MORE than 200 people attended the funeral of a former Torfaen councillor described as “a true family man”.

Michael Gough, 71, died at his home last month after suffering with lung disease.

His funeral was held at Gwent Crematorium yesterday at 10am, with more than 200 people turning out to pay their last respects, and a wake followed at Cwmbran RFC.

The leader of Torfaen council, Cllr Bob Wellington, described Mr Gough as being a “truly a remarkable and rounded character”.

He added: “The hundreds of mourners is testament to the true friendships Mike made throughout his life. I count myself fortunate to have been a friend and to have known someone of such generosity of spirit.

“My fondest regards to Mike’s family, who I know are also proud of his achievements in making the world a better place.”

The opening address was led by Jim Wilkinson, who read a poem., How Do You Spend Your Dash? The gathering sang Men of Harlech and Nos Da, and Mr Gough’s daughter, Samantha, read My Father Kept a Garden, and his son Mike read the eulogy.

Speaking before the service, he described his father as being trusted with various responsibilities within Torfaen during his political career, adding he was “principled and honest”.

He said: “People trusted him and went to him for help because he was a straight talker who selflessly helped other people all his life.”

After leaving West Monmouth School, Mr Gough began an apprenticeship as a pattern maker at Guest, Keen and Nettlefolds (GKN) in the 1960s and this led him to become a member of the Labour Party and he was elected to the Cwmbran Urban Council in 1971.

One of eight children, Mr Gough attended university at Balliol College, Oxford, where he studied philosophy, politics and economics.

He returned to Cwmbran and worked as a health and safety officer with Gwent County Council.

Mr Gough, who died on January 19, was a local councillor for many years, first representing Labour, but later as an independent.

He also stood as an independent candidate in the Welsh Assembly election of 1999.

In his social life, he was associated with Cwmbran RFC as a player, committee member and supporter. He was also a committed chorister and compere, latterly with the Gwent Police Choir.

Described as a “true family man” his son added: “Tributes have been flooding in from all over the world.”

Mr Gough leaves a son, Michael, daughters Samantha and Serena and grandchildren Freddy, Leo, Louisa and Billy.

He was brother to the late Maureen, Terry and Graham, and is survived by Kathleen, Gerald, Malcolm and Christine.