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Robert Alun Evans dead: Iconic Welsh BBC broadcaster dies aged 86
BBC Wales broadcaster Robert Alun Evans has passed away at the age of 86.
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Legendary BBC Wales broadcaster Robert Alun Evans - known as R Alun - has passed away at the age of 86. He was known nationally as the face and voice of Welsh broadcasting and became the first person in history to commentate on a Wales international football match in the Welsh language.
Evans took to the microphone to commentate on Wales v Scotland in a 1977 World Cup qualifying match, having presented and reported for the BBC Wales' Heddiw news programme.
Later in his career he became head of programming at BBC in Bangor but continued to make appearances on air as listeners were treated to one of Wales' most iconic voices.
Tributes have poured in across social media to support his wife Rhiannon after the pair had spent over 60 years together and had two children in Rhys and Betsan.
Evans had a lifelong association with the National Eisteddfod and the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, often leading both, as the National Eisteddfod on X wrote: "R Alun Evans was modern in his vision, and our conversations were always an opportunity to step back and consider his ideas and opinions.
"We will miss his lovely affection and closeness. We send our deepest condolences to Rhiannon, Rhys and Betsan and thank him for everything."
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He was recognised by the National Eisteddfod with its highest honour, becoming a fellow of the institution.
While prior to his BBC career, Evans was ordained as a nonconformist minister and following his retirement from the Beeb he returned to the pulpit and also president of the Union of Welsh Independents.
Evans' historic commentary of Wales v Scotland in 1977 saw the Scots come out as 2-0 victors in Liverpool. Despite World Cup qualification eluding Wales once again, Evans covering the match in the national language went down in the history books.