THE family of a “wonderful” late farmer in Denbigh have paid tribute to him after his death.
Howard Clwyd Hughes died aged 94 at his home at Llangwyfan Farm on Wednesday, July 5.
Based at Llangwyfan Farm from 1957 to 2023 and known as "Clwyd", he was a father and father-in-law to Tudor, Julia, David, and Catherine.
He is also survived by his five grandchildren; Catrin, Steffan, Guto, Elen and Lois.
Born on June 5, 1929 to Robert and Alice Hughes, Clwyd was the second of four brothers, whose family moved to Brookhouse Farm in the early 1930s.
Clwyd then acquired the tenancy of Llangwyfan Farm in 1957, which he farmed for 66 years up until his death.
And in 1992, following a change of ownership of Llangwyfan Hospital, he was then able to buy the farm as the sitting tenant.
In a joint statement, his family celebrated the life of a “loving” man who had a genuine passion for farming.
Clwyd's family said: “Our family wish is not to grieve that he is gone, but to be thankful that he has been. He had a wonderful life.
“He was a wonderful gentlemen to all of us, and very proud and supportive of all of his family.
“Farming was his life – he was a conscientious and hard-working person all through his lifetime.
“He was a loving father and father-in-law and proud grandfather of five, and we will all miss his company, wise words and sense of humour.”
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In 1984, Clwyd was awarded the Fellowship of the Royal Agricultural Societies for evolving systems of beef and sheep production, highlighting pioneering work on livestock production focusing on careful breeding, cost control and grassland management.
And in 2018, he received the John Gittins Memorial Award at the Royal Welsh Show in 2018 for a lifetime’s contribution to the Welsh sheep industry.
Clwyd always tried to promote the farming industry widely, holding numerous farm walks and open days, including the first open day for NSA Wales in 1976.
He hosted numerous farm visits for fellow farmers, consumers, agricultural students, politicians, government officials and visitors from countries such as Spain, Canada, Italy, Scandinavia and Germany.
Additionally, Clwyd judged sheep on numerous occasions at various shows, including at the Winter Fair in Builth and at the Anglesey show.
His family also commended his friends in the agricultural community, in particular Ruthin Farmers Auction, for the support offered to him following his wife’s death 22 years ago.
He will be laid to rest at a private funeral.
Clwyd's family added: “We would like to thank the Denbigh and District nurses team and other associated services, the Marie Curie nurses, and the doctors at Beech House, Denbigh for all the excellent care and support Clwyd received in his final days.
“And also, for their support to us as a family - we cannot praise them enough.”
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