Preece Family Tree

EDUCATIONIST AND MUSICIAN

Death of Mr. G. Lewis, Llwynypia

The death took place at Cardiff Royal Infirmary on Monday of Mr. Gwilym Lewis, Berw-road, Llwynypia, aged 69, a leading Rhondda educationist, musician, and Freemason. Mr. Lewis retired from the position of schoolmaster at Llwynypia about six years ago, after 45 years' service with the Rhondda Education Committee. Mr. Lewis went to Bangor College after acting as a pupil teacher at Llwynypia School, and took up an appointment at Pentre Secondary School on his return. In a very short time he was appointed headteacher of the Mardy Boys' School, being one of the youngest men in the Rhondda to obtain such a position, and eventually he was transferred to the headship of Llwynypia School, a position he held until his retirement.

Mr. Lewis was a brilliant musician when a young man, and went to America as the accompanist of the Royal Welsh Choir before he took up his studies in Bangor. On his return he was chosen as accompanist in many of the concerts held in Mid-Rhondda, and he was in considerable demand as an adjudicator. Mr. Lewis had for many years been prominent in the order of Freemasons, being worshipful master of the Merlin Lodge, Pontypridd. Since his retirement Mr. Lewis had been secretary of the Mid-Rhondda Professional and Business Men's Institute. He was a bachelor.