Tribute to Brynle Williams from Presiding Officer, Lord Dafydd Elis-Thomas

1 April 2011

'Brynle's loss will be universally mourned by all his former colleagues. Our hearts go out to Mary and all Brynle's family and friends. To describe him as unique would be a complete understatement. His love for his family, his friends his cobs and his country was infectious. Even in times of trouble, he would be positive, as I doubt if he had a negative bone in his body. When he expressed an interest in standing for the Assembly I was delighted, knowing that he could have probably stood for at least three parties! He made the transition from farming and fuel-protest activist to a democratically-elected politician with ease. He supported his colleagues across parties with warmth and humour. He spoke Welsh with the beautiful accent and vocabulary of the Hills of Clwyd. It was a delight to be in the National Assembly alongside Brynle.'