Tributes have been paid to a Cwmbran man who was always in a “summer mood” and loved going on holiday with his partner and friends.
Carl Evans, 60, passed away from cancer on 4 August 2024.
Vikki Williams met Carl on a blind date 27 years ago in the former Crown pub in Sebastopol. She said: “We just clicked and never left each other.”
The date was set up by friends who thought they “would make a really good match”.
The couple lived in Greenmeadow. Carl was a popular and well-known figure in the Cwmbran pool league.
Vikki said that since his diagnosis “he struggled really bad” but always enjoyed “a laugh with the boys and keeping positive” playing pool.
“He played for the [Blinkin’] Owl for a long time, and then went to Llanyrafon Social with Brian, Tom, Gavin and Craig. That’s where he played last.”
He worked for Ovo Energy and “used to fix all the street lights”.
She told a funny story about when he had to turn lights off to put them on timers due to councils wanting to save money.
“He was in one street. This old lady came out and called him the Prince of Darkness. He was told what to do. He had to turn them off and put them on timers.”
The former chair of Cwmbran Pool League was always in a “summer mood, holiday mood,” Vikki said.
“He loved going on holiday. We used to holiday a lot in Tenerife.”
During one holiday to Lanzarote with his friend Stuart Parry, she bought them “six-pack muscle t-shirts”.
The two friends wore them and “everyone wanted photos with them.”
Vicki added: “He was an avid pool player and played snooker as well. He liked a simple life, a simple man, very laid back, liked a pint and loved his hot tub.
“Carl was a very bright colours man, and his wish was everybody [attending his funeral] wore Hawaiian shirts and bright colours. We did the flowers in pool ball colours. He just wanted everything bright.”
In a touching move, she said Carl was “sent off” wearing “black shorts, flip flops, a muscle shirt, and a daisy-coloured shirt. That’s how he wanted to be sent off. He was never in trainers, always flip flops.”
Rachael Williams played with Carl when he was in the Blinkin’ Owl team. She said: “Carl, who played pool with me for many years, will be deeply missed. His sense of humour was a constant source of joy, making our Wednesday nights full of laughter and camaraderie.
“His colorful shirts were more than just shirts; they were a reflection of his wicked personality. The memories of his laughter and distinctive style will remain cherished.”
Family and friends attended a service at Gwent Crematorium on Friday 6 September 2024.
He had two sons from a previous relationship and was a big part of the upbringing of Lauren (Vikki’s daughter) and her son Hudson, who knew him as “Bampi”.
Photos from Carl Evans’ funeral and wake
