It is extremely sad to report the passing of popular club member Gwynfor Higgins who died tragically on Sunday 16th February aged seventy-three.
Gwynfor was born in Cwmgorse and attended Pontardawe Technical School (now Cwmtawe Community School). He graduated from Swansea University in electrical engineering and later followed this with an MSc from Cardiff University before moving on to Cambridge where he gained a Post Graduate Certificate in Education.
Gwynfor spent some years teaching in Kenya where he and his wife Gill learned to play golf together. On their return to Wales Gwynfor joined LBGC while Gill became a member at Pennard. He took up a position of senior lecturer at Swansea Metropolitan University (now UWTSD).
Gwynfor had good practical skills and was interested and involved in property maintenance and development. He was too, a competitive and talented sportsman. He played rugby for the British Universities, Neath, London Welsh and over 100 times for Swansea RFC, including matches against Australia and Fiji. As well as being a stalwart of LBGC he was also a member of Royal Porthcawl GC.
Gwynfor was always up for a challenge, often associated with charity fundraising. He took part in the New York marathon, skied in France, and cycled along some of the toughest routes in Wales and abroad. He he was an avid traveller and with Gill took on a six-week touring holiday in New Zealand to see more of the world – no doubt part funded by his Tuesday and Thursday ‘diddly’ winnings!
Gwynfor had a caring and engaging personality and was always ready and willing to help others when needed. Those who knew him well will greatly miss his company.
We at the club offer our deep condolences to Gill, son Mark, daughter Catrin, grand children, the wider family and his many friends.
Stan Addicott – Swansea RFC President.