The Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol notes with sadness the news of the death of former Assembly Member Owen John Thomas who has died aged 84.
Dr Ioan Matthews, Chief Executive of the Coleg, said:
"As a campaigner and teacher, Owen John Thomas made a significant contribution to Welsh-medium education in Cardiff and beyond and was very supportive of the development of the Coleg Cymraeg. During his time as an Assembly Member between 1999 and 2007, prior to the Coleg's founding, Owen John was among the strongest supporters of the campaign to increase Welsh-medium education opportunities in universities. It was also in this period, with the political support of the then relatively new Assembly, that some schemes were established which now form a central part of the Coleg''s work, including the PhD scholarship scheme.
He worked passionately for the language in many roles, particularly in Cardiff where he lived and worked all his life. His passion for the flourishing of the Welsh language in his community can be attested to in his essay on the history of the Welsh language in Cardiff between c.1800 and 1914, published in the acclaimed volume Iaith Carreg fy Aelwyd (GPC, 1998)
His legacy is clear in Cardiff, nationally, and for us at the Coleg Cymraeg, and his work will continue to nurture the next generation of Welsh speakers. We extend our condolences to his family and friends."