Below is a sample of the tributes sent to Wynn Hughes' widow :-
“Wyn was a real character and a legend in Aber PE and football circles. A good player himself I remember he played for the College first X1 fixture in the then Mid Wales league when the college team was short of a player. He would have been in his thirties then. His contribution to Aber and UW sport was huge. A pleasure and privilege to have known him.” (Clem Williams)
I remember that game (referred to above) when he played in the first XI. I was at left half and he was right half. I say that loosely as he seemed to be everywhere, covering the length and breadth of the pitch, with boundless energy and enthusiasm - easily our man of the match, which we won. Respect!!(Mick Dobson)
“Good to see lots of Wynne's students responding. He drove me up to Tywyn to make my Aberystwyth debut as a 5th former in 1961. What made it memorable was the 'Car', it was an open top Morgan's Sports. 20 minutes into the game and we have a throw in which he is going to take. I make a run into their penalty area going "Mr Hughes, Mr Hughes, Mr Hughes", he throws it and I score and he flies over saying "On the field, call me Wynne". What a guy. (Tony Evans)
“He was a legend in our time. Everyone in sport at that time knew Wyn and his huge enthusiasm for football and anything sporting. Wyn wasn’t always right. He once said to me you have a good first touch! Wrong but well-meaning encouragement that stays with you”
(Mick Newman)
I crossed paths and chatted with Wyn on a number of occasions over the years, in particular when his daughter came to live close to me in Mold. I have also met very many people from Aber and its surrounds in meetings/conferences/sports events etc. since leaving Aber--- I have always been amazed at how many of them knew and loved Wyn. He was a man of short stature but with a massive heart and personality. His enthusiasm for people and the community remained undimmed as he aged and it was great to talk to him at the 25th reunion. There are too few real characters around these days—I am very grateful to have known one of the best. One does not forget such a character. Diolch I ti Wyn --am dy gymeriad, gwaith ac atgofion o ddyn mawr. Gyda chydymdeimlad mawr i’r teulu.(Elwyn Williams)
I remember seeing him at our first reunion game. He was on the line, and several ex Aber Town players were in the Vets team (Brian Pugh Jones, the Southgates, Dai Whitney etc.). During a lull in the game I remarked ‘chi ddim wedi newid o gwbl’ (you haven’t changed at all). ‘Na, oe’n I’n hen yn ifanc’ (No, I was old when young’) was his reply!
(Rob Culley).
I first met Wyn at the beginning of my second year in 1968 when I joined in the pre-season soccer training week. Wyn was the first soccer coach I had ever experienced and the best. He always brought energy and enthusiasm to training sessions as well a sharp critique of shortcomings. You always knew where you stood with him. Later in my last year at Aber doing TT Wyn of course was a big part of PE and got us to do moves in gymnastics that we had never done before or since. He also got many of us across Crib Goch on Snowdon during outdoor education encouraging us but also snapping at our heels like a sheep dog when necessary referring to our “strength of character” and “moral turpitude”.
Later and more recently it was nice to catch up with Wyn at Aber Golf Club on Fridays of the reunion weekend when a few of us had a pint with him after playing golf. We all agreed he had not changed a bit and was always keen to hear about our lives and news of others. He was gracious in his assessment that our era, the soccer scene in the 60s early 70s was the best of his time at Aber. Thanks Wyn
(Derrick Spragg)
What enthusiasm Wyn possessed. He had his “sayings” – “show your moral fibre” and when short push passes went astray in training he referred to “sloppy ankles”. Yes probably my first and only soccercoac h – a great character and somebody to look up to - inspirational with a ready wit. (Ivor Hicks)
I remember Wyn for pre-season training which was tough but good and from which I felt the benefit. His gentle advice stayed with me for the rest of the football season and my football career. He will be greatly missed by all. (Mike Purslove)
He once told me that my only redeeming ability was to be crazy enough to be a goalkeeper. I have lived my life by this mantra. He was a truly wonderful man. (Ian “Lev” Edwards).
Wynne Hughes gave me an enormous amount of encouragement in those long ago days when I was secretary and general factotum to the football club, and also when I ended up as a PE student during my Dip. Ed. year.
I feel fortunate to have seen and spoken to him at the last reunion I came to a couple of years back. He was a lovely, memorable, character. (John “Jerry” Evans).
I was telling Ron Jones (Radio 5 Live commentator )about Wyn's passing. Ron was on the the PE staff in Aber from 1974-79 and shared coaching duties with Wyn. He told me about the time on an FA coaching course when Wyn was leading a session on heading with John Charles. Wyn asked the great man what position he would adopt for a corner. John told him "I would start my run from the far corner of the penalty area". Wyn's immediate response was "that's were you went wrong John "
He said Wyn was never short of confidence (Hywel Hughes and Ron Jones)
(Please note that no one was sure how his name was spelt but the death announcement in the Western Mail showed his name as Wynn Hughes)