Hundreds of mourners gathered in Caerphilly on Monday to pay their final respects to Labour Senedd member Hefin David, who died suddenly last month at the age of 47.
St Catwg’s Church in Gelligaer was filled to capacity, with loudspeakers relaying the service to those standing outside. The coffin, draped in a Welsh flag and adorned with red roses, was carried into the church through a guard of honour formed by local air cadets.
Mr David, who had represented Caerphilly in the Senedd since 2016, was remembered as a tireless campaigner, a devoted family man and a much-loved figure in his community. He is survived by his partner, Cynon Valley MS Vikki Howells, his two daughters, and his parents, Wynne and Christine.
The service was attended by leading political figures from across the spectrum, including First Minister Eluned Morgan, Welsh Conservative leader Darren Millar, Plaid Cymru MS Delyth Jewell, and former first ministers Mark Drakeford and Vaughan Gething.
Father Gary Powell, who led the service, described Mr David as “a pillar of our community” whose “roots ran deep and strong in this part of the world”. He added: “Hefin lived for and was devoted to his family and to his community. His untimely loss strikes deep within us all, and leaves a huge gap.”
Among the tributes was a eulogy from childhood friend Dr Huw Brunt, chief environmental public health officer for the Welsh Government. He praised Mr David’s determination to make a difference, saying: “He worked tirelessly to speak up and make a difference,” and recalled his “fervour to live life to the full”.
Dr Brunt described him as “a strong advocate for additional learning needs” and spoke warmly of his sociable nature, remarking that “a night out with Hefin was like a night out with most of south Wales”. Above all, he said, family was the most important part of Mr David’s life.
The congregation joined in the hymns Calon Lân and Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer, while Mr David’s sister, Siân, read the poem The Strength of the Mountain. The service concluded with the Welsh hymn I bob un sydd Ffyddlon before the committal at Thornhill Crematorium.
An inquest into Mr David’s death was opened last month. It heard he was found at his home on 12 August. A full inquest is scheduled to take place in April.
