BBC star Gethin Jones has shared a touching tribute to his dad who died this week. On Instagram, the Morning Live host opened up about his relationship with his father, Goronwy Jones, confirming that he passed away on Monday, August 11. In a heartfelt post, Gethin revealed that his dad had been “poorly for a while”, but his “importance of faith” and “his love for classical music” stayed with him until his final moments.
Gethin spoke fondly of his father’s passion for rugby, a love they both shared, and expressed his gratitude towards the NHS staff who cared for him.
Describing his father as “strict and direct” yet “always reasonable”, Gethin shared that Goronwy had dedicated four decades to teaching, serving as a head teacher for 28 years, reports Wales Online.
On Monday afternoon, Gethin wrote an extensive tribute to his father on his Instagram page.
He wrote: “Wales defeated England..’ (the famous line from Max Boyce) – Hymns and Arias with dad last night, before he left us this morning. The most perfect, peaceful end. Welsh hymns playing, and the grandsons on speaker phone saying goodbye.
“Dad was poorly for a while, he put up a good fight, incredible really.
It was so nice to see his dry humour, the importance of faith and his love for classical music shine through at the end.
“Every day I’ve been at the Heath Hospital in Cardiff, someone would stop me and ask me about dad. He probably taught them at some point, He made a big impact on education in these parts over a long period of time. He was strict and direct, always reasonable.
“A teacher for 40 years, a headteacher for 28!
“Always grateful for the care and understanding of the wonderful NHS staff – my sister is one of them.
“But this time, she was also the daughter. One of the strongest I know, (and then will cry at an emotive sentence in Welsh! ). She’s just been amazing, didn’t miss a beat.
“A little mention to her WhatsApp group with her mates. Finding the humour when needed is so important isn’t it.. along with the unconditional support.
“A tough old week. But lucky in so many ways. #AmyneddYwAmodLlwyddo”.
The hashtag at the conclusion of the Instagram post references a Welsh proverb: ‘Amynedd yw amod llwyddo’, which means “patience is the key to success” – something the presenter has previously spoken about as his personal philosophy.