Pembrokeshire is in mourning after the death of one of the county's favourite sons. Lord Gordon Parry of Neyland passed away suddenly at his home in Llangwm on Wednesday. Predeceased by his wife Glenys earlier this year, he leaves a daughter, Catherine. A sitting Labour peer in the House of Lords, Lord Parry, a former teacher and journalist, was well-known as an excellent speaker. A former chairman of the Wales Tourist Board, he was chairman and president of a number of organisations and a great supporter of local and national causes. He will be remembered for his unstinting grin and wicked sense of humour. Among the first to pay tribute to 78-year-old Lord Parry, was the chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Clr. John Thomas. "We have lost one of our favourite sons," said Clr. Thomas. "Lord Parry was the embodiment of Pembrokeshire. "A Neyland man, he rubbed shoulders with the most eminent people in the world and he made sure they all got to know about his beloved county. He held high office, but never forgot his roots. "His work as chairman of the Wales Tourist Board changed the face of tourism in this country and his continuing work as an unpaid, but tireless ambassador for Wales - and Pembrokeshire - continued to make a huge mark throughout his life. "He was a great initiator and supporter of all kinds of projects and he worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring many of them to fruition. And he was not above twisting the arms of the rich and famous, many of them his good friends, in support of one of his favoured schemes. "He made huge contributions in the worlds of sport, music and the arts, politics and education and his skill and wit as an after-dinner speaker were legendary. "I can think of no finer tribute than to say that I am sure there are thousands of people in Pembrokeshire, across Wales and throughout the world who have been proud to call Gordon a friend. We shall all miss him greatly. "On behalf of the people of Pembrokeshire, I express sincere sympathy to Lord Parry's family in their sad loss." At the time of going to press, the funeral had not been finalised, but all inquiries should be directed to Glyn Thomas and Son, funeral director, Freystrop (tel. 01437 890571), who have charge of the arrangements.
