BUILTH Wells lost a “larger than life” character last week following the sudden death of Reverend Brian Reardon.

Rev Reardon was a true stalwart of the town, a two-time former mayor who only stood down from the town council earlier this year after more than 30 years. Despite stepping away the 76-year-old still played his usual role of Father Christmas as the town council put on its famous Christmas Grotto on Friday, December 9, with Santa riding around town on his sleigh.

Rev Reardon died in the early hours of Wednesday, December 14, following complications after what is thought to have been a stroke.

His funeral will be held at Alpha Chapel, where he was minister, on Saturday, January 7, 2023, at 12 noon.

Rev Reardon was the very embodiment of community spirit and through his various roles as clergyman, mayor, town councillor and Father Christmas, there are very few people in Builth he didn’t know.

 

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But perhaps one of those who knew him best is Phillip Morris, a fellow vicar, who was his neighbour for nearly 40 years. “He was a good friend and we will really miss him,” said Rev Morris, who like his friend joined the clergy after many years working for Powys County Council.

County Times: Brian Reardon (fifth left) pictured with fellow Builth town councillors last year. Ruth Rees Photography Brian Reardon (fifth left) pictured with fellow Builth town councillors last year. Ruth Rees Photography

“Brian was a great colleague at Powys first of all for 25 years, while we’ve been neighbours for 38 years.

“We used to go on holidays together and he was like an uncle to our kids. He was a fine minister, who provided wonderful pastoral care. Everybody knew him so well through his association with the town council, the church, the Royal British Legion, he was even Father Christmas a week before his death. He was everywhere and everything. He was larger than life.”

Tributes have poured in from Builth and beyond to the likeable and hard-working former councillor

Builth Wells Town Council said in a post on their Facebook page: “It is with great sadness that town council have learnt of the passing of Reverend Brian Reardon.

“He will be sadly missed, not only by town council where he spent 32 years as a councillor and two times as mayor, but by all the people he served in this community in his role as revered for Alpha church as well as other churches in the wider area.

“When he stood down from council earlier in the year he was still a great friend of the council, still committed to serving his community; his sense of humour, laughter and faith will always be remembered.

“We know he will be greatly missed by all of his parishioners in the local community as well as further afield. Our thoughts are with Annie and his family at this very sad time.”

Fellow town councillor and previous mayor Gwyn Davies said: “A huge loss to us all in the Builth community, what a top gentlemen, he had time for everyone.”

Builth Wells Ladies Choir said in a post: “Builth Wells Ladies Choir are saddened to hear of the passing of Reverend Brian Reardon, one of our biggest supporters.

“Our thoughts are with Annie and his family at this very sad time.”

Llanelwedd Church in Wales Primary School added: “Such sad news. Our thoughts and prayers are with Brian’s family and those close to him.

“Brian would always make time for others and will be sorely missed. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.”