TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Rhyl councillor following his death.
Neil Taylor, who was also a director at Rhyl Little Theatre and married twice, died aged 83 at his home in Weston Court.
Born in Scunthorpe and brought up in Old Colwyn, he was also a solicitor, and a Plaid Cymru councillor who served on Denbigh Borough and Rhuddlan Borough Councils (also serving as mayor of the latter).
Mr Taylor stood as a Plaid Cymru candidate in several parliamentary elections, and was secretary of Vale of Clwyd Trades Council and the North Wales regional organiser of the Federation of Small Businesses.
Richard Edwards, a close friend of Mr Taylor who was best man at his wedding and served on Clwyd County Council with him, celebrated the life of a “marvellous guy”.
He said: “Neil was a stalwart of Rhyl Little Theatre, and kept it going for years through his own efforts.
“In the 1970s and ‘80s, he stood twice for Parliament, supporting Plaid Cymru, though always remaining an implacable advocate of non-party local government.
“He also served as an independent lay visitor for a range of North Wales care homes, and served on Postwatch North Wales and the former North Wales Police Authoritys Lay Custody Panel.
“In later years, he was involved with the National Union of Journalists, and developed an interest in journalism and writing.
“Neil was founding secretary of the Offa’s Dyke Liaison Committee that brought about the 169-mile national footpath that links Chepstow with Prestatyn.
“His thoughtful approach and legal mind helped the move towards the area of outstanding natural beauty that we now have.”
Rhiannon Hughes, director of Rhyl-based Wicked Wales Film, said she was “very sad” to learn of Mr Taylor’s death.
She added: “He had done so much for the community and the Little Theatre, which would not have survived without him.
“He fought hard to keep the Little Theatre as a community venue for the benefit of the Rhyl community, and all of the talented young people who have been a part of the children's theatre.
“He was always there, working behind the scenes.”
A spokesperson for Rhyl Little Theatre said: “We at Rhyl Little Theatre would like to extend our deepest condolences to Neil's family and friends at this time.
“Neil was part of the Rhyl Little Theatre family for many years, passing on his wisdom and wit to all who encountered him.
“Neil very quickly became a piece of the furniture when considering those involved with Rhyl Little Theatre, up until and surpassing his retirement of his role of secretary in 2022.
“However, Neil was always at the end of the phone for advice and guidance for any member of the team. It is a great loss to the theatre, and he will be sorely missed.”
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