TRIBUTES have been pouring in over the past week following the death of former TGWU district secretary and Pembrokeshire Lottery founder Danny Fellows OBE.

A former county councillor, Danny passed away surrounded by his family in Milford Haven on Monday. He was 71.

Bob Clarke, Pembrokeshire Lottery Company Secretary said: “Danny’s vision and commitment to the creation of the Pembrokeshire Lottery was unstinting and for over 20 years he worked with the Board and Investment Panel to ensure its long term aims and future, helping Pembrokeshire businesses create jobs.

“His negotiating skills were legendary and his passion for the advancement of Pembrokeshire was unquestionable. He used all of this to good effect to establish a loan fund that has so far benefited over 330 local businesses and will continue to assist many more in the future.

“He was a great friend and a wise council to many and will be sorely missed. Our sincere condolences go to Christine and his family at this very sad time.”

Danny was a personal friend of MP Stephen Crabb, who commented: “Danny was not only a dear friend who knew me since I was a boy, but a fantastic champion for our county. Throughout his years as a trade unionist, Labour Party activist and latterly an independent councillor, his overriding interest and priority was the wellbeing of Pembrokeshire, in particular seeing new jobs created for our young people.

“In founding the Pembrokeshire Lottery, Danny provided a lifeline to small businesses at a very difficult time, helping to fuel economic growth and provide security for countless families in our community. Danny had a massive heart and a huge vision for our county and the Pembrokeshire Lottery is just one small part of the legacy he leaves behind.

“Over the last eight years as local MP I sought his advice on a great many occasions and I always found his guidance to be both wise and practical. Danny was an inspirational mentor to me and so many others and I know that his loss will be felt deeply across the county. Pembrokeshire has lost one its finest servants and my thoughts and prayers are with Christine and the family at this time.”

Pembrokeshire County Council Leader, Jamie Adams, has paid tribute to former County Councillor, Danny Fellows.

Councillor Adams said: “Danny was a key figure in the economic life of Pembrokeshire for many years and he will be sadly missed.

“We should recognise his contribution to the county firstly as a leading Trades Union official and more latterly as an elected member of Pembrokeshire County Council which he served with distinction.

“I have always believed that part of Danny’s appeal was that he was a man of reason, who could see both sides of an argument. This meant he was never entrenched in his views and this, in turn, gave him the ability to mediate and find common ground in conflict.

“In short he was a man you could do business with. This was an essential part of his make-up and served him well over the years.

“My sympathy goes to his family in their sad loss.”

Mr Fellows’ funeral will be held next Tuesday, February 25 at 1.30pm at Christ Church, Priory Road, Milford Haven. All enquiries to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd, 01646 693180.