John Humphries, former Editor of the Western Mail, author and gardening writer, has died peacefully aged 89 on October 5. Humphries edited Wales' national newspaper from 1988 to 1992.
Career and Political Advocacy
The Newport-born journalist was a passionate supporter of greater political independence for Wales who founded a pressure group called the Independence Wales Movement after leaving the Western Mail.
Humphries had worked as a foreign correspondent in Europe for Thompson Newspapers before becoming Editor of the Western Mail.
Books and Historical Works
After leaving the title, he wrote several books including Freedom Fighters: Wales's Forgotten 'War' 1963–1993 (published by the University of Wales Press), which explored the armed struggle and arson campaigns of militant Welsh nationalists.
He also authored The Man from the Alamo: Why the Welsh Chartist Uprising of 1839 Ended in a Massacre (2004) and Spying for Hitler: The Welsh Double-Cross (2012), which told the true story of how fanatical Welsh nationalist Gwilym Williams infiltrated the German Military intelligence on behalf of Mi5.
His son Owen said: "He dedicated decades to regional and national journalism. Known for his sharp editorial wit, integrity, and command of local affairs, he shaped the landscape of modern Welsh print media."
Following his retirement from the editor's chair, he channelled his knowledge into writing five highly regarded non-fiction books on Welsh history, capturing the unique narratives and unsung historical chapters of his homeland.
Founding the Bone Marrow Appeal
In 1987, Humphries founded the British Bone Marrow Donor Appeal with Malcolm Thomas of Bridgend to help their children, Alexandra and Mark, who had leukaemia. At the time they launched the charity, there was no specific register and the charity grew and grew for years.
The two men persuaded blood services across the UK to work with them and recruited thousands of donors. Sadly Malcolm Thomas' daughter Alexandra died aged 10 but Mark survived, thanks to intensive chemotherapy, even though no donor was found.
The charity was wound up in 2005 when the UK government took on its work recruiting and tracking donors and the remaining funds were donated to the blood services in Wales, England and Northern Ireland.
Gardening Legacy
Humphries was also a passionate gardener and wrote many columns for the Western Mail's Week End magazine, sharing practical wisdom, botanical history, and his love for cultivation.
Over many decades, he transformed his personal garden in Tredunnock, Monmouthshire, into a stunning, expansive sanctuary filled with meticulously selected specimen shrubs and rare plants.
His son Owen said: "His garden stood as a living testament to his patience, creativity, and deep reverence for nature."
Humphries is survived by his devoted wife, three children, and five grandchildren, who remember him not only for his public achievements but for his warmth, intellect, and steady guidance. He also leaves behind the grand, flourishing garden that he spent so many peaceful years nurturing.
Details regarding a memorial service to celebrate his long and impactful life will be announced by the family in due course.
