Tributes paid to man who made the city bloom

THE man nicknamed "Green-fingered Harry", who shaped the landscape of Swansea and helped the city win Wales in Bloom for 12 consecutive years, has died.

Harry Parker, former head of the city's parks department, was responsible for designing much of Swansea's seafront after the Mumbles Train's track was removed, and the crazy golf courses in Mumbles and Singleton.

The grandfather-of-nine was responsible for the city's green spaces from 1974 until his retirement in 1987.

Lord Mayor of Swansea Alan Lloyd said: "I was fortunate to work very closely with Harry for many years.

"I was chairman of parks and leisure for Swansea City Council, and together we worked on initiatives such as Wales in Bloom and Britain in Bloom.

"He was a very good servant of Swansea, and always promoted the city wherever he went. In horticultural circles, he was one of Britain's leading lights, and his knowledge meant he was highly regarded and well respected across the UK."

Originally from Nelson in Lancashire, 84-year-old Mr Parker served with RAF Bomber Command during the Second World War as a warrant officer flying Lancasters. He later transferred to Transport Command flying Dakotas in the Far East.

After the war, he continued his studies in horticulture at Kew Gardens in London, which was where he met and married Muriel.

His gardening career took him from Kew to Nassau in the Bahamas, and then to Swansea in 1963.

Nicknamed "Green-fingered Harry", he helped establish the Wales in Bloom competition, and for a time was also a Britain in Bloom judge.

His work with the environment saw him awarded a national commendation in the Queen Mother's Birthday awards.

Sheila Lewis, Wales in Bloom competition organiser, said: "Harry gave Wales in Bloom great support, and he was an excellent judge.

"He was very well thought of in our circles."

Mr Parker died on Tuesday, after a series of health problems.

He leaves wife Muriel, and children Gill, Mike and Aly.

Muriel said: "He loved living in Swansea, and was devoted to his children and grandchildren.

"We had 56 years together and we were greedy because we both wanted more, but it wasn't to be.

"He was a wonderful man with a great sense of humour and he will be very, very much missed."

The funeral will be held at Mumbles Methodist Church on Wednesday at 9.15am, before a service at Morriston Crematorium at 11am.