A FORMER dean of Bangor Cathedral has died at his home in Haverfordwest, aged 85.
The much-loved Llanelli born bishop Ivor Rees had been ill and died peacefully, in the company of his family on Wednesday, January 11.
The bishop was appointed dean of Bangor in 1975 while Aled Jones was a chorister and served until 1988.
Andrew Jones, who served as a minor canon and curate at Bangor Cathedral during Ivor Rees’s deanship paid an emotional tribute to the “inspirational” man whom he described as being “like a second father”.
“He was a hugely dedicated and faithful bishop who worked hard for not only the Cathedral of Bangor but the city.” he said.
Mr. Jones, who is now archdeacon of Meirionnydd, described a popular man who was well-known in the high-street and always favoured walking to taking the car as it gave him the opportunity to meet more people.
During his tenure, bishop Rees became a dedicated chaplain to several organisations in the area including Ysbyty Gwynedd and was also the vicar at St. Mary’s Church, Menai Bridge and Eglwys y Groes in Maesgeirchen.
Previously, after graduating from the University of Aberystwyth, Ivor Rees had served with the Royal Navy in the second World War before he was ordained into priesthood in 1953.
First serving as a curate in Pembrokeshire, he later headed to North Wales to serve as vicar of Llangollen and rector of Wrexham before becoming dean of Bangor Cathedral.
After his time in Bangor, Ivor returned to Pembrokeshire where he was appointed archdeacon and later bishop of St. David’s Cathedral.
“He was a great father, husband and grandfather who was hugely inspirational to those who knew him over the years,” said archdeacon Jones.