David DeansPolitical reporter, Wales News and
Gareth LewisPolitical editor, Wales News
Senior figures from across the political spectrum gathered to remember Senedd politician Hefin David at his funeral on Monday.
Hundreds of mourners paid their respects in St Catwg’s Church, Gelligaer, Caerphilly county, where he was given a guard of honour by local air cadets.
The service heard Mr David worked “tirelessly to speak up and make a difference”, and was devoted to his family.
Mr David died suddenly in August at the age of 47. He had been a Labour Member of the Senedd (MS) for Caerphilly since 2016.
He is survived by his partner, Cynon Valley MS, Vikki Howells, and his two daughters.
First Minister Eluned Morgan and Welsh Conservative Senedd leader Darren Millar were among the Labour, Conservative and Plaid Cymru politicians who attended.
Others included former first ministers Mark Drakeford and Vaughan Gething, and Plaid Cymru’s Delyth Jewell.
Mr David’s coffin was taken into the church draped in a Welsh flag, topped with red roses.
The small building was full, with mourners outside listening through loudspeakers to the service led by Father Gary Powell.
After the hymn Calon Lân and bible readings given in Welsh and English, a eulogy was made by Mr David’s childhood friend, Dr Huw Brunt.
The chief environmental public health officer for the Welsh government said Mr David was committed “to working hard and speaking up”.
“He worked tirelessly to speak up and make a difference,” Dr Brunt said, describing Mr David as a “strong advocate for additional learning needs”.
He described Mr David’s “fervour to live life to the full”, saying he was often “the life and soul of the party”.
Dr Brunt said Mr David had a “a lot of friends”, and that a “night out with Hefin was like a night out with most of south Wales”.
He added that family was the “most important part” of the MS’ life.
Father Powell said: “Hefin lived for and was devoted to his family and to his community.
“He was a pillar of our community. His roots ran deep and strong in this part of the world.”
He said the politician was “a unique man who has touched each of our lives in his own unique way”.
“His untimely loss strikes deep within us all, and leaves a huge gap,” Father Powell said.
After the Lord’s Prayer mourners sung the second hymn, Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer, before Mr David’s sister Siân read the poem The Strength of the Mountain.
The service ended with the song, I bob un sydd Ffyddlon, before his committal at Thornhill Crematorium.
An inquest was opened into Mr David’s death late last month. It heard Mr David had been found dead at his home on 12 August.
A full inquest is due to take place next April.
