Trefor Owen: 1951 - 2026
Wakefield Morris Dancers have passed on the sad news that Trefor Owen sadly passed away Wednesday evening, with his family, Siobhan, Rhys and June by his side. It came very quickly and has been a great shock.
Trefor was at the heart of their side. As a dancer, teacher, and master clog maker, his influence, dedication, and exceptionally high standards shaped who they are today. They will continue to honour that and strive to live up to it.
He will be greatly missed by all who knew and danced with him. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
Trefor was a past president of the Morris Federation (2004 – 2009) and author of the Federation's publication North West Morris Dancing, but will be best known as the master clog maker by so many north-west teams and step dancers – throughout the world.
His daughter Siobhan wrote a couple of days ago:
11 weeks ago, dad Trefor Owen called the out of hours doctor with severe headaches and nausea. He was admitted to hospital and diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour. Dad never does things by halves and the tumour was, at that stage, already the size of a banana. Two weeks later, he underwent surgery to remove as much of the tumour as possible with the intention that it would extend his life from the two months he was otherwise likely to live. Less than a week after the operation, he was discharged home but suffered a stroke four days later and was readmitted to hospital. With the added complication of the stroke, the six to eight more months that successful surgery would have given dad suddenly became six to eight weeks. Dad spent his last days in Ysbyty Alltwen, a tiny hospital close to his home in Cricieth, North Wales, surrounded by loved ones and friends and with a view of Moel y Gest hill from his window.
She has asked that you share your memories and photos of her dad with her – she can be found on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/siobhan.owen.16.
We offer our sincerest condolences.