It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father Hywel, in the early hours of 26th July. He died peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his wife and three sons. 

Hywel was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in March 2023. He stoically battled through over thirty-five rounds of chemotherapy alongside a range of treatments and lifestyle changes. Always putting on a brave face throughout, he continued performing on his cherished bass trombone. Music was everything to him – he even delayed the onset of a new chemotherapy treatment because he was determined to perform in a concert, in case the side effects were too strong. Despite increasing disease progression, excruciating pain, and mental anguish, Hywel plucked up the strength to perform one last time at the Royal Albert Hall just weeks ago to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Ealing Symphony Orchestra, a band that was very close to his heart. Some of the other numerous ensembles he was involved in included West London Sinfonia, Rebel Yell Jazz Orchestra, Surrey Brass, and the Bill Geldard Band, the latter of which he continued attending rehearsals for up until the end.

Hywel was a civil engineer and senior planner by trade, having been involved in countless projects across the UK and Moscow. Among these he was most proud of his work on the McLaren Technology Centre, the HQ of the Formula One racing team. 

Alongside his musical prowess, he never shied away from exploring new things. From sailing, to rowing, and even diving, Hywel was a thrill-seeker who loved the outdoors and going on adventures. We grew up on stories of his caving in Wales, flying his Cessna, and his years in Moscow. Even when his mobility became increasingly compromised, he rowed once more with the Staines Boat Club, before a memorable family holiday to Nice, France. 

Above all, he loved his family. He leaves behind a wife of 32 years, Irina, his three sons, Tom, Ed, and Vic, his mother Mary, two brothers, Rob and Matt, and sister-in-law Elena. We are exceptionally grateful to all the support from his extended family and wide network of friends who have given so much love and care to Hywel over not just the course of his illness but throughout his life. He appreciated all of you. 

To those who came to visit him in his final weeks in hospital, to warm messages and tributes, to those who prepared meals for us while we stayed by his side in hospital, to those who came to his concerts; thank you. His kind, adventurous, and generous soul will live in us forever.

We would be grateful for donations to either ADHD UK or towards the Swimathon that Irina took on in March this year to raise money for Cancer Research UK, Marie Curie, and the Swimathon Foundation:

Donate to ADHD UK

Donate to the Swimathon

We ask that guests please wear black or dark attire to the funeral and wake. The wake venue will be available from 3pm; the family will join at approximately 4:30pm after the private cremation, when refreshments will also be served. Thank you.