Rhys Parry
Rhys Parry died on 5 July 2026, aged 79.
Rhys came to Aberystwyth University in 2002, where he joined the teaching team in the Department of Computer Science. He taught in the department until his retirement in 2015.
He was born in Glasgow in November 1946, but he spent most of his childhood growing up with his extended family in Treorchy in the Rhondda Valley.
Although his father wanted him to become a BBC cameraman, Rhys had other ideas. Originally wanting to become a pilot, he discovered that his colour blindness meant his love of flying would need to be pursued through a different route. He completed the equivalent of a degree apprenticeship in electronic engineering at Loughborough University, sponsored by BAe Systems, where he worked on a number of defence and aerospace projects.
A proud Welshman and staunch European, he later worked for organisations including Easams, the European Space Agency, Hewlett Packard and Intergraph, continuing to contribute to major defence and aerospace projects, including writing code for used in the Tornado aircraft.
During the 1980s, he went on to work for one of Europe’s largest software companies, System Designers/SD-Scicon, where he led highly complex advanced technology projects, including managing the 110-person flight simulation division, working with a range of civil and military clients.
Rhys met his wife Carolyn whilst they were both working at the company. They went on to build a life, a family and a series of businesses together, including developing a data software product, publishing the UK’s first sales and marketing technology magazine, and, more recently, setting up a couples’ escape-to-the-country Airbnb business in the heart of Wales.
In 2002, Rhys joined the Department of Computer Science at Aberystwyth University. He drew on his extensive professional knowledge and experience to inspire students to pursue successful careers in technology and business. He taught modules in including e-Commerce and Professional Issues in IT. He made complex topics more accessible for students, and took enormous pride in seeing his students go on to build successful careers of their own.
Away from his professional life, Rhys had a lifelong love of rugby. A passionate Welsh supporter through and through, he rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his beloved Wales, both at home and away, even when we were losing. He devoted more than a decade to Aberystwyth University's Rugby Club as Club Secretary, taking great pride in supporting the university's teams and representing the club nationally at Welsh Rugby Union level.
His retirement did not diminish his intellectual curiosity. He completed a Postgraduate Diploma in International Relations, wrote a book on the D-Day Normandy landings, and he was exploring the potential of AI to change the world as he worked on a science fiction novel.
During his retirement, Rhys developed Parkinsons. “He faced Parkinson's with remarkable courage, dignity and characteristic stoicism, rarely complaining and often hiding just how much he was coping with,” said Carolyn. “We continued to enjoy life, with happy hours together at comedy gigs, particularly during the long Welsh winter months, laughing until our sides hurt – memories I will always cherish.”
He was also a father to three strong, talented, and caring grown-up children, a grandfather to two beautiful youngsters, and a doggy dad to his beloved dachshund, Barney. He was looking forward to welcoming a new granddaughter to the family, who was born a few days after he passed.
“It was great to work with Rhys,” said Neil Taylor, a Senior Lecturer in the department. “We worked together on a few modules, including the 3rd year Major Projects. I remember his support as I started lecturing in the department. He enjoyed supervising student projects, encouraging the students to build their biggest piece of work during their degree. I also remember his enthusiasm for Welsh rugby and enjoying his stories of watching it in Cardiff. We miss his contribution to the life of the department.”