Tributes have been paid to a music conductor described as "a truly great man" who has died at the age of 84. Derek Holvey MBE, originally from Cwmparc, Rhondda, and since resided in Gelli, passed away on August 3.
Mr Holvey forged a career as a much-admired musical director in Rhondda Cynon Taf and south Wales, becoming member and bandmaster of both the Parc and Dare and Treherbert and District bands. The talented musician then turned his hand to conducting with the Bridgend County Wind Band, Rhondda Cynon Taf Youth Orchestra, followed by the Four Counties Youth Orchestra.
And as adjudicator of the Treorchy Male Choir Young Musician and Singer of the Year, he watched and inspired the best young talent in south Wales, making a difference to generations of young musicians.
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His daughter, Claire Hughes, said: "He was an amazing dad and husband. He was very funny, had an amazing sense of humour - very quick witted. He had a very varied and interesting full life, predominantly in music. He was a cornet player, starting off in Parc and Dare band as a young boy. He's been in multiple bands throughout his life, up until weeks before his death.
“We've all been involved with music with my dad in some way or another - you couldn’t help it in our household, there was always music playing.”
Claire said his love and legacy of music has been left behind with her and her siblings, Anthony and Janet. She said: “I grew up with music when I was younger. I still play the violin and have been conducted by my dad. My sister played the flute when she was younger and my brother also had the opportunity when he was younger. He started off with percussion but decided it wasn’t for him. As he got older, he now plays the bass guitar with a local band - my father was really proud of him. Despite it not being his type of music, he was very proud of his achievements.”
In 2012, he was awarded an MBE in the 2012 New Year Honours List, honoured for Services to Music in South East Wales as conductor of the Four Counties Youth Orchestra. He was nominated by his students which meant “so much” to the family as the students “thought so highly of him to do that.”
Claire said he thought very fondly of his students and added: “He was in absolute joy to be able to teach everyone - many have gone to have a musical career. He was so happy to be able to play a part in that. I think he was very proud of his students he worked with. He was proud of their achievement no matter how big or small. He was very encouraging of everybody - he was a very supportive and patient man.”
Many of his former students shared their memories of him. One said: “Rest in peace, Mr Holvey. You were a legend in music education and beyond.”
Bridgend Music Service also made a tribute, saying: “Derek was certainly one of the best! A fantastic trumpet and cornet player, conductor, educator, mentor, but most importantly a truly great man. We were very lucky to have Derek as one of our extremely dedicated youth orchestra tutors for many years finally retiring at 81 years old!
“Derek was a huge influence on so many young musicians over many decades. He was able to relate to each and every pupil, engaging and enthusing them to be the best that they could be. Derek possessed a great sense of humour to which all who knew him will testify.
“Derek had been such a massive part of so many people's lives and will be incredibly missed by so many. Our thoughts go to Derek’s family in this sad time. Derek, you will never be forgotten!”
In addition to music, Mr Holvey's other passion was Ton Pentre Football Club as a beloved supporter, committee member, programme editor and groundsman.
In a tribute, the team said: “Derek was a very recognisable and friendly face around Ynys Park who worked extremely hard for Ton Pentre over many years, tirelessly maintaining the pitch for both the Bulldogs and Ton & Gelli BGC to play their football on.
"For many years, Derek watched Ton Pentre alongside his loyal friends Bryan Bees and Phil Morgan. They were often nicknamed the ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ and were a formidable trio for the Bulldogs off the pitch. Derek can now join them once again, watching Ton Pentre from the greatest grandstand of them all.
“Derek will be sorely missed by everyone at Ynys Park and by the many friends he had across Welsh football and those whose lives he touched through music.
“Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to his family and friends at this sad time but the club hope that they find comfort during these dark days in how highly regarded Derek by all those around him. He was a true gentleman.This club will forever remember his service.
“Derek Holvey, may you rest in peace. Always a Bulldog.”
Mr Holvey has been known under many titles throughout the years, from musician, teacher, father, husband to football fan, but he has also been an avid quiz player for the last 25 years.
Claire laughed at the memories of her father’s quizzing days: “He had a passion for a quiz, he’d always attend the ones at the local pubs. Often his teams would win, every time Dad came to a quiz everybody would want him on their teams. It was always ‘Derek you’re on our team.’”
Claire added: "We've been overwhelmed by the messages and tributes that have been made for my dad - it's been so humbling.
"I think the legacy my dad left is that people want to emulate his life and his passion for music."
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