A NORTH Wales village has been devastated at the death of a popular family man who was killed in a climbing accident in Snowdonia.
Tributes have been paid to father of three Stephen Williamson of Maes Celyn in Northop, who died at the weekend after plunging 450ft down an ice-covered gully.
Mr Williamson was a committed member of St Eurgain and St Peter’s Church in Northop where he had many friends.
Worshippers attending morning service yesterday were told the tragic news by Rev Ray Billingsley, at the request of Mr Williamson’s family.
“There was a gasp of amazement. He was such a well-loved person and a great source of support to me, always willing to volunteer with a kind and generous personality,” said Rev Billingsley.
“He had such a cheerful manner that brightened people’s lives, together with a highly intelligent mind.”
Rev Billingsley said that Mr Williamson was married to wife Joy and had three children.
“He had a wonderful tenor singing voice and was a member of the church choir,” Rev Billingsley added.
Neighbours of Mr Williamson have expressed great sadness at the news of his death, saying he was very well liked in the community.
On Saturday Chris Lloyd of Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue said the tragedy happened at Cwm Lloer between Carnedd Dafydd and Penyrolewen on the southern end of the Carneddau range.
Mr Williamson was with colleagues climbing when he suddenly slid down a gully.
“Due to the low cloud at the time, his colleagues couldn’t see him but started to climb down to find him,” said Mr Lloyd
A Mountain Leader Training Association group were just about to start up into the gully when the accident happened. They carried out first aid.
“Both this group and the friends above called for the mountain rescue. The team leader knew that this was most likely to be a serious accident – there had been a fatality in the adjacent gully last January – and asked for the assistance of C Flight, 22 Squadron, RAF Valley,” said Mr Lloyd.
Mr Williamson was winched aboard a helicopter and flown to Ysbyty Gwynedd, but unfortunately he could not be saved.
Mr Lloyd added that Mr Williamson had been well equipped and the gully was classified as grade one (basic).