Tributes paid to popular Gwynedd lorry driver
Tributes have been paid to a Gwynedd lorry driver who died in a road accident with another heavy goods vehicle on the A470 in Powys.
Brian Williams, 64, was well-known as the president of Bethesda Rugby Club near Bangor.
He owned Ogwen Transport at Sling near Tregarth, Bangor, and was driving one of his own lorries.
His friend, Huw Jones, said he would not have wanted to let his customers down during the bad weather.
He added Mr Williams was very well liked and respected within the community and was always ready to lend a hand.
“He could have retired but he liked to drive, and he would not have wanted to let his customers down,” Mr Jones, who is chairman of Bethesda Rugby Club said.
“Apparently he got up at five to check the conditions, which were too bad to start off, but by 9am he decided he would chance it,” he added.
Mr Williams leaves a wife, Helen, and daughter Lucy.
“We had known each other for years, and he was really quiet, but still quite a character,” said Mr Jones.
“He only went to the rugby club to drink, because he said he liked it there with the boys, and he used to play rugby for the club when he was younger.”
Mr Jones said the death had shocked the whole community.
“A friend was over from America to see him at the weekend, and they were laughing and joking, he only went back on Monday… and then this happened, and he’s coming back again now for the funeral.”
“Everyone thought the world of Brian, he was a real gentle giant,” he added.
Mr Williams died when his truck was in collision with another heavy goods vehicle in an area known locally as Quarry Corner near Rhayader, Powys.
The other driver suffered serious injuries and is being treated at Morriston Hospital in Swansea.
A post mortem has been carried out, and an inquest opened and adjourned.
- Dyfed-Powys Police have appealed for witnesses to contact them on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.