WARM tributes have been paid to a highly-respected former Anglesey council leader.
Veteran politician and headteacher WJ Williams, of Talwrn, who died on Friday aged 82, represented Llanddyfnan ward before he retired in 2008.
Anglesey Council leader councillor Bryan Owen said: "WJ was an Anglesey man through and through.
"He worked tirelessly for his patch and the Island during his many years of service in local government."
Anglesey MP Albert Owen said Mr Williams served his constituency and the island with distinction.
He said: “WJ always articulated the case for Anglesey in a knowledgeable and sensible manner and was respected by senior ministers and civil servants, both in Cardiff Bay and Westminster.
“He had a wicked sense of humour and a wide range of interests. WJ was always good company and will be sadly missed."
Councillor John Chortlon, of Kingsland ward, said the former headteacher of Ysgol Gymuned y Fali's death was a “great loss to the area.”
He said: “When I started, I would often get a lift from him to Llangefni. He was a councillor of great experience.”
“He loved his football, was a referee at one time and was the manager of the Anglesey Schools team when I played for them."
Anglesey councillor Cliff Everett, of Holyhead Town ward, worked with Mr Williams on transport committees.
He said: “Ynys Mon was in his heart. he was a very genuine man and it’s a loss to the island.”
Mr Williams first stood for the old Anglesey County Borough Council in 1974, and was mayor of the authority in 1978/79.
He was appointed an MBE in 2005 for his contributions to public life.
Aled Morris Jones added: “He was a gentleman at all times and I had great respect for him.”
Mr Williams' funeral will held at Nyth Clyd Chapel in Talwrn at 11am on Saturday.