OBITUARY

It is with the greatest sadness that I have to mention the passing of two stalwarts of the Quins, namely Spencer Jones and Hugh Furlong.

Both gave such personal support to the club and they really appreciated what the Quins’ philosophy was to the game and the area. Both will be sorely missed and we send our sincerest condolences to both families

 

Spencer Jones M.Ed,

Spencer attended Whitland Grammar School and later Trinity College, now the University of Wales Trinity St David’s.

He became headmaster of Ysgol Gruffydd Jones, St Clears after heading Glasfryn and Penygroes Primary Schools.

In the 70’s he played wing and centre for the Quins being a big and strong runner.

He was also a superb athlete with Carmarthen Harriers, specializing in the triple jump, 100 and 200 metres. Spencer went on to compete in the Welsh Games and the British AAA Championships. He also competed against Daly Thompson in the British Decathlon Championships in 1974.

Spencer gave a huge amount of time to the Quins coaching the youth to five consecutive Llanelli and District Youth Cups and just losing to Pontypool 3-0 in a Welsh Youth semi-final.

He also coached the 1st XV for a number
of years and became team manager for many years.

Later he gave his free time to other local clubs; Nantgaredig, St Clears, Whiltand and Tenby, in helping with their fitness and skills abilities and also became team manager of District G’s U21’s squad.

In his hectic life Spencer also gave hours
of his free time to become Carmarthen Harriers’ senior coach and team manager
for all age groups.

His pinnacle was reached by being team manager for the Welsh National Junior team and also the Welsh Senior National Multi Events squad in the British games.

His other love was his dogs and taking them shooting out in the beautiful Welsh countryside.

As a sportsman and a teacher, Spencer has left a sporting heritage for hundreds (if not thousands) of young people who have benefitted from his free time and coaching expertise over the decades, many achieving international honours.

Our thoughts are with Beryl, his wife, Justin, Emma and Gavin and their families at this sad time. Thank you, Spencer, our dear friend, from all of us, for being so generous in passing on your skills with such unselfishness.

 

 

Hugh Furlong

Hugh Furlong was born in Llangynog and went to school in the village before going to the senior school in St Clears. He spent some time on a farm before going to the Army where he signed up for six years duty. He then went to work on the electricity pylons before spending over 25 years with
Ken Jones Bancyfelin, transporting cattle on the articulated lorry all over the country until he retired.

He represented the Army boxing team frequently reaching the finals of the services tournament which was a huge achievement in those days. I think that PC Ronw James and Graham “Gege” Walters should have been aware of this and not intimidated or provoked Hugh as they may have avoided being put to lie in a horizontal position and looking in an upwards direction.

He moved to Bancyfelin on marrying and brought up his two daughters Susan and Mandy who became his life.

His interests, outside his family, were the Quins and vintage machinery teaming up with Lloyd Davies also from Bancyfelin and another huge Quins supporter. They travelled the whole country visiting various vintage and steam fairs.

Hugh was a faithful member of the Q150 club since its commencement and hardly ever missed a game, home or away.

We don’t believe he actually played a game for the Quins but ironically played against them in the Park on behalf of the army. We are still trying to find out the result.

It is so very sad because Hugh, being so devoted to his family, would have been so proud to see his grand-nephew Jac Price who has been picked to play his first game for his beloved Quins today and in the Park.

We will miss you so much Hugh as a “gentle giant” of a man who never created fuss, would watch the game, enjoy a quiet chat with the boys and have a little drink or two before returning to the Fox and Hounds Bancyfelin for another little drink or two before finally retiring to 4a Bancyfelin. Thank you Hugh for being who you were, the perfect and genuine person that we all respected so much.

Our thoughts go out to you as a family
and we share the loss of this lovely person with you.