fitted set.

He said: “Bill brought joy into our lives – mischievous joy – but he also brought people together.

“People were important to him.”

Bill would have celebrated his 84th birthday on July 9. He died on June 3 after a long fight with cancer.

Penyrheol ward councillor Lindsay Whittle also said a few words to remember his friend.

Wearing Bill’s trademark hat he told the service: “He was passionate about his family, and he was passionate about his religious faith…he dedicated his life to helping others.”

He added: “He was so proud and he encouraged young people to become involved in the community. Bill Allen, for me, was Mr Dedication. Thank you to his family for lending us this wonderful man.”

The memorial was held in place of a funeral at Bill’s request after he donated his body to medical research.

Before he died he used to quip that he was finally “off to university”.

To honour Bill’s contribution to Penyrheol Community Centre, its lounge was named in his honour with a plague unveiled for the occasion.

The order of service said Bill was now reunited with his beloved Elizabeth and his children Tracy, Mark and Lynn.

Bill’s children Emma and Martin, both thanked Penyrheol, Trecenydd and Energlyn Community Council and the Penyrheol Community Centre Community committee for their support.