Obituaries, May 19th 2010

Landshipping

The death of Gwyneth May John occurred at Withybush Hospital on March 6th. She was 79 and had been ill for some time.

Gwyneth was born at Garden Pitts, Landshipping, and was the eldest daughter of Randall and Mary Jones.

After leaving school, she worked in Martletwy post office for several years before she married Ronald in 1951. They lived at Cross Hands, Narberth before moving to Landshipping in 1980. She retired from the Dyfed County Council home help service in 1989 after eighteen years service in and around the Narberth locality.

Gwyneth’s main interests were her family and home and she loved the traditional country way of life. She delighted in her garden and was a keen knitter.

Family left to mourn are: Ronald (husband); Roy and Sue (son and daughter-in-law); Peter and Caroline (son and partner); Simon and Alison (son and daughter-in-law); Matthew, Emma, Deborah and James (grandchildren); Annie Lawrence (sister); Doris and Norman Williams (sister and brother-in-law); Anthony and Ann Jones (brother and sister-in-law); Annie Prosser (auntie); Gwen John (sister-in-law) and also many nephews and nieces.

A large gathering of family and friends attended the funeral held at Molleston chapel on March 15th.

The service was officiated by Rev Hywel Brown and the bearers were Robert Cockburn, Howard Lewis, Huw Lawrence, Andrew Vaughan, Neil Humphreys and Huw Benbow.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by John Roberts and Sons, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock.

Mr J. D. Gibbon

Clynderwen

The death of John Dawkin Gibbon occurred at Withybush Hospital on April 9th after a short stay. He was 88.

Dawkin was the son of the late Mr and Mrs Hugh Gibbon of Great Vaynor, Clynderwen, and brother of the late Hetty.

After leaving school he farmed at Great Vaynor with his parents until his father’s death in 1940. He continued to farm and after his marriage to Kathleen, they farmed together until their retirement in 1987.

He continued to live at the farmhouse until Kathleen’s death in 1993 and then lived on his own until his health deteriorated.

He spent the last four years with his niece and her husband. He had enjoyed all forms of sport, especially hunting and horse-racing.

The funeral service took place on April 16th at St Aidan’s Church, Llawhaden where Dawkin had been a life-long member.

Rev David Faulkner officiated, assisted by Nan Warlow. The organist was Sharon Logan. Interment took place in the adjoining churchyard.

Dawkin’s popularity was evident by the large number of neighbours and friends present.

The principal mourners were: Josephine and Crofton Lewis (niece and husband); Robert James (nephew); Simon and Roger James (great nephews); Joy Cornock (friend); Richard and Elizabeth Hughes, Peter and Anabell Thomas together with more distant relatives too numerous to mention.

Unable to attend were Pat Simmons, Ishbell Thomas, William and Alex Thomas.

The bearers were Stephan James, Wyn Harries, William Morris, Picton James, Alan Nicholas, Bill Ridge.

There were family flowers only, with donations if desired for St Aidan’s Church Restoration Fund to Val Parish, Caerelli, Gelli, Llawhaden.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Ken Davies and Sons, Clynderwen.

Mrs S. E. Cridland

Pennar

Sylvia Elaine Cridland died on the Sunderland ward at South Pembrokeshire Hospital on April 10th, having lost her fight against cancer.

Sylvia was born to Gwendoline and Cecil Gard in 1937. She was the youngest of six children and spent her childhood years living in School House, Rhydwilym, Narberth.

At the age of 13, Sylvia moved to Pembroke Dock with her mother, who became the licensee of the Royal Oak Pub, Pembroke and then the Alma Inn, Bufferland.

While working in the Alma, Sylvia met Alan and they were married in 1958 at Wesley Chapel, Pembroke Dock and made their family home in Military Road, Pennar, in 1958.

Sylvia worked as an auxillary at Riverside Hospital, Pembroke, a home help and then became the caretaker of Pennar Junior School, where she remained for 24 years before retiring in the mid 1990s.

Sylvia was considered a very quiet and private woman who had many interests.

She was best known for her love of playing the piano, keeping a beautiful home and garden and watching snooker. Sylvia also enjoyed walking, attending local flower shows and her Tuesday luncheon club. She also enjoyed participating in a game of cards, su doku and crosswords.

Sylvia was predeceased by her husband, Alan Cridland, in 2001.

Sylvia leaves to mourn: Shirley and Phillip Ingram, Peter and Alison Cridland and Barbara and Malcolm Neale (children and partners); and her grandchildren Marc, Neil and Gareth Ingram, Michelle, Cameron and Rhys Cridland, Rhiannon and Rhydian Neale; Ron, Graham and Gerald (brothers) and her nephews and nieces.

The funeral service was held at St Patrick’s Church, Pennar, and was officiated by Rev Nigel Thomas. It was followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn, Narberth.

The bearers were Peter Cridland (son); Phillip Ingram (son-in-law); Malcolm Neale (son-in-law) and Gareth Ingram (grandson).

There were family flowers only, but donations for the Sunderland ward, South Pembs Hospital, may be sent to John Roberts and Son, 51 Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mrs P. M. Brown

Freshwater East

The death of Patricia Margaret Brown, of Jason Road, Freshwater East, occurred on April 25th at Withybush Hospital. She was 79.

During her working life she was a newsagent.

She loved her family especially her grandchildren and she had a great affection for her dogs and cats.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Ron (husband); Rowenna and Neil (daughter and son-in-law); Steven (stepson); Nicola and John (granddaughter and partner); Robert, Tom and Charlotte (grandchildren); Sammie, Josie (great grandchildren).

The service was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and was officiated by Rev Elwyn John. The bearers were Tom Exeter, John Fizgerald, Neil Exeter And Dylwyn Jones.

There were family flowers only, with donations for Age Concern to E. C. Thomas and Son, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, SA67 8LT, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mrs J. R. Davies

Clynderwen

Josephine Roberta Davies, of Dukes Close, Clynderwen, died at her home on April 21st. She was 63.

Originally from Newport, Gwent, Josie was an Avon lady for 20 years. She enjoyed spending time with her granddaughters, whom she adored.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Jack Llewelyn (partner); Samantha and Keith (daughter and son-in-law); Jessica and Lucy (granddaughters); Janet (sister), plus numerous nieces and nephews.

The service was held at Parc Gwyn and was officiated by Rev Hywel Brown.

The bearers were Julian Thomas, Philip Evans, Stephen Davies and Tony Rogers.

There were family flowers only, with donations if so desired for Cancer Research UK to E. C. Thomas and Son, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, SA67 8LT, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr W. S. James

Monkton

William Stanley James, of Church Terrace, Monkton, died on April 15th, aged 74.

Stan was a very popular man in his home town. He made most of his friends during his long working career as a steel erector, working on many major contracts around Pembrokeshire, including the construction of the Cleddau Bridge. The 'Cracker Plant' at Texaco refinery, and many more projects in and around Milford Haven.

He met his wife of 54 years, Rene, during national service in Germany in 1956.

They returned to set up home in Monkton, where he and Rene raised five children, who were his pride and joy.

The principal mourners and family left to mourn are: Renata (Rene) James (wife); Dennis and Lesley, Brian and Debbie, Kevin and Annie (sons and daughter-in-laws); Anna and David O'Donnell (daughter and son-in-law); Colin (son); Trevor, Mervyn and Gwyn (brothers); Gavin, Sharon, Lucy, Greg, Rob, Dani, Joanna, Joseph, George, Dylan, Lewis, Lauren, Kacie and Millie (grandchildren), together with great grandchildren, nephews, nieces and partners.

The service was held at Monkton Priory Church and was officiated by Rev Cox.

The bearers were Dennis James, Brian James, Kevin James, Colin James, David O'Donnell and Stephen James. A tribute was given by his son, Brian.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by John Roberts and Son, Pembroke Dock.

Mrs A. M. Russan

Llangwm

The death of Alice Maud Russan occurred at Withybush Hospital on April 27th. She was 96.

Born in Ammanford in 1913, she and her sister Rose moved to Llangwm Hill when their parents, Henry and Mary James Thomas, returned to their home village in 1926.

She met her future husband Monty, and they married in 1934. He predeceased her in 1982.

She lived at Llangwm Hill until recent years when, due to ill health, she stayed with her daughter Dulcie and her son-in-law Trevor, at Haylett Farm, Haverfordwest.

Her interests were her family, reading, gardening and baking.

The funeral took place at Parc Gwyn on April 30th and was officiated by Rev Martin Evans.

The bearers were Huw Breeze, Edmund Thomas, Gerald Thomas and David Phillips.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Dulcie and Trevor Harries (daughter and son-in-law); Sandra, Mary and Tracey Martin (nieces); Barbara Laugharne (cousin); Gloria Thomas, Bert and Elaine Jones, Bronwen and Ken John (nieces and nephews).

There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu, if desired, for the Withybush League of Friends, to Barbara Laugharne, 70 New Town Road, Hook, Haverfordwest.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Glyn Thomas and Son, Freystrop.

Mr R. J. Price

Haverfordwest

Raymond James Price, of Barn Court, Haverfordwest, died at Withybush Hospital on April 22nd. He was 67.

Ray, as he was known, was a native of Haverfordwest and worked for Llys-y-Fran Dam, Pickfords Removals, Stan Pope Removals and also Wincanton, from where he retired in 2007.

He was a member of the Barn Court Gardening Club and won many certificates. He also enjoyed F1 racing.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Julie Williams, Anthony Price, Beverly Griffiths (son and daughters); Neil Williams, Anna Price, Harry Griffiths (sons and daughter-in-law); Leanne, Stephanie, Samantha Williams, Nadine, Courtney-Ann Price and Matthew Griffiths (grandchildren); Liah Williams (great granddaughter); Margaret Hutchens (sister-in-law); Derek and Lorna Price (brother and sister-in-law); Julie and Neil Williams, Anthony and Anna Price, Beverly and Harry Griffiths.

The funeral service at the Chapel of Rest took place on May 4th, and was followed by interment at City Road Cemetery. Rev Huw George officiated.

The bearers were Anthony Price, Neil Williams, Harry Griffiths, Simon Tremain, James Pearce and Marcus John.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Roy Folland and Sons, Haverfordwest.

Mr R. Jones

Merlins Bridge

The death of Robert Jones (Bob) of Mill Lane, Merlins Bridge, Haverfordwest, occurred on April 5th at Withybush Hospital, after a short stay. He was 72.

A native of Milford Haven, Bob was a merchant seaman in his younger days. He then spent a lot of time working overseas in the petrochem industry.

His last job was at Elf Refinery. He retired due to ill health.

Bob’s dad died when he was ten years old, a loss he felt all his life. He also spent six weeks in Australia with his sister Jess in 1996 as she was ill, and met up with all of her family.

His main hobby was fly-fishing which he had enjoyed from childhood, but later found it difficult when in his wheelchair. He loved his garden, both flowers and growing vegetables.

He enjoyed photography and all wildlife. He was very knowledgeable on a variety of subjects, but particular ly the Second World War. Bob was happiest in the company of his family.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are Joyce (wife); Bronwyn (daughter); David (son-in-law); Martha (granddaughter); Ellie and Ashleigh (step-granddaughter); Carol and Andy (sister and brother-in-law); Lynette, Hayley, Tracy, Sarah, Naomi, Jenifer, Marlene, Dilys, Corrine, Michael (cousins); Hazel and Henry Quant, Laura and Tony, Donna, Maxine, Joanna, Rebecca, Ivor, Mel and Billy, Ian, Cathy (good friends), plus many cousins and their families.

Unable to attend were Joyce and Jack (mother and father-in-law); Paul and Jackie (brother and sister-in-law); Maureen, David and family, Gloria, Mark and family, Elaine and Ray (all in Australia); Jenny, Tegan and Zena.

Bob was predeceased by sister Jess in Australia in 1997 and mother Martha (Pat) in 2000.

The service was held at St David’s Church, Prendergast, followed by interment at Milford Haven Cemetery. Canon Geoffrey Gwyther officiated.

The bearers were David Matthewson, Henry Quant and Andy Thomas.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Tom Newing and Sons, Milford Haven.

Miss P. R. Davies

Dale

Pauline Rose Davies (known as Rose) died on April 18th. She was 67.

A native of Dale, her early years were spent in various jobs including retail and working the land. In 1981 she moved with her family to Milford and worked in Consort for many years, but retired early due to ill health. Her main enjoyment was her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The funeral took place on April 23rd at Dale Church, followed by interment at Dale Cemetery.

The bearers were Simon and Stephen White, Ashley Busby and Tiefion Morse.

Family left mourn and principal mourners are: Amanda White (daughter); Beverley John and Rui Frazao (daughter an partner); Paul and Louise Davies (son and wife); Olwen Davies and Margaret Downes (sisters); Alan Davies and family (brother and partner); Simon and Carla, Gemma and Tiefion, Ashley and Tanya, Stephen, Jaydie and Jake (grandchildren), Tyler and Levi, Cameron and Lauren, Leon (great grandchildren) and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends too numerous to mention.

Mrs B. M. Rogers

Pembroke

The death of Betty Meyrick Rogers occurred at Withybush Hospital on April 13th. She was 87.

Born in London, the elder daughter of Captain C. R. Rosen OBE and Mrs Rosen, Betty lived in Malta, Pembroke Dock, Freshwater East, Buxton and Norwich before settling in Pembroke.

She worked for the Norwich Union Insurance, the Naval Base in Pembroke Dock and also in the offices of R. S. Hayes, ship repairers.

She married Philip in 1951 and had two sons, Simon in 1953 and Nicholas in 1956.

Betty led a very active life. Her main hobbies were bell ringing in St Mary’s Church, Pembroke, for some 40 years, singing in the church choir and being a member of Lamphey and Tenby and district bridge clubs, playing regularly with her husband. She also played darts, a few years ago for the Pembroke Con Club Ladies Team.

Family left to mourn are: Philip (husband); Simon and Jane (son and daughter-in-law); Nicholas and Debbie (son and daughter-in-law); Tom and Claire (grandson and fiance); Oliver and Yasmin (grandson and partner); Nesta and John (sister and brother-in-law); Peggy Palmer and Joan Gough (cousins).

The funeral service was held at St Mary’s Church, Pembroke, and at Parc Gwyn Crematorium. Canon Roger Jones (assisted in the church by lay reader Sally Denman) officiated.

Her grandsons gave a reading each and the eulogy was given by her son, Simon. The bells were rang half-muffled as the cortege left the church. The ashes were interred in the churchyard the following morning.

Donations for St Mary’s Church may be sent to John Roberts and Son, 51 Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, who carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr I. G. T. Osborne

Haverfordwest

The death of Ivor George Thomas Osborne (Ossie) of Coronation Avenue, Haverfordwest, occurred at Withybush Hospital on April 21st. He was 75.

A Haverfordwest native, he served in the Army as a cook in the 302 field regiment and also won many championships as a middle distance runner. He worked for Kraft and Unigate as a powder room plant operator, before retiring.

His most treasured things in life were Eileen, his wife of 39 years, his children and his granddaughter.

He loved playing the guitar and writing poetry, and would spend hours each day cycling around the Pembrokeshire coast and countryside. He also made boomerangs, bows and arrows.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Eileen (wife); Helen and James (daughter and son-in-law); Michael and Becky (son and daughter-in-law); Kathleen and Lee (daughter and son-in-law); Chloe (granddaughter); Olwyn and Derek (sister and brother-in-law); Marion (sister); Diane and Barry (niece and partner and family); Jenny, Lynnette and Julie (nieces and families); Allan (nephew and family); Jean (niece and family); John (nephew and family); Kevin (nephew and family); Mike (brother-in-law and family); Debbie, Ben and Jess (family of Michael Mason, deceased nephew).

Family, friends and neighbours were present for the service at St David’s Church, Prendergast.

Canon G. Gwyther officiated and the bearers were Darren, Matthew, Nicky Whitfield (nephews), Chris Henton (work colleague), Scott McQuarrie (family friend) and Adrian Blundell (family friend).

There were family flowers only, with donations for the ward ten trust fund, Withybush Hospital.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Roy Folland and Son, Haverfordwest.

Mr E. W. John

Pembroke Dock

Edgar William John, of Clarence Street, Pembroke Dock, died on April 27th at his home. He was 84.

A native of Pembroke Dock, Edgar worked for the war damage prior to joining the Royal Navy as an ORD seaman at the age of 17, gaining the rank of AB Seaman. His first posting was at Scapa Flow Naval Anchorage, Scotland before sailing to Sydney, Australia, where he was based for two years. On his return sailing aboard HMS Illustrations, Edgar lost many close crew mates during the Battle of the Pacific. He then joined HMS Wizard based at Portsmouth until he was demobbed in February 1947 at H. M. Dockyard, Pembroke Dock, employed by the boom defence as a fireman on the bar boats. He was later employed with various construction firms at Texaco refinery as a rigger, until his retirement at the age of 65.

His interests revolved around his home and his family. He also enjoyed gardening and sporting activities on television, especially snooker, rugby and football.

Edgar and Doreen married on Boxing Day 1946 and shared 64 years of marriage,watching their children grow into adulthood.

Edgar was predeceased by their eldest daughter Lesley.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are Doreen (wife); Kevin and Margaret (son and daughter-in-law); Eileen and Merlin (daughter and son-in-law); Sarah, Matthew, Adrian, Nathan and Rachel (grandchildren); Leon, Ethan and Zane (great grandchildren); Ivor and Betty (brother and sister-in-law, in Reading); Olwyn Carr (sister); May Cross (sister-in-law); Brian Elliot (brother-in-law), plus numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and close family friends.

The service was held at St John’s Church, Pembroke Dock, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn, Narberth, which was officiated by Rev Shirley Rayner. Sarah (granddaughter) gave the eulogy.

The bearers were Matthew, Adrian and Nathan (grandsons) and Colin Butland (close family friend).

There were family flowers only, with donations, if desired, for Cancer Research UK to Graham Thomas, 34 Charles Thomas Avenue, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6UR.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by E. C. Thomas and Son, Pembroke Dock.

Mrs E. A. Alexander

Ellesmere Port (formerly of Hakin)

The death of Elizabeth Ann Alexander (Liz) of Wilkinson Street, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, occurred on April 13th at the Hospice of the Good Shepherd, Chester.

She was formerly of Hakin, Milford Haven.

Family left to mourn are Neil (son); Carrie (daughter); Dorothy Slater (mother); Ian (close friend); Julie (daughter-in-law), plus many other family members and friends.

The service was held at St David’s Church, Hubberston, followed by interment at Milford Haven Cemetery. It was officiated by Rev Peter Jones.

The bearers were John and Darren Rackley (uncle and cousin).

Donations in lieu of flowers for the Hospice of the Good Shepherd can be made via www.justgiving/ elizabeth-alexander.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Tom Newing and Sons, Milford Haven.

Mrs D. M. M. Thomas

Isle of Man (formerly of Milford Haven)

The death occurred at her home in Ballasalla, Isle of Man, of Dorothy Margaret Morgan Thomas on April 21st. She was 80.

Born in Milford Haven, she was the daughter of Frank and Mavis Jenkins of North Road. She was predeceased by her husband Leonard Thomas in 2003.

The funeral took place at the Abbey Church, Ballasalla on Friday, May 7th.

Principal mourners were: Charles and Brenda (son and daughter-in-law) of Perth, Australia; Pat and Desmond Butler (sister and brother-in-law) and Kate and Sarah Butler (nieces).

Unable to be present were her granddaughter Danielle and step-grandsons Jacob and Lewis.

There were family flowers only.