In 1995 he became President of the University College of North Wales, Bangor. Another of his great interests was his involvement in campaigns for recognition of the Welsh language. Most notably, in 1980, he played a leading part in persuading William Whitelaw to change government policy and to establish a Welsh language television service. He was thus instrumental in persuading Gwynfor Evans to abandon his intention to begin a hunger strike. The new channel was launched as S4C in 1982. Most of his contributions in the House of Lords during the last decade of his life were on Welsh subjects. Family In 1949 he married Jean Beatrice, daughter of Captain Jesse Hughes, of Holyhead. She shared both his religion and politics. Cledwyn and Jean Hughes had two children, a daughter, Ann and son, Harri. From 1955 until 1959 the family lived in London, but in 1959 decided that they move back to Anglesey where the children could be brought up in a Welsh speaking community. Lord Cledwyn died, aged 84, at Glan Clwyd Hospital, Bodelwyddan on 22 February 2001. Following a public funeral service at Disgwylfa Chapel on 27 February, he was buried at Maeshyfryd Cemetery, Holyhead. Tributes and assessment On learning of his death, former Prime Minister James Callaghan said that Cledwyn Hughes 'was an unfailing counsellor to me throughout my political life, and especially during my time as prime minister. Wales has lost a great man, and I mourn a true friend.' Cledwyn Hughes was regarded primarily as an efficient administrator, but also as a person of great warmth and humour, with a considerable talent for storytelling. During the 1960s and 1970s his florid complexion was a familiar sight in the news. In Wales and beyond, he was known simply as Cledwyn. References Sources Books and journals Online Hansard (Parliamentary debates) Other Times Guide to the House of Commons, 1979 External links 1916 births 2001 deaths Agriculture ministers of the United Kingdom Alumni of Aberystwyth University Bards of the Gorsedd Councillors in Wales Cledwyn of Penrhos Members of the Order of the Companions of Honour Members of the Privy Council of the United Kingdom Ministers in the Wilson governments, 1964–1970 People associated with the University of Wales People educated at Holyhead High School People from Holyhead People from Anglesey Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve personnel of World War II Secretaries of State for Wales UK MPs 1951–1955 UK