Mr R S Robertson and Mrs J F Robertson

(formerly of Haverfordwest)

ROBBIE and Joan of Haven Park Crescent, Haverfordwest passed away two days apart on August 21 and August 23, both aged 92, in Fairfield Residential Home, Johnston.

Robbie was born in Johnston and brought up in Haverfordwest. When he was 11 his father died tragically in an accident on the railway.

He was educated at Haverfordwest Grammar School, then at Exeter College, Oxford, where he studied Classics, but the war intervened.

He kept up his interest in Classics for the rest of his life, including completing a degree in through London University. He trained as a teacher in Llandrindod Wells in 1950, and thereafter he was a primary school teacher, the last 15 years of his teaching career were in Haverfordwest V C School (Lower Barn Street), ending up as Deputy Head. He was a lifelong member of St Mary’s Church, Haverfordwest.

He was a very intelligent and caring man, much appreciated by all who knew him.

Joan (nee Griffiths) was born into a large farming family in the Strumble Head area. She was a pupil at St David’s Grammar School, and subsequently worked for the Ministry of Agriculture, based in Haverfordwest.

Much of her working life was spent visiting farmers to advise and encourage them.

She completed her working life as executive officer, in charge of the office. She was a faithful member of Bethesda Baptist Church, Haverfordwest, including 11 years as assistant treasurer.

She too, was a very dignified person, much loved by all who knew her.

Both Robbie and Joan had an active Christian faith which guided them through life, which sustained them to the end and which enabled them to die in peace.

They were remembered with thanksgiving at a joint funeral service in Parc Gwyn Crematorium on August 27, which was led by Rev Bill Lewis, a family member, assisted by Fr Paul Mackness, Vicar of Haverfordwest, with apologies from Rev Patrick Baker, formerly minister of Bethesda. Because of the bank holiday weekend, it was impossible to complete the legal formalities for Joan in time for the joint service, so a private family funeral service was held for her on September 2.

Both are greatly missed by family and friends.

 

Mrs M A Phillips

Templeton

MRS Marjorie Anne Phillips of Kensington Close, Templeton passed away after a short stay at Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen, on August 23.

She was 70.

Marjorie was born in Llanteg in 1942 and as a child she attended Amroth C P School and then Narberth Grammar School.

Marjorie lived most of her life in Templeton where she had many friends and was a popular member of the community.

She initially worked at the Kilgetty Co-op, and later as a chambermaid at the Park Hotel, Tenby, also as an office worker at Harold Leigh (Kardov) Ltd, Narberth and then in the kitchen at the Ridgeway Nursing Home, Llawhaden, where she retired from ten years ago.

She was a member of the Steps to Health walking club, and enjoyed attending a variety of concerts and shows at the various theatres around the country on trips organised locally. Marjorie loved to travel abroad and has over recent years visited family in Dubai as well as going on a number of cruises. Marjorie was a member of the St John’s church in Templeton, and also prior to that of the United Reformed church, again in Templeton.

She lived with her partner Mike for 34 years.

The family left to mourn and principle mourners are devoted partner Mike; dearly loved mother and motherin- law of Martyn and Julie; Andrew and Marianne, Chris and Merrilee, Michelle and Adrian, Christian and Bev, a cherished Nan and great Nan to Adela, Danielle, Lloyd, Daniel, Thomas, leon, Harry, Mia, Ashley, Aimee, Finlay, Jake, Zak, Oscar and Eirianna; much loved sister and sister-in-law to Alwyn and Anne, Vano and Gerald.

A large funeral service took place at the Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth on August 31 and was officiated by Rev Elwyn John, accompanied by Rev Chris Rees.

The bearers were the grandsons Lloyd, Ashley, Daniel, Leon and Thomas.

Flowers were given from the immediate family only, with donations in lieu for the Chemotherapy Day Unit Appeal, Withybush Hospital and the Cystic Fibrosis Trust may be sent c/o E C Thomas and Son, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH.

 

Mrs M Gray

Pembroke Dock

THE funeral took place at Bethany Chapel, Pembroke Dock on September 10 of Mrs Mavis Gray, of Furzy Bank, Pembroke Dock, who died peacefully at South Pembrokeshire Hospital the previous week.

Mrs Gray, who was 74 when she died, had fought a long and difficult battle against Parkinson’s Disease for more than 30 years and was believed to be the longestsurviving sufferer in the country.

She moved to Pembrokeshire in 1976 with her husband Norman, who worked at Pembroke Power Station and later for Dyfed Social Services.

The family spent many years living in Front Street, where their pet dog, a chow chow named Roscoe quickly became a familiar and popular sight in the area. As well as bringing up their own daughters Fiona and Joanne, the couple also offered respite care to youngsters with learning difficulties through Barnardo’s and were also heavily involved with Barnardo’s children’s summer playscheme. The couple also fostered for many years.

After Norman’s retirement the couple moved to Furzy Bank, and he spent the next 14 years devotedly caring for his wife as her condition progressed.

They were married for 54 years.

Originally from Lancashire, Mavis and Norman were stalwarts at Bethany Chapel, now Pennar Community Church and also among the original members of the Pembrokeshire branch of the Parkinson’s Disease Society.

Norman remains chairman of this innovative group which offers support and therapies to sufferers and their carers.

Principal mourners at the funeral were Norman Gray (husband); Fiona Phillips, Mike Phillips and Aisling Phillips (daughter, son-inlaw and granddaughter); Ann Wigley (sister-in-law); Philippa Hough, Avril Wigley and Anthony Blinkhorn (nieces and nephews). Unable to attend were daughter Joanne, son-in-law Ian and grandson George Scott.

The service was conducted by Rev Roger Hart, a family friend and current minister at Bethany, and the bearers were David Ollyott and Bob Griffiths (family friends and members of Bethany congregation); Mike Phillips and Anthony Blinkhorn.

A tribute was given by daughter Fiona and Christina Rossetti’s Remember Me was read by granddaughter Aisling. The service was followed by interment at Llanion Cemetery.

There was one family floral tribute, with donations in lieu to the Pembrokeshire branch of the Parkinson’s Disease Society, c/o the funeral director John Roberts and Son, Bush St, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6AN.

 

Mr A F Richards

Pembroke Dock

THE death occurred at the home of Mr Alan Frederick Richards of Princes Street, Pembroke Dock on August 31st. He was 67.

Originally from Pembroke, he worked for Texaco, Pembroke Power Station. When he retired he was a Stores Manager for 25 years at Pembroke Power Station.

He enjoyed being with his family watching motor sports, rugby, woodwork and trying to fix anything that was broken.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are Janet Richards (wife); Lynne, Debbie and Kathryn (daughters); Ellena (granddaughter) and Yvonne (sister).

The service was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and was officiated by Hugh Michael (Zion Church). The bearers were David Brace, Philip Jenkins, Lee Pearce and Jeff Harries.

There were immediate family flowers only with donations to Macmillan Cancer Care and Paul Sartori Foundation 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.

 

Mr E T C Hart

Pembroke Dock

MR Eric Thomas Cyril Hart of King William Street, Pembroke Dock passed away on August 22 in hospital after a short stay. He was 66 years.

Originally from Llandisillo, he was an electrician and retired 16 years ago.

His main interests were gardening, building, fishing and computers.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are Marguerite Ann Hart (wife); Andrea, Collete and Ceri (daughters); Kevin (son); Caroline and Celia (stepchildren); son-in-law Bryn and Ade together with close family and friends.

The service was held at Parc Gwyn and the bearers were Bryn Etchells, Dale Etchells (grandsons), Ryan and Symon, Kevin Hart, Adee Ademakinwa.

Unable to attend was Harry (great grandson).

There were family flowers only.

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

 

Mr H R James

Milford Haven

MR Harold Richard James of Coombs Drive, Milford Haven passed away on September 5 at the age of 99.

Harold was a devoted husband of the late Sylvia.

He was a motor mechanic and worked at the Imperial Garage, Milford Haven for 25 years also Hubberston service station and West Corner Services, Waterston before joining Foster Wheeler on the construction of the Esso refinery before retirement.

The funeral took place at Hamilton Court Funeral Home followed by internment at Milford Haven cemetery and was officiated by the Revd Paul Bartlett. The bearers were members of the Royal British Legion.

The family and principal mourners were Wendy and John Denton (daughter and son-in-law); Neil Denton (grandson); Mrs Vesta Chapman (sister), plus nephews and nieces. Unable to attend were Caroline Denton (granddaughter-in-law) and Eleanor Denton (great granddaughter).

 

Mr T Rowe

Farnborough

formerly of Pembroke Dock

THE death occurred in Farnborough, Hampshire on August 26 of Mr Trevor Rowe.

He was 88 and the second eldest son of the late Arthur and Sarah Rowe who resided at 18 Arthur Street, Pembroke Dock.

Trevor (Taffy) Rowe joined the Army Technical School at the age of 14 and in 1938 was posted to St Peter’s Barracks, Jersey, in the Channel Islands. He spent 25 years in the army, retiring in 1963 from the REME. He settled in Farnborough with his wife and three children.

A celebration of his life took place at the North Camp Methodist Church, Farnborough on Thursday, September 5.