Ken Ashton, originally from Saron in Carmarthenshire, had followed his favorite team to watch them face Glais R.F.C in the Swansea Valley on Saturday 22nd November. But the game was abandoned 10 minutes in when the 71 year-old, who moved to Llanelli nearly 50 years ago, collapsed suddenly at the side of the pitch.

Paramedics and the Wales Air Ambulance attended and tried to resuscitate Mr Aston before airlifting him to Morriston Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Ken lived on Fron Terrrace with wife Joyce, who he married in 1967 after they met working for British rail in Llanelli, until she died six years ago. Nephew Steve Burnhill, who now lives in Cwmbran, but whose daughter Llions is a teacher at Yshol Y Starde, said alongside his passion for rugby, Ken was a keen collector of Stamps and Postcards, heavily involved with the Llanelli Stamp and Postcard Societies.

He said " Ken had five loves - his family, stamps, cards, rugby and the railway. "He was an uncomplicated and honorable person and devoted husband to my aunt. " He liked his real ale and he liked going to the pub. He was well-known and well-loved by the community and all his family and friends." Ken was a really nice guy, I don't know anyone who would say a bad word about him. He was one of the few really nice people I know."

Secretary of New Dock Stars, Carl Lucas, said Ken was permanent fixture at the club and would be greatly missed. He said " Ken used to follow us all over and all ways insisted on making his own arraignments. He followed us for many years - no distance too far. " I suppose in one way he died doing something he loved to do on a Saturday. For the club, we are very sad to lose him and our condolence go out to his family."

Mr Lucas said the club would be organizing a memorial event for Ken in the near future. His funeral was on Saturday 5th November 2011 and buried at Llangennech Cemetery.

Ken Ashton 1940-2011