Former Archdruid Robyn L茅wis dies, aged 89
- Published
Robyn L茅wis led ceremonial proceedings at the National Eisteddfod between 2003 and 2006
The former Archdruid Robyn L茅wis has died, aged 89.
A writer, barrister and local politician, he won the prestigious prose medal at the National Eisteddfod in Gowerton in 1980.
He went on to became the first prose winner to be elected as archdruid by the Gorsedd of Bards in 2002.
The Gorsedd said he would be remembered for his "outstanding contribution to the world of literature here in Wales".
Dr L茅wis had been living at a care home in Nefyn, Gwynedd, when he died on Monday.
He adopted the bardic name of Robin Ll欧n, reflecting his upbringing on the Ll欧n Peninsula.
He later qualified as a solicitor and barrister after attending university in Aberystwyth.
Dr Robyn L茅wis died on Monday
Dr L茅wis was also active in Welsh politics, first standing to be an MP for the Labour Party in Denbigh in 1955, then won a third of the vote when he stood for Plaid Cymru in Caernarfon in 1970.
He could be a controversial figure at times, and resigned from Plaid Cymru in 2006 in protest at the decision of Elinor Bennett - the wife of the then-party leader Dafydd Wigley - to accept an OBE honour from the Queen.
In 2012, police were called to a shop in Pwllheli in a row over an assistant not speaking Welsh to him.
The Gorsedd, which hosts the ceremonial proceedings at that National Eisteddfod, and promotes Welsh language poetry, prose and cultural life, said Dr L茅wis as a "colourful character, who was always willing to voice his opinion".
"He took pride in his role as a former archdruid and enjoyed being involved in all Gorsedd ceremonies and events," said a Gorsedd official.
The National Eisteddfod also paid tribute: "We thank him for his vast contribution to Welsh life, and send our deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time."
- Published28 December 2012
