Ron Pryce 1923-2010

 Ronald David Pryce was born on 2^nd May 1922 and peacefully passed away at 6.00am on 11^th March 2010.

He was a great family man and I’m sure our heartfelt condolences are with all of his family at this sad time, especially his wife Elisabeth (Bet) Daughter, Pauline Son, David and Grand-daughter, Clare

Although Ron was from the Rhondda, he had a close affinity with Mongomeryshire or Powys as we know it today. His Grandfather Edward was a farmer from Llandinam, who came to the Rhondda to work in the pits, but some years later returned to Llandinam and farming, hence his older children stayed in the Rhondda while some were born in Llandinam.

Ron's childhood was split between the two places. He spent long and much loved holidays with his Grandfather in Llandinam. (He often reminisced about life on the farm and took his own children on family holidays in the area).

Aged only 14, he and other boys from the Rhondda left home to work in Newbury and later, Southampton. The Second World War broke out while they were there and the area was subjected to heavy bombing. The factory he worked in was quickly converted to make aircraft engines, despite being in a protected trade Ron decided to join the Air Force.

At the end of the war he went to North Africa delivering food and medicine. He was overcome by the generosity of the Arab people who despite having very little would always offer shade from the sun and share whatever food and drink they had.

Ironically, after traveling through war torn Europe he was prevented from coming home because he caught the mumps (a serious illness in those days). He was sent to Scotland in isolation for several weeks. Ron often joked, “The war couldn't kill me, but the mumps nearly did”.

When he finally returned home he went to work in Treforest as a skilled toolmaker, refurbishing Lancaster Bomber Engines for resale and export. It was around this time that he met John Trotman of the Cory Band, John was dating Ron’s sister Doreen. John and Doreen later married and Ron was the Best Man at their wedding.

John and Ron’s friendship grew and it was John who introduced Ron to his beloved Cory Band.

Ron met the love of his life, Betty in 1947 and they married four years later. They lived and raised their children Jeff, David and Pauline in Cwmparc before moving back to their family home in Ton Pentre in 1967.

Anyone who knew Ron knew that he was full of energy and the prospect of retirement wasn’t an option. He became a volunteer driver with social services for many years. Taking older people to day -centres and working with juveniles and families with young children. The staff running the service knew they could rely on Ron to be caring and always willing to help. He was one of a few who would always drive on Christmas Day if needed.

Ron had a great passion for football and regularly watched Cardiff City play. It was the combination of football and his great friendship with John Trotman that introduced him to the Cory Band.

The Band often played prior to the games in Cardiff and as a fund raiser they’d collect money from the crowd. Ron’s first job with the Band was as a collector and since that time more than fifty years ago he dedicated his life to the band as much if not more than any playing member.

He became General Secretary of the Band in 1974 and during his tenure the Band won the National Championships three times in a row. As secretary he helped organize a tour of the United States of America and was the administrative architect that helped the Band win their first European Championships in 1980.

In 1996 he stepped down as General Secretary but continued as  Contest Secretary until 2000.

Ron’s death is a devastating loss to his family and our hearts go out to them all at this time. However, Ron Pryce is also a sad loss to The Cory Band and the Brass Band Movement in general. He was a great leader of men and a wonderful ambassador for the Rhondda.

Ronald David Pryce will be sadly missed by everyone who had the honour and pleasure of knowing him.

Rest in peace.