Rhodri Morgan remembered: 'Sometimes it seemed like the whole of Wales was on first-name terms with him'

Former First Minister Rhodri Morgan, who has died aged 77, was one of the most popular politicians of his generation.

He was first elected as an MP in 1987, representing Cardiff West until 2001.

A powerful advocate of devolution, he became an assembly member when it was created in 1999.

It is understood he died while out cycling near his home.

Friends, fellow politicians and journalists have been sharing their favourite memories of him.

First Minister Carwyn Jones

"Rhodri was such a larger than life figure. For many of us he was a father figure in politics, ten months younger than my own father."

He was an extraordinarily clever man, but loved his sport. Loved to talk to people. He knew so much about so many things.

He had an eerie talent for remembering people's names. It didn't matter whether you'd met him ten years ago or fifteen years ago, straight away he could remember somebody's name and talk to them".

Andrew RT Davies AM, Leader, Welsh Conservatives

"Our first meeting was not in the political arena but came after Rhodri was forced to barricade his garden late on an autumn Sunday evening after some of my cattle had misbehaved and wandered into the Morgans' - he was undoubtedly one of life's true characters.

And while politically we didn't see eye to eye, there is no question that he was held in high regard right across the political spectrum and he will be missed by all who knew him"

Peter Black, Liberal Democrat councillor and former AM

"He had an encyclopedia-type memory and ready wit, constantly pouring out facts, jokes and anecdotes to suit any occasion. Sometimes it seemed like the whole of Wales was on first-name terms with him.

I remember the first time I met him. It was the first meeting of the Assembly in 1999. He was sitting near to me so I introduced myself and told him that his brother, Prys had been my history tutor at university. 'That's the story of my life'' he retorted, 'people only know me through my brother.'

On another occasion, he responded to a question I posed to him in Plenary with the quip that it was nice to hear from Peter Black on the black economy.

Every First Minister since will be measured against him and inevitably, they will be found wanting."

Professor Peter Stead, historian

"I first met him in the 1960s. Right from the very beginning, I was struck how he was an issue-solver. There was no empty rhetoric. There was no overriding sectional loyalty."

He had no affectation. He wore his scholarship with ease.

He loved Cardiff. He knew everything about Cardiff. But he was very proud of his Swansea Valley roots, and he delighted in going to Cardiganshire as often as he could."

Barbara Barker, neighbour

"I knew him for over forty years. A genuine man who spoke from the heart.

You'd be him walking his dog or riding his bike or jogging. A character.

When I first knew him I remember him going to work with an odd shoe, or odd sock! Part of his charm, I think !

But his sincerity - that's where he spoke from the heart - that's how he'll be remembered."

Carolyn Hitt, writer and broadcaster

"He was an incredible person and politician.

Sport was an absolute passion for him. I'll think of him on Sydney harbour, before the World Cup final, when he was walking around in his cargo pants, and the most ancient Welsh rugby shirt I'd ever seen, with a smile on his face, just being one of the fans, one of the people. And he really was one of the people"

Nick Partridge, former ITV Wales Business Editor

"In many ways, he was an interviewer's dream. Always very approachable, always very easy to get hold of, and always had plenty to say.

I think my favourite memory was popping into Tesco on the way home to pick up a few odds and ends, and I was rummaging around in the sell-by date offers counter, and I realised there was someone else doing the same thing.

To my astonishment, I realised it was Rhodri Morgan - the First Minister! I remember thinking, well, if it's good enough for him, it's good enough for me!"

Carl Edwards, ITV Wales correspondent and presenter

"I will never forget the day Andrea Byrne and I met him for a charity walk in Cardiff.

As we strolled through Bute Park with his beloved dog William Tell he chatted away about all sorts (mainly dogs!) and I kept having to remind myself that we were with the First Minister!

I loved the tale about the night before his big conference speech in Brighton. They arrived so late the night before the rented house was all locked up.

He explained how he tried pushing open the doors and checking the windows but was disturbed by a team of police swooping in thinking he was a burglar.

He laughed telling us how he had to explain he was First Minister of Wales and not up to no good!"