Family tribute to Llandudno vicar who they 'miss very much’

William David Jenkins died aged 81 at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Bangor on Monday, August 28 after a short illness.

He is survived by his wife, Ellen; his sons and daughter, David, Jonathan and Rhiannon; daughter-in-law Sarah, grandchildren Jack and Molly, and his sister Daphne and her husband Frank.

William was born in the Flintshire village of Trelawnyd on January 10, 1942 into a clerical family.

The family moved to Mostyn when he was young, and William (known by those close to him as David) went on to graduate from the University of Birmingham with a bachelor’s degree in History.

David and wife Ellen. (Image: Rhiannon Jenkins)

During his time at university, David felt he was being called to serve God and it was not long after this that he went on to study at St. David's Theological College in Lampeter.

During his first curacy in Gorseinon, he met Ellen, whom he would later marry in March 1967.

That same year, his second curacy would take David and Ellen to LLanelli, where their son David Jr was born, followed by a second son, Jonathan.

David became vicar of the parish of Clydach, Swansea in 1972. In October the same year, their daughter Rhiannon was born and the family was complete.

It was in 1982 that he felt the need to return to North Wales, at which time, David and Ellen and their three children moved to Llandudno, where David took the role of the vicar of Llanrhos.

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He later became the Rural Dean of LLanrwst and, after this, a Canon of St Asaph Cathedral.

After a very happy and successful fifteen years in Llandudno, David and Ellen moved to his final parish, which was in Tenby, Pembrokeshire.

True to form, David invested himself fully in this post, with much success and making many lifelong friends.

David and Ellen remained in Tenby for ten years, after which they returned to Llandudno, where they retired. However, he continued to assist with the parishes of Llanrhos and Llandudno, whenever he could.

Early into his retirement, David became grandfather to Jack and Molly, whom he adored.

David and wife Ellen. (Image: Rhiannon Jenkins)

David viewed his calling to God to be a vocation and willingly made many sacrifices, carrying out his duties with a fierce work ethic with an ability to lead services in a respectful and skilful manner.

David loved rugby and often took his sons to Stradey Park, Llanelli during the 1970s, when LLanelli RFC were a mighty force.

In later years, David was a keen Newcastle United fan and had a fondness for city, where he would often visit because he felt a connection to the people there - he loved the rugged Northumberland landscape and sometimes made trips to Holy Island.

In his later years, his health began to deteriorate, and he suffered poor mobility.

The pandemic was a particularly difficult time for David, and the enforced isolation accelerated his ill health.

David in his time as a vicar. (Image: Rhiannon Jenkins)

During the summer of 2023, David's health deteriorated further and following a short illness, he passed away suddenly on August 28.

David’s wife Ellen said: “David was dedicated to his calling up until the end and I will miss him very much.”

His eldest son David said his father was “dedicated to his faith, gave his life to the job, putting the needs of others before his own.”

Younger son Jonathan said: “We will miss him very much.”

Daughter Rhiannon added: “I know mum, David, Jonathan and I will forever carry dad in our hearts; as will his beloved grandchildren Jack and Molly and their mum Sarah.

“Goodnight and God bless, dad.”