A MODEST but much-loved former president of the Abergele Rotary Club has been remembered in a touching tribute.
Richard Arrowsmith, of Manorafon, near Abergele, died last month and was honoured at a recent service which celebrated his life.
Mr Arrowsmith, who died of cancer aged 59, was president of the local Rotary Club branch from 2010 to 2011 and worked as a land surveyor.
He became a director at Marsden and Edwards Coordinated Services, and his work was featured twice on the BBC Tomorrow’s World show.
In a tribute, wife Iola and son Will described him as: “A loving and selfless tower of strength and calm.”
They said: “To his colleagues and friends he was faithful and as true as the day.
He was extremely talented and extremely hard working – often getting to work in the early hours in order to have the required peace and quiet to work. Yet he was totally unassuming.”
Mr Arrowsmith, who was born in Chorley but moved to North Wales almost 40 years ago, was a keen Rotarian and supported the community in every way possible. He raised more than £1,000 by organising a barbecue at Manorafon farm.
He remained an avid golf enthusiast, even when affected by his illness, and would traverse the green in a buggy provided by the Abergele Golf Club.
At a Rotary Meeting at the start of the month, members stood in silent reflection to mark his passing.
Dr David Gozzard, current president, said: “Richard Arrowsmith was an shining example of the Rotary aim in practice – ‘Service Before Self’. Always extending a helping hand, over his many years in Rotary he devoted his energies to supporting local causes as well as international projects.”
The family thanked staff on Ward 11 and the team of District Nurses, the MacMillan nurses and the palliative care team at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, the Gwrych Medical Centre and staff at Clatterbridge Hospital who cared for Mr Arrowsmith.