A man celebrated as a “true Swansea legend” has been awarded an MBE — an honour he learned of in his final days, but could tell no one about.
Robert Francis-Davies, who died in May after 43 years of service to Swansea Council, is awarded the MBE for public service in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours, published tonight.
The honour is dated 6 May — days before his death — meaning it stands as an award he received in his lifetime.
His family have told Swansea Bay News that the letter confirming the honour reached him before he passed away — but that the strict confidentiality of the honours process meant he was unable to discuss it with anyone.
In a statement, his family said: “It would have meant a great deal to him as it reflected not just the work he did but the impact on the community he loved.
“We are all immensely proud that his service has been recognised in this way. He loved this city, and while we wish he was here to receive it, we know how deeply honoured he would have been. What mattered to him was the impact of his work in Morriston and in Swansea.”
Known across the city as RFD, Mr Francis-Davies was the council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration, tourism and events at the time of his death — and across more than four decades was credited with helping deliver landmarks including the Swansea.com Stadium and the National Waterfront Museum.
Tributes following his death described him as a “true Swansea legend” — and this week a giant graffiti tribute bearing his initials appeared on the front wall of St Helen’s, alongside the words “The Legacy Remains in Place”.
Mr Francis-Davies is among 84 people from Wales — and more than a dozen from across Swansea Bay and Carmarthenshire — recognised in this year’s list, which celebrates 1,182 people across the UK. The full local list is in our round-up.
His death triggered a by-election in his Morriston ward, which takes place on Thursday.
