Tributes paid to “unforgettable” community councillor

Plaid Cymru has announced the sudden passing of an “unforgettable” community councillor who was “more colourful than a rainbow”.

Adrian Stone, 62, served on Llanbradach and Pwllypant Community Council for more than ten years.

In a post to Facebook, Caerphilly’s Plaid Cymru group said: “While we mourn the loss of a friend and true activist, we pay tribute and celebrate a life that was well lived. A colourful character larger than life, a life committed and devoted to the cause, to Wales and her political independence.”

They added: “His quirky approach on life was always uplifting. He was unforgettable, sometimes unfathomable but always likeable.

“He would often test the boundaries just to see how much they would flex but if there was work to be done he would be the first to step up.”

Cllr Colin Mann, who is a member of the community council and represents Llanbradach on Caerphilly County Borough Council, said: “We were shocked to hear of the sudden passing of Adrian Stone late last week. “

He added: “Adrian lived in the family home with his twin sister Julie and always reminded her that he was five minutes older than her.

“He worked hard for his area and was passionate about the environment and wildlife. He was instrumental in the planting of what was a small grassed area in Pwllypant with the community, which now been improved with flower beds and benches. He also pressed for a play area which is due to be installed in the near future.

“Adrian was a Welsh nationalist all his adult life, joining Plaid Cymru as a teenager. He was well-read and an intelligent person and was not afraid to express his opinion regardless as to whether or not it would be well received.

“He was described by some as a ‘mixed blessing’ due to his forthright views but was never short of stories and reminiscences of various situations he had been in.

“In spite of suffering ill-health for a number of years he was always one of the first to volunteer when there was work to be done and was totally reliable when it came to election duties.

“He will be greatly missed by his sister Julie and many others, including his fellow members and clerk on the community council.”