Elwyn Tudor Jones

Elwyn Tudor Jones was a GP in rural north Wales for 30 years. During this time, while remaining what might be regarded as a traditional, “old-fashioned” practitioner, who knew his families and whose interests were always paramount, he oversaw the transition locally from the legacy of two singlehanded practices to a modern multipartnered dispensing practice housed in purpose built premises. He always maintained a progressive attitude, embraced modern technology, and was keen on training young doctors.

He was born in Bethesda, north Wales, in the heart of the Welsh slate mining industry, the second of three children (his older brother died in infancy) to William, who was a slate miner who had silicosis and was forced to retire early although he lived to the age of 73, and Olwen. Tudor was a staunch Welshman who spoke the language fluently (it was his first language) and conducted three quarters of his practice in Welsh. While doing his national service, he announced that he was taking the day off to celebrate St David’s Day, despite being told by his adjutant that this was not possible. He was a keen Welsh rugby supporter. He didn’t learn English until the age of …