Obituaries for February 12 2012

Pembroke Dock

THE funeral took place recently of Mr William John Page, of Church Street, Pembroke Dock, who passed away at Withybush Hospital with his family at his side on December 13. He was 85.

Born in Cwmbwla, Swansea, Bill came to Pembroke Dock as a young National Serviceman serving in the RAF where he was to meet his future wife, Heather. After completing his National Service, Bill went back to Swansea until he returned to Pembroke Dock in 1950 when he and Heather were married.

They celebrated their diamond wedding in 2010 and were married for a total of 63 years.

Bill had a varied working life starting at HIPS Mens Outfitters in Commercial Row, Pembroke Dock, until their closure following which he entered the building industry after declining the offer of a manager’s position with HIPS in Pontarddulais.

He subsequently worked as a rigger with Marine and Port Services for many years and then worked on all the major construction projects in the haven until joining the permanent staff of CEGB at Pembroke Power Station until his retirement in 1990.

After retirement, Bill and Heather devoted their time to their family, looking after grandchildren Elinor and Daryl. Bill was always a busy man, enjoying gardening, DIY and family life until the decline of his sight in recent years. He was active with DIY into his early 80s.

The funeral service took place at St. John’s Church, Pembroke Dock, officiated by Rev Nicky Skipworth and was followed by interment at St. Michael’s Cemetery. The principal mourners were Heather (wife); Gerynt (son), Elinor, Daryl and Megan (grandchildren), Donald and Vera, Sidney and Jean (brothers and sisters-in-law), Elaine and Dennis (sister-inlaw and husband).

The bearers were Gerynt (son), Daryl (grandson), Sidney (brother) and Brian White (close friend).

Following the service and interment, a reception was held at Club Martello, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, where Bill had been a member for over 30 years and enjoyed many happy times.

There were family flowers only but if desired, donations in lieu for St John’s Church may be sent to John Roberts and Son, funeral directors, 51, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, who carried out the funeral arrangements.

 

Mr W H R Howells

Formerly of Saundersfoot

ON January 23 family and friends gathered at St Brides Catholic Church, Saundersfoot, for the funeral of William Herbert Roscoe Howells, where there was requiem mass, followed by cremation at Narberth. Father Owen McGreal was the celebrant, David Moorcroft organist, and his wife Jennifer read the lesson and psalm.

Born in the Bethany Manse, Saundersfoot, on October 27 1919, Roscoe as he was always known, was educated at Saundersfoot CP School, Tenby CP School and Christ College, Brecon.

Founder member and former chairman of Pembrokeshire Records Society, and of Pembrokeshire Historical Society, he became president of Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society in 1977, and was a member of Pembs County Committee of RABI since 1955.

Roscoe was former chairman of Pembs NFU County Milk Committee and Publicity Committee, of Pembs National Milk Records Committee, former chairman, and ten years hon clerk to Amroth Parish Council. He represented Amroth Parish on Narberth RDC, 1952-7. He was founder member, former chairman and president and first hon life member of Wales Guernsey Breeders Association. He represented the Association on Council of English Guernsey Cattle Society for13 years, as well as being former President of Llanwenog Sheep Society.

First Welsh member of Guild of Agricultural Journalists 1957, and first Welsh member to feature in Fisons Awards, Roscoe contributed for the twelve years of its existence to Welsh Farm News and to other publications under own name and various pen names. He was a frequent broadcaster on television and radio until telling one producer what he could do with his microphone.

As an author, he wrote six novels set in Pembrokeshire, and 16 works of non-fiction, including a controversial book, The Farmer and The Bureaucrats, featuring the equally controversial Watcyn Richards.

Always a fan of rugby, the Welsh religion, he played for Tenby and Pembrokeshire before the war, as well as being chairman of Pembs Football League and of its Appeal Committee. An avid follower of Glamorgan, he was vice president of Glamorgan County Cricket Club, founder member and president for 17 years of St Helen’s Balconiers (Glamorgan supporters) and member of MCC, Roscoe is remembered with affection by the Amroth Juniors, a football team started by him, and his beloved first wife, Lucie.

Many Pembrokeshire people will always remember Over The Garden Wall, which depicted Roscoe as a gossipy Pembrokeshire woman, who would recall local incidents, sometimes better forgotten.

Roscoe was a versatile performer, a member of The Starlight Revellers, a script writer for same, and an accomplished player of the ukulele.

The chief mourners at the funeral were Margaret (wife), Kevin (son), with wife Catherine and son Simon, nephew Hywel Davies and wife Tricia, cousins Huw Jones, David Howell, Brian Howells and wife Mary, Roscoe’s godson Malcolm, with wife Gwenda, daughter Kath, and son Andrew, Margaret’s Godson, Noel Ebsworth, and Glyn and Ann Price, very close Friends.

The bearers were Hywel Davies, nephew, Huw Jones, cousin, Malcolm Williams, godson, Noel Ebsworth, Amroth Junior; Glyn Price, Roscoe’s old pal, Mike Rossiter.

Representatives were as follows Br Teilo, Caldey Abbey; Peter Parker, Park House Court Nursing Home, John R Pugh, Song-bird Survival, John Williams, Don Shepherd and Alan Jones, St Helen’s Balconiers and Glamorgan CCC, Dennis Llewellyn Reed, Christ College Brecon O.B.A, Dick Davies, Pembs Agricultural Society, John Lewis, Gomer Press, Llandysul; Keith Johnson, Pembrokeshire Life, Clare Orr, Pembs Archive Service, Chris Dungey, County Show and John Brown’s family, Derek and Jean Rees, Agricultural Society, Journalism and friends. Unable to attend were Dominic Cooper, CIOJ, Rev CL Gillham, MA representing Pembs Historical Society, Nicholas Bond, from the RABI. Many more friends attended, too numerous to mention.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by W and MJ Rossiter and Sons, of Tenby, with dignity and friendliness.

Roscoe will be remembered not only by close relatives and friends, but by the whole of Pembrokeshire and way beyond. “There tis then.”

 

Mr B J Griffiths

Pembroke Dock

THE death occurred of Brinley John Griffiths of Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, at Withybush Hospital on December 20. He was 67.

As a native of Pembroke Dock he was a carpenter all of his working life, plus he had various skills in the building trade.

His interests included sailing, listening to radio, a football fan supporting Liverpool FC. He also spent many happy hours at the First and Last.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are Jennifer (wife), Claire and Ross (daughter and husband), Simon and Julie (son and wife), Hydn and family (son), Sarah and David (stepdaughters and partner), Martin (stepson), Elinor, Thomas, Jack and Harry (grandchildren), Conor (stepgrandson), Irene and Darren (niece and husband), Julie (daughter-inlaw), Colin and Sue (brotherin- law and sister-in-law).

The funeral service was held at St Johns Church followed by interment at Llanion Cemetery and was officiated by Rev Nicky Skipworth.

The bearers were Simon and Hydn (sons), Martin (stepson), Martin Orchard (friend).The procession and recessional music was You’ll Never Walk Alone, Liverpool’s anthem. Donations for Ward 10 and Chemotherapy Day Unit, Withybush Hospital c/o Mr G Thomas, 34 Charles Thomas Avenue, Pembroke Dock SA72 6UR.

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

 

Mrs A B Williams

Formerly of Pembroke Dock

MRS Amanda Betty Williams (Limmage) known as Mandi , formerly of Pembroke Dock, who passed away suddenly on January 6, aged 42 years.

Mandi was the first born to Lisa Farr and Andrew Limmage formerly of Hayscastle Cross. Mandi was very caring, fun loving, outgoing and always wanted to give something back to help others.

Mandi had three children Kyle, Kayleigh Ann and Alex also her dog Jasper, who she treated as her baby.

Mandi moved to Bognor Regis three years ago while living there Mandi did some charity work including sleeping rough to raise money for a charity supporting homeless soldiers. Mandi joined a pompom dance troop called the Wonder Girls and looked forward to their carnivals.

Mandi will be missed by so many people for her bubbly personality.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are Kyle and Alex (sons), Kayleigh Ann (daughter), Neil (boyfriend), Lisa (mother), Andrew (father), Justin (brother), Sam and Chrissie (sisters), Phil and John (brothers-in-law), Mikey, Liam, Joshua, Jordan and Jack (nephews), Dina, Emma, Chloe and Jasmine (nieces), Jasper (Mandi’s little dog) as well as numerous aunties, uncles and cousins and foster family. The service was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and the bearers were Kyle, Alex, Neil, Justin, John and Shaun.

There were immediate family flowers only, and the funeral arrangements were carried out by Glyn Thomas and Son, Freystrop.

 

Mr M J Payne

Neyland

THE death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital on December 12, of Melvern John Payne, of Honeyborough Grove, Neyland.

A large number of family and friends gathered at Parc Gwyn Crematorium for the service, which was officiated by Rev Alan Chadwick. Family left to mourn are Louvain (wife), Andrea and Raymond (daughter and son-in-law), Mark and Julie, James and Juliet (sons and daughtersin- law). The bearers were Jake, Ryan, Sam and Luke (grandsons).

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

 

Mr T H John

Pembroke

THE funeral of Mr Terry John took place recently at St Mary’s Church, Pembroke.

Terry passed away on December 31 on Ward 7 at Withybush Hospital surrounded by his wife and daughters.

He was 73, born in 1940, and was one of 12 children.

He loved Pembroke.

He passed the 11+ for grammar school and then met his wife, Sheila, at the age of 16.

They married five years later in 1961.

During his working life he carried out various jobs and will be remembered most for working for Silcox for many years.

He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandad and great-grandad.

Before he became ill he spent many days walking around the Mill Pond with the children.

In recent years his health slowed him down which meant he spent most of his time indoors.

Listening and singing to music was his great passion.

Terry leaves his family with many fond memories and was very proud when baby Elli arrived.

During the service, poems were read by his grandson, Luke, Footprints, and from the younger members of the family, Grandad.

The bearers were Darryl, Luke, Ryan and Lloyd-Rhys (grandsons).

He was later laid to rest at Llanion Cemetery, where the Rev Canon Roger Jones officiated at a short service before his burial.

Terry leaves a loving wife, Sheila; son and partner Martin and Janet; daughters and sons-in-law Samantha and Phillip (who were unable to attend), Stella and Mark, Natasha and Steven and youngest daughter Antonia; grandsons and partners Darryl and Llinos, Luke, Ryan and Kelly, Charlie, Lloyd- Rhys and Brett; great-grandchildren Ieuan and baby Elli.

There were family flowers only with donations in lieu if so desired for Ward 7, Withybush Hospital c/o E C Thomas and Son, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

 

Mrs B E Elias

Kilgetty

THE funeral took place recently, at Pisgah Baptist Chapel, of Beryl Elizabeth Elias, of Oakfield Drive, Kilgetty. Mrs Elias passed away peacefully at Withybush Hospital on January 9, aged 89.

Born in March 1924 to Dan and Elizabeth Cole of Cressely, she was the youngest daughter of ten children and was a devoted member of Pisgah Chapel and an active member of the choir.

A talented singer, her beautiful solos often moved the congregation to tears.

She met and married Jack Fish during the war and after moving to Tenby raised four children. In mid-life she moved to Tumble with her husband, Wynford Elias.

Then in retirement she returned to the family home in Whitehill, spending her final years in Kilgetty.

Beryl’s interests were her family, amateur dramatics, gardening, music, playing a number of instruments, cookery and dress-making.

She was predeceased by her husband.

She leaves to mourn Shirley and Dudley (daughter and son-in-law); Julia (daughter); Pamela and Steven (daughter and son-in-law); Gavin and Tracey, Gareth, Lisa and Steve, Keeley and Tom, Joanna, Jamie, Rhys and Nicola and Mark (grandchildren); Elliot, Polly, Dylan, Daisy, Keisha, Alannah, Tia, Ella, Nell, Dion, Aimee, Sam and Annabel (great-grandchildren); Rowland and Mary Cole (brother and sister-inlaw); Joyce and Sheila (sisters- in-law); plus numerous nephews, nieces and many friends.

The minister of Pisgah, Rev David Gooding, officiated at the service.

There were family flowers only with donations if so desired to Pisgah Chapel c/o E C Thomas and son, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

 

Mrs D M Jordan

Houghton

DORIS was born in Pembroke in 1914 and was one of eight children.

She was educated in Pembroke and trained as a domestic science teacher, teaching in Monkton Junior School until she was 30.

She was a devoted member of Tabernacle in Pembroke, where she met her husbandto- be, Ivor Jordan. They were often seen riding out on daytrips on a motorbike and sidecar.

After a church meeting with the London Missionary Society they both knew the path they wanted to follow.

Ivor went to Nottingham to study theology. Doris soon followed her love and married Ivor in 1943, both having decided that they were being called to be missionaries in Africa.

They packed a few belongings and took the last convoy of the war in 1944 to Mombasa before trekking to a mission station in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia) which was to be their home for 19 years.

There they had three children, David, Peter and Glendwr.

They learnt the local language fluently and Doris taught the African women to cook and sew, among other skills. In 1963 they moved to Salisbury (now Harare) in Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) where Doris continued to teach women for a few more years. Thereafter she devoted herself to being a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother, always helping her husband in the Lord’s work and being a very active member of the church women’s association.

She was renowned for baking the best chocolate cakes and Welsh cakes in Africa and touched hearts wherever she went.

She was a lady of much character, strength and selfless love throughout her life and was adored by all.

After spending 53 years in Africa and 53 years to the day they married, Doris lost the love of her life in 1996. She finally returned home to Pete and Madi in Wales and lived with them for five years until she suffered a major stroke in 2001.

After a spell in hospital she spent the last 13 years of her life in Williamston Nursing Home, Houghton. She was cared for bywonderful staff until she passed away peacefully on January 18 (her 100th year). She was a blessing to all she came in contact with – now a new star in heaven shining brightest of all. We all love you and miss you greatly but know that you are in the Lord’s care.

The funeral service was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, and was officiated by Rev S Wood. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Andrew Rees, of F G Rees and Sons, Haverfordwest.

 

Mrs P E Parsons

Pembroke

MRS PEGGY Ellen Parsons (fondly known to many as Nanny Pegs) of Green Meadow, Pembroke, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully on December 28. She was 85.

Born on the Isle of Wight, Peggy spent her childhood in Portsmouth with her parents, Victor and Rosaline Dunster. They moved to Monkton during the war, when the bombing in Portsmouth intensified.

On leaving school, she worked at the handkerchief factory in Pembroke, and then at the Mining Depot in Milford, where she met her husband, Leslie, who predeceased her in 1997. Her last job before retirement was a kitchen assistant in Golden Manor School, Pembroke.

Peggy had seven children, 18 grandchildren, and 32 greatgrandchildren.

She was totally dedicated to her family, and was always delighted to have her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren around her. Her main interests included singing, travel, knitting, line dancing, and quiz programmes on the television.

She had a warm, loving, generous, and fun-loving nature, which endeared her to everyone who was lucky enough to know her. Peggy loved life, and lived it to the full. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are Myra Rowley, Peter Parsons, Rose Lewis, Pam Bowen, Roy Parsons, Jenny Thomas, and Mark Parsons (sons and daughters); Kate Parsons, Malcolm Lewis, Keith Bowen, Nicky Parsons, Graham Thomas and Toni Parsons (daughters-in law and sons-in law); Peter Sinnicks, Kenneth Sinnicks, Keith Sinnicks, and Pat Tetlow (brothers and sister) together with grandchildren and partners, greatgrandchildren and partners, nephews, nieces and close friends too numerous to mention.

A large gathering of family and friends attended the funeral on January 6 at Peggy’s home, and later at Parc Gwyn Crematorium.

The service was led by Canon Roger Jones, and the bearers were Peter Parsons, Roy Parsons, Mark Parsons, Andrew Rowley, Jason Rowley, Gareth Bowen, Gerald Bowen, Barry Parsons, Malcolm Lewis and Graham Thomas. Unable to attend the funeral were Peter Sinnicks, Kenneth Sinnicks, Keith Sinnicks, Pat Tetlow, Anne Bull, Tracy Tetlow, Shane Tetlow and Liana Volp.

There were family flowers only, with donations if desired to the Blind Society’s Talking Books, which may be sent to John Roberts and Son, Funeral Directors, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

 

Mr G M Davies

Letterston Formerly of Welsh Hook

THE FUNERAL took place on January 29 of Mr Gwyn Morgan Davies, aged 69.

Gwyn passed away peacefully with his family at his side at Singleton Hospital on January 22. He battled cancer for the last five years, undergoing many treatments with the support of his devoted wife, Ann.

Gwyn was born in Tregroes Cottages, being the younger son of Dan and Eirwen Davies. Gwyn had worked for many years on various farms before he and Ann had tenancy of a council starterholding in Llangloffan.

In 1991 they moved to Welsh Hook, where they farmed until they retired three years ago due to ill-health.

The funeral service was held in Penybont Chapel, where a capacity congregation attended the service and interment at chapel cemetery officiated by the Rev Geoffrey Eynon and Rev John Roberts.

The family are left to mourn. Principal mourners are Ann (wife); Gerwyn and Ceri Davies (son and daughter- in-law); Huw Davies and Claire Williams (son and partner); Mr John Davies (brother); Mrs Eira Davies (sister-in-law); Branwen, Nerys and Llinos (grandchildren); Mr and Mrs Malcolm Howells, Mr Alan Howells (brothers and sister-in-law); Mr and Mrs Gareth Davies, Mr and Mrs Geraint Williams, Miss Jackie Davies (nephews and nieces); Mrs G Croston (aunty-in-law) plus numerous cousins, family and friends too many to mention.

Unable to attend were Mr and Mrs Len Howells and family (who live in New Zealand); Mr and Mrs A Craig, Mr and Mrs M Hitchcock (nieces and husbands); Mrs M Price, Mrs Nan Adams and Mrs Madeline Davies (cousins).

The bearers were Mr Bryn Harries, Mr John Rowe, Mr Glyndwr Harries, Mr Islwyn Harries, Mr Meurig Harries and Mr Emyr Hughes.There were family flowers only with donations to Pembrokeshire Cancer Services Fund c/o Paul Jenkins and Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB.

 

Mrs G Hill

Rosemarket

MRS HILL’S death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital on January 18. Gwendolin Hill, of West Street, Rosemarket, was 90 years old and had, for the past year, been resident at Pembroke Haven Care Home.

Born in Kent, Gwen moved to Pembrokeshire in the 1950s and will best be remembered for the time when she and her husband, Tom Thomas, established Kenthurst Motors at Sardis, which they ran for many years until their retirement.

Following Tom’s death, Gwen married Charlie Hill, who predeceased her in 1999.

Rev Marianne Osborne officiated the funeral service at Rosemarket Church, where the chief mourners were Gwen’s daughters, Mary Smith and Joan Stephens; sons-inlaw Peter and Graham; her six grandchildren and partners; the eldest five of her ten great-grandchildren; stepdaughter Judy Llewhellin, her husband Mike and family, and also Bernard Davies nephew and his wife Mavis.

There were family flowers only but donations, if desired, can be forwarded to Joan Stephens, Spring Tide, Llangwm Ferry, Haverfordwest, SA62 4JN. These are in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), a charity close to Gwen’s heart.

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