EURIG THOMAS 1934 -2025

Eurig Thomas, who was one of the first councillors on the unitary City of York Council in 1996, has died, aged 90. Eurig and his family came to live in York in 1971, when he accepted the position of Head of Department at York College, later becoming Assistant Principal, until his retirement in 1992. 

He settled in Huntington with his family and soon became involved with community life. He joined Huntington Parish Council in 1979 and served on it for over 20 years, many as Chair. He was elected to Ryedale District Council in 1983, topping the poll at an election which saw massive gains for the then Liberal/Alliance. His abilities shone through; a councillor, ever capable of making the point cogently and persuasively, always courteously and, often, convivially. He became Leader of the Lib Dem Group and was Chairman of the original Ryedale District Council, in its penultimate civic year of 1994/5. 

He was a mainstay of the new, City of York Council, as a shadow authority in 1995/6, and during its first term to 1999, acting as Deputy Lib Dem Leader and Lib Dem spokesperson for education. He was the first Lib Dem Sheriff of the new authority in 1997/8, being a stalwart ambassador for York. 

Eurig was appointed a Justice of the Peace on the York City Bench in 1976, serving for over 20 years. As a law graduate, his skill set was invaluable and he combined a firm and fair approach with one of compassion and humanity. He was one of those Justices who could readily relate to those who appeared before him.

He was an enthusiastic sportsmen in his youth, later becoming a football coach and then involved in the administration of amateur sports, most notably being a past President of both York & District Rugby League and New Earswick All Blacks Rugby League Club. 

Speaking about Eurig, Hon. Alderman Charles Hall, who served alongside him as a councillor, said, “Eurig was a great orator. He could summarize others’ views and structure a logical alternative. His greatest ability was to be able to communicate with all other political groups and he was a superb analyst.” 

Cllr Richard Watson. President of York Lib Dems, added, “ Whether it was in the council chamber, the courtroom or a lecture theatre, Eurig was a master of the language of persuasion. That is amply illustrated when I look back at his contribution in respect of the development of Monks Cross and, particularly, the provision of the early sports facilities there. He was a great mentor to me when I was a young councillor, for which I shall always be grateful.” 

Eurig is survived by Julie, his wife of sixty-six years, his three children, Karen, Mark and Rhydian, and six grandchildren.