TRIBUTES have been paid to a former vicar and passionate golfer who dedicated his whole working life to helping others and serving his community.

Reverend John Gareth Griffiths, formerly Vicar of Rhuddlan and chaplain to Rhuddlan Golf Club until his retirement a few years ago, died suddenly at home on Friday, September 29.

Revd Griffiths, who was married to Kathleen and had son Richard, was born and grew up in Wrexham.

Revd Griffiths moved to Rhuddlan in about 1993. Son Richard said his dad very much enjoyed his time as vicar of Rhuddlan and combined the role with his duties as chaplain in Ysbyty Glan Clwyd as well as chaplain to Rhuddlan Golf Club.

He also started the Rhuddlan Parish Magazine which is still going strong today.

Richard said: "After leaving school, he worked in the offices of John Sumners (Shotton Steel Works) until in early 1967, at the age of 22, he set of to undertake a year’s Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) in Botswana. It was during this time he found his calling and when returning home and he commenced his training to enter the Priesthood at Theological College in Lichfield.

Rhyl Journal: Revd John Gareth GriffithsRevd John Gareth Griffiths (Image: Richard Griffiths)
"His first posting after being ordained as a curate was in Shotton, followed by a move to Rhyl in the early 70s where he worked under Revd Herbie Lloyd looking after the congregation of St John’s in the west end." 

In December 1976, Revd Griffiths was given the position of Vicar in Llanasa. The parish at that time also included the churches in Gronant and Gwespyr.

"My father became one of the longest serving incumbents in modern times in Llanasa, during which he was also appointed to the position of Rural Dean by the Bishop of St Asaph," Richard said.

Following his move to Rhuddlan, Revd Griffiths was able to mix business with pleasure with his role as chaplain of the golf club; he enjoyed a round of golf and socialising with players.

Richard said: "He was a passionate golfer of what even he would admit was mediocre quality, but for my dad, it was as much about the company of his golfing friends as it was about getting his handicap down.

"During his days as chaplain he founded the Church in Wales Golf Society, comprised of clerics from around the principality, regularly playing matches against their counterparts from the Church of England. 

"He then went on to stage the clerical version of the Ryder Cup, the highlight of which was a match against the USA at a course not far from Augusta National in Georgia."

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Revd Griffiths was an "avid fan" of his hometown football club Wrexham, having spent his formative years as a programme seller on the Mold Road railway bridge in Wrexham.

"It gave him so much pleasure to finally see them promoted back into the football league earlier this year," Richard said.

"He loved nothing more than watching re-runs of Only Fools and Horses, as well as spending time in the company of his three granddaughters and two step-grandsons." 

Richard and the family have received kind messages in tribute of Revd Griffiths.

"From the messages we’ve had since his passing it’s clear my dad was a hugely popular person," Richard said.

"Many people have remarked how helpful, compassionate and thoughtful he was, having spent his whole working life dedicated to others and serving his local community."

A funeral service for Revd Griffiths will take place at St Mary’s Church Rhuddlan on Friday, November 10 at 11am followed by a private burial at Rhuddlan Cemetery.