Heartfelt tributes to John Evans 'The Voice of Llangollen Eisteddfod'

70-year-old John Evans – affectionately known as “John the Voice” - was stage manager and an announcer at the eisteddfod for many years.

Also, he was a regular performer with Llangollen Operatic Society and had sung with the Froncysyllte Male Voice Choir.

He was blessed with three children; Adam Gaunt-Evans, Steph Heath and Rebecca McBain, and five grandchildren who he adored.

On her Facebook page his daughter Rebecca McBain said: “My brother, sister and I are heartbroken to announce the unexpected death of our dear Dad, John Evans, on Friday 20th October, after a short illness.

Tributes have been paid to John Evans the "Voice of Llangollen Eisteddfod".

“He was known by so many, especially for his voice, his willingness to help and his ability to chat to absolutely anyone, on any subject.

“His passion for Wales, Welsh culture, music, nature, jokes, stories and people made him a joy to be with.

“He will be most missed by us and his five grandchildren, whom he adored.

“His friends and extended family will be warmly invited to a service to celebrate his life, once details are confirmed.

“We realise he will have been many things to many people and we welcome any stories you have of Dad, to collect and share with photos at his service. If you want to message me with a memory, please do.”

His contribution to the smooth running of the Eisteddfod in Llangollen was immense.

Eisteddfod volunteers have spoken fondly of his sometimes wicked sense of humour and of his dedication to the festival.

His beloved Stage Crew have shared many happy memories in the last few days.

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Mark Jones, John’s successor as Stage Manager, said “You just expect some people to be around forever. John was that, almost parental.

"I’ve a lot to owe to him dragging me up to the side of stage all those years ago, when he found me photocopying in the music office; he learnt that I was more interested in the technical side and it’s opened up more doors for me than could be imagined”.

He added: “There isn’t much that could be safely printed when it comes to tales of John but his character will always live on and his company will be greatly missed.”

Elen Roberts remembers John when his family had the garage in Acrefair, where his first nickname, “John 4Star” originated.

She recalls that every visit to the garage with her family would result in John grabbing a bag of sweets for her and her sister. She says, “he remained a big kid at heart right to the end, with his usual unprintable jokes!”

Tributes have been paid to John Evans the "Voice of Llangollen Eisteddfod".

Tracey and Mike Jones also have great memories of John, particularly as “John the Voice” telling us to take out our mobile phones and find the little button which turns it off.

He was the one we sent for to quieten the drums on the outside stages when they were affecting competitions inside the Pavilion!” they said.

Speaking on behalf of the Board of Trustees at the Eisteddfod, long time friend and Eisteddfod colleague, Allison Davies said: “We are terribly sad to hear this news of John.

"He gave a lifetime of support to music and to our Eisteddfod. We have only survived through some difficult periods because of volunteers like John. He will be sorely missed by everyone and I know that his contribution to the Llangollen Eisteddfod will be remembered for years to come.

"Our thoughts are with John’s family at this time”.

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Also paying tribute Tracey Jones, vice chair of Llangollen Operatic Society, said: “I joined Operatic myself at the age of 18 and at the time was working at The Grapes alongside the man who became to be known to me as John (4 Star) and John The Voice.

“My second show with Llangollen Operatic was the phenomenal Show Boat. John took a fancy to joining us all on stage for this. He was cast in the role of Joe who sings the showstopper ‘Ole Man River’.

"John's performance really did bring the house down. He went on in later years to take roles in Maria Marten and the Red Barn, Hot Mikado and our centenary production of HMS Pinafore.

“John's cheeky fun persona will always be remembered, with his endless tales and unrepeatable stories. I personally recall our trip to Waterford, Ireland via bus and ferry in the autumn of 1997. We were competing in the Waterford International Festival of Light Opera with our production of La Vie Parisienne. With hilarious encounters in the soft play area on the ferry travelling out to bursting into song in a Southern Ireland pub, so many jokes told during that long weekend.

“We will miss him greatly and imagine he has already taken his place alongside our friends on that Stage in the Sky.

"Rest well John.”