Canon Idris Thomas writes:
CANON Evan Trefor Jones was a family man, and a man of God. In my tribute at his funeral in Holy Trinity, Llandudno, on 21 October, the words from the Letter to the Romans were appropriate: “Holy, just, and good”.
His upbringing, home, schools, church, and culture in the community in Blaenau Ffestiniog shaped him immensely, and, after graduating in Welsh and history at Bangor University, the College of the Resurrection in Mirfield had a profound and rich effect on him.
He was ordained in 1956, and served his curacy of six years at St Mary’s, Bangor, with the energetic and loving priest Canon Evan John Jones. His ministry in three parishes in Bangor diocese, Llandinorwig, Llanbeblig, and Llanfairfechan, were enriched by his priesthood.
He came to my home parish of Llandinorwig when I was 14 years old, and, even at that young age, I realised, and so did everyone else, that this priest had many outstanding qualities. He was true to his priestly vocation in all aspects: he was devout and spiritual; his liturgy had an emphasis on the sacraments; and he was a faithful and diligent visitor of his flock at home and hospitals.
Evan Trefor was kind, helpful, supportive, and humble. He respected everyone without any bias, had a sense of humour, and was a friend in need. He would greet everyone, and this always endeared him to so many people. To him, throughout his life, the Christian and Church tradition was not something to be discarded and forgotten, but an essential bedrock of our faith and heritage.
He died on 9 October, aged 87. The large congregation at his funeral service and at Bangor Crematorium testified to an affectionate individual.
He met Beryl, who graduated in German at Bangor University, and they were married in 1957. She and their sons, Dewi, Huw, and Arwel, were blessed in having a remarkable husband and father. Thanks be to God for Evan Trefor Jones, priest.
