BBC star Gethin Jones issues emotional tribute after tragic news
Welsh television personality Gethin Jones has shared a touching tribute to his cherished father following his passing, whilst expressing gratitude to NHS staff for their compassionate care throughout his illness.
The Morning Live presenter took to Instagram to open up about his relationship with his father, Goronwy Jones, confirming he died on Monday, August 11.
In an emotional tribute, the broadcaster disclosed that his dad had been "poorly for a while" but noted that "the importance of faith" and "his love for classical music" stayed with him right to the end.
Gethin reflected on his father's passion for rugby, which father and son both cherished, and praised the NHS workers who looked after him.
Describing his dad as "strict and direct" yet "always reasonable", Gethin revealed Goronwy had dedicated four decades to teaching and served as a head teacher for 28 years, reports Wales Online.
The presenter penned a lengthy tribute on his Instagram account on Monday afternoon.
He posted: "'Wales defeated England..' (the famous line from Max Boyce) - Hymns and Arias with dad last night, before he left us this morning. The most perfect, peaceful end. Welsh hymns playing, and the grandsons on speaker phone saying goodbye.
"Dad was poorly for a while, he put up a good fight, incredible really. It was so nice to see his dry humour, the importance of faith and his love for classical music shine through at the end. "Every day I've been at the Heath Hospital in Cardiff, someone would stop me and ask me about dad. He probably taught them at some point.
"He made a big impact on education in these parts over a long period of time. He was strict and direct, always reasonable. A teacher for 40 years, a headteacher for 28!
"Always grateful for the care and understanding of the wonderful NHS staff - my sister is one of them. But this time, she was also the daughter. One of the strongest I know, (and then will cry at an emotive sentence in Welsh! ). She's just been amazing, didn't miss a beat.
"A little mention to her WhatsApp group with her mates. Finding the humour when needed is so important isn't it.. along with the unconditional support. A tough old week. But lucky in so many ways. #AmyneddYwAmodLlwyddo".
The hashtag at the conclusion of the Instagram message references a Welsh phrase: 'Amynedd yw amod llwyddo', which means "patience is the key to success", something the broadcaster has previously spoken about as his life philosophy.
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