Clik here to view.
My friend John Hughes, who has died of cancer, aged 68, was appointed coroner for north-east Wales in 1982, and also for north Wales central when that office became vacant a few years later. He held both posts until obliged to resign through ill-health weeks before his death.
He was sympathetic to those who were suffering, while at the same time fulfilling his duties with a sharp and a decisive mind. His advocacy in court was renowned and he loved nothing better than defending young people who had taken a wrong turn in life.
Born in Connah's Quay, north Wales, the eldest of six brothers, John won a scholarship to the King's school, Chester, and then completed his law degree at King's College London. His intellect and ability could, perhaps should, have taken him to the bar, but he wanted only to be a solicitor. He remained in Wrexham all his working life and served the district well.
He was a more than capable footballer at Welsh League level and was known as an uncompromising centre-half who was the scourge of referees. His command of language meant that he protested in well-thought-out sentences, and not the usual two-word insults. They would book him anyway.
John had that wonderful gift of being able to talk to anyone without fear or condescension. He was equally at home conversing with the bus driver as he was with colleagues. He was a larger-than-life figure, a little brash at times, but a man of integrity and honour.
He is survived by his mother, Edith, his wife, Eileen, and two children, Jonathan and Ruth.
