Tributes paid to ‘larger than life’ paramedic from Gwynedd who died suddenly

A Welsh Ambulance Service paramedic who died suddenly last week aged 49 has been described as a ‘larger than life character who will be missed terribly by all’.

Anthony Stephens, from Pistyll, near Pwllheli, passed away after a cardiac arrest at his home on Friday 30 April.

The father-of-three had previously served in the RAF, and had completed a tour of Afghanistan before dedicating 15 years to the NHS and Welsh Ambulance Service, most recently as a paramedic based in Caernarfon.

Anthony’s son Carl, has paid tribute to his late father.

He said: “Dad was a larger than life character, always the centre of attention, just from the way he always liked to joke around with friends and colleagues.

“He had a real passion for anything that had to do with his hands, always tinkering in his workshop, making things out of wood and other materials.

“He was also very much into music, with Iron Maiden being one of his favourite bands.

“He was selfless, put 110% into his work and that has showed by some of the lovely words from colleagues and friends.

“He made a real impression on everyone he met and will be terribly missed by us all.”

Stephen Sheldon, Welsh Ambulance Service Locality Manager for Gwynedd and Anglesey paid tribute to Anthony by saying: “Tony was a friend and colleague for over 15 years, someone I worked alongside when he was a new recruit and later as a line manager.

“His character will be missed and his loss felt across all Western and Central areas of the Service.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.”

Welsh Ambulance Service Chief Executive, Jason Killens, said: “The sudden and sad loss of Anthony will be felt by all those that knew him and my thoughts are with his family, his friends and particularly those colleagues who attended the incident.

“All of us at the Welsh Ambulance Service work each day to contribute to the effort of saving lives, but we can never be prepared enough for when it comes to assisting the ones we are the closest to.

“I hope you will join me in expressing our condolences and showing our support to Anthony’s family and teammates.”

Anthony leaves behind a partner; Becky, three children; Carl, Kieren and Ben, as well as three grandchildren; George, Arthur and Evie.