TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Anglesey council leader who died this week following a period of poor health.

Phillip Fowlie, 58, who was also known for his work in agricultural circles on the island and beyond, was elected to the council’s top job in 2008 as leader of a coalition of Original Independents and Plaid Cymru. He stepped down as leader in May 2009 due to poor health, resigning from his position as county councillor for Rhosneigr a year later – a seat he had held since 1999.

Mr Fowlie, a renowned pig breeder and exhibitor, was well known for his activities at agricultural shows and with the Young Farmers Clubs, and also achieved the Royal Welsh Gold Cup.

Cllr Aled Morris Jones said: “Phil was born and bred in Aberffraw and was a giant of a man in every sense of the word, and certainly held a certain gravitas.

“His passing is a great loss to the rural communities of not only Anglesey but Wales and the United Kingdom.

“He was also assistant show director of the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society and former leader of Anglesey Council who always had a vision on how to achieve the objectives for his community.

“He leaves a lasting legacy and our thoughts are with his family including his sons, Oliver and Douglas. It’s a very sad time, but Phil was a character and always had the appropriate word for any person or meeting he attended and maintained that gravitas throughout.”

A spokesperson for Anglesey council said: “We’d like to pay tribute to the late Mr Fowlie, a councillor for the Isle of Anglesey County Council, for over 10 years. He was elected in 1999 to represent the Rhosneigr Ward and elected the council leader in 2008, leading the Original Independents Group from 2008 to 2009. Our thoughts go out to Mr Fowlie’s family at this difficult time.”