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A former Swansea City Football Club chairman who was present during the era the club got promoted through the divisions has died.

Winston Rees, who was once also in charge of a travel company which once turned over £60 million, passed away on September 19 after battling a short illness. He was 78.

Mr Rees had a remarkable life, starting off as a shipping agent in Swansea's Wind Street. He caught the travel bug whilst working as a travel agent representative for Welsh business Hourmont Travel.

After working there for 15 years, having established himself as the sales director, he had an epiphany that the travel industry needed a shake up, or at least could do things better.

This resulted in Mr Rees opening the first of his 41 retail branches Winston Rees (World) Travel on October 2, 1979, which boasted more than 250 staff.

Results came thick and fast as the business was voted within the top 10 travel agencies in Britain, whilst holding the title of the largest independent travel firm in Wales.

The Swansea business was turning over £60 million during its last trading years, before being sold in December 1994 to Airtours (formerly Going Places), then Europe's largest travel business.

Mr Rees was a keen sportsman in his earlier years having played cricket for West Glamorgan, with a love of all things Swansea.

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He became a board member for Swansea City Football Club, eventually becoming the chairman in April 1978, and was present throughout the famous back to back promotions from the then Fourth Division through to top tier of British football , the 1st Division.

This resulted in a run in Europe's elite competition playing against the likes of European giants PSG and more, ensuring Swansea was on the map for both business and sporting achievements.

Mr Rees took early retirement soon after selling Winston Rees World Travel, and continued to live out the rest of his days with his beloved wife Linda in Cyprus.

He is survived by his three daughters, six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Mr Rees's son-in-law, Frank Drewson said: "He was a very people-orientated person who loved the public and was well liked by the public.

"He was a family man, he loved his children and his grandchildren and was a real great sportsman. He loved his football and his cricket and would never miss a game. He was glued to the TV.

"He will be best remembered for his love of sport and travel."

(Image: Rees family)

(Image: Rees family)

A Swansea City Football Club spokesman added: "Everyone at Swansea City was saddened to hear of the loss of Winston.

"As a former chairman, he worked tirelessly at the club through arguably one of the best and then most difficult periods in the club’s history.

"On behalf of the football club we would like to pass on our condolences to his family and friends at this sad time."