Tributes have been paid to a former Rhondda Cynon Taf councillor and mayor who "was always up for lending a hand to anyone".
John Watts, from Ystrad, died on Sunday, February 6 following a long battle with cancer aged 78.
Rhondda -born John was married to his late wife Anne for over 50 years, who accompanied him to many of his civic and charitable events during his time as mayor.
He was a father of four to Clayton, Bradley, Emma and Ryland and had eight grandchildren and one great-grand daughter.
After a long six year battle with cancer, which his daughter Emma said he 'fought hard', he was admitted to hospital and ultimately Y Bwthyn where he died. Prior to that, his son Ryland cared for his dad at home following the death of his mother.
Read more: Mum who lost three family members to Covid in a week turns tragedy into inspirational business
Emma said: "Y Bwthyn is an absolutely amazing place with beautiful and caring staff."
In a tribute to their loving dad and Poppie the family said: "We have amazing childhood memories that we will all cherish forever. Holidays abroad and over 25 years spent in our caravan at Newquay. Dad and mam's house was always full of our friends and dad spent many hours on the side of a football pitch or rugby pitch supporting us.
"We are the people we are today because they always showed us so much love and care and rights and wrongs. Dad and mam became grandparents first in 1994 and then went on to have eight grandchildren. Poppie and Gi played a massive part in their lives and was very proud of each and every one of them in different ways.
"Pops then went on to become a great grandfather in 2021 to Nina and he adored her and loved his time with special cwtches, he always said I wish my Anne was here right now.
"When Mam passed away in September 2019, dad lost his one love and was never the same but tried to keep fighting because of his family that he loved dearly.
"Dad did lots for charities, local community, rugby clubs and anything he could help out with throughout his life and was always up for lending a hand to anyone. We will all miss him dearly but just keep our memories tucked away in our hearts. Find your Anne and the dance floor dad and dance forever more."
John was elected to represent the Ystrad ward in Rhondda Cynon Taf Council in 2004 and served his local community until 2017.
During his years of service, he served as the chair of the Council’s Corporate Services Scrutiny Committee and also as mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf during the 2014 municipal year.
One of the highlights during his time as mayor was presenting the Freedom of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough upon the late Bernard Baldwin MBE, the founder of the Nos Galan Road Races, during a ceremony held at the Cynon Valley Indoor Bowls Centre in Mountain Ash.
A minute’s silence in memory of John took place during a full meeting of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, held on Wednesday, February 9.
A former coal miner, John was a National Coal Board apprentice at Tonypandy Powerhouse in 1958. He began working underground at Cambrian Colliery in 1960 before moving on to Lady Windsor Colliery, Ynysybwl, where he worked until 1967. He later worked in the engineering industry, based in Llwynypia, before retiring from work in 2010.
Councillor Andrew Morgan, leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, said: “John was passionate about his community and was heavily involved in so many local groups. He was someone who loved where he lived and represented his community so well during his time as a councillor.
“We mourn his sad passing and send our sincere condolences to his family at this time.”
John's family said they had received letters from a number of people and organisations he was connected to over his life to express their condolences.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of John at this very sad time.
To get the latest news sent straight to your email inbox sign up for our free WalesOnline newsletter by clicking here .
