Obituaries for March 19 2012

Tenby

THE death occurred on February 17 at Park House Court, Tenby, of James Denzil Thomas (Denzil), formerly of Moray House, Tenby. Denzil was 84 years old and had struggled bravely with Parkinson’s disease.

The funeral service was held at St Mary’s Church, Tenby on February 27.

Many former colleagues from Greenhill School where Denzil had taught for 30 years attended to pay their last respects to a valued, popular teacher, as well as former students and rugby players who had flourished and responded to Denzil’s coaching.

The hymns Calon Lan, Rachie and Cwm Rhondda, chosen by the family because they had been particular favourites of Denzil, were sung with ‘hwyl’. The church verger, John Morgan read passages from Scripture, Brian Diment, one of Denzil’s ‘rugby boys’ read the poem ‘The life that I have’, and Newman Vincent, a colleague and friend, paid a moving tribute to Denzil.

Canon Andrew Davies, Rector of Tenby and Area Dean led the service of celebration and Dr. John Harrison was the organist.

The bearers at the church were Denzil’s son Hywel, grandsons Iwan, Gavin, Liam and Daniel Thomas, and nephew Robert Jenkins.

Denzil was predeceased by his dear wife Dilys, and his son Roger.

The family who mourn Denzil’s passing are Hywel and Jane Thomas (son and daughter-in-law); grandchildren Iwan, Gavin, Liam, Daniel and Nina Thomas; Rhys Thomas (son); Jayne Thomas (daughter-in-law and grandchildren) Tristan, Haulwen and Iolo Thomas; Nelian Vaughan Evans and Marion Huggins (sisters); Sheila and Alan Jenkins (sister-in-law and husband); plus nieces and nephews David and Robert Jenkins, Susan and Terry Baker, Sian and Christopher Mace, Tom and Gill Price, David Huggins, Colin Jones and Mary Thomas.

On Friday February 28, after a short graveside service, Denzil was buried alongside his late wife Dilys, in Crynant. Donations for The Welsh Rugby Charity Trust (for injured players) c/o W.

and M.J. Rossiter and Sons Ltd, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby who carried out all funeral arrangements sensitively.

 

Mr T G Stephens

Pembroke Dock

THE funeral took place recently of Mr Thomas George Stephens, of Milton Terrace, Pembroke Dock who passed away peacefully at Withybush Hospital on January 27.

He was 82.

Born in Maiden Wells, he then moved to Main Street, Pembroke where he went to East End School.

He left school at the age of 14 and joined Hancocks Brewery. When the company changed over to Welsh Brewers, he moved with them to Narberth.

His interests were boxing, which he did in his younger days and football. He played for Pennar Robins. As well as this, he always loved following Manchester United.

He also liked gardening and drawing.

The funeral service took place at St. John’s Church, Pembroke Dock on February 10 and was followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium.

The Rev Nicky Skipworth officiated.

The family left to mourn are Margaret Stephens (wife); Anna-Marie (daughter); Ian (son); Julian and Suzanne (son and partner); Joan and Roy Thomas (sisterin- law and husband); Neil and Karen Thomas (nephew and niece); David and Elvina Lawrence, Johnny Goodman, Jean Goodman, Carol and Betty Stephens, together with many other relatives and friends.

Unable to attend were Marjorie Goodman, Ann and Stan Berry, Kathleen Goodman, Karen and Rob Woollacott, Teresa and Nigel Eastwood, Val and Ian Stephens, Hazel Lawrence, Carol and Bob Mc- Kenna, Shaun Rattle, Brian and Anne-Marie Rattle.

The bearers were Ian, Julian and Anna-Marie Stephens, children and Neil Thomas, nephew.

There were family flowers only but if desired, donations in lieu for Ward 10, Withybush Hospital and The Macmillan Cancer Support Group may be sent to John Roberts and Son, Funeral Directors, 51, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6AN, who carried out the funeral arrangements.

 

Mrs G Walters

Spain

Formerly of Goodwick

MRS Glenys Walters of Torrevieja, Spain and formerly of Goodwick in Pembrokeshire and St Clears, Carmarthenshire, died recently in a Spanish hospital after a short illness. She and her husband Irfon retired to Spain some 13 years ago.

Mrs Walters was well known locally. She and her husband were involved in the agricultural community and ran a hardware, ironmongery and fancy goods shop in Goodwick in the 1970s and 1980s. She was Mayoress of Fishguard and Goodwick when her husband was Mayor in 1977, the Queen’s Silver Jubilee year. She was active in the twin towns as a member of St Peter’s Church and the Mothers’ Union, a member of the WI, and served on the Girl Guides’ committee as well as the Fishguard and Goodwick Lifeboat Ladies’ committee. An excellent cook she catered effortlessly for members of the Strumble Lodge when Irfon was Master. She worked at Fishguard Junior School, the former Slimma and was housekeeper at the Fishguard Bay Hotel.

Born in Carmarthenshire as Glenys Evans she was educated at Carmarthen High School for Girls before marrying Irfon. They worked together on the family farm before moving to Pembrokeshire with their three daughters Angharad, Anna and Sharon. In addition she leaves sons-in-law Alan and Ian, six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.A service of celebration has been arranged at Narberth on the afternoon of March 21.

 

Mrs Y F Stearn

Llanreath

THE death occurred peacefully with her family at her side on February 8 of Mrs Yvonne Florence Stearn of Oriental Terrance, Llanreath.

She was 72.

Originally from Worthing she started her working life as a nanny at Crawey’s Bay School. Then owning and running an antique shop in Worthing until deciding to move to Wales to own a small holding which she greatly enjoyed, animals being her life interest. Yvonne also ran and managed public houses.

She enjoyed spending time with her husband John, her family were very important to her. She brought up five children of her own introducing to her brood two step daughters on meeting and marrying John and actively bringing up and supporting her grandchildren.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are John Stearn (husband); Sharon and Roger Garrett (daughter and son-in-law); Gillian and Ian (daughter and partner); Sandra and Chris (daughter and partner); Gaynor and Keith (daughter and sonin- law); Caroline and Sean (daughter and son-in-law); Bridie (step daughter); Colette and Gary (step daughter and step son-in-law); Rachel, Sarah, Alan, Robin, Jennifer, Amy, Adam, Steffan, Ryan, Callum, Daniel, Josh; Maize, Natasha and Rebecca (grandchildren) plus many great grandchildren too numerous to mention; Dennis, Josey and Lydia (brother, sister-inlaw and daughter) who were unable to attend due to illness; Valeria and Tony, Pam and Ted, Bob and Beverly (family friends).

The funeral service was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and was officiated by Rev Nicky Skipworth. The bearers were Adam, Steffan, Daniel and Alan (grandsons).

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

 

Mrs M D Thomas

Narberth

THE death occurred at home of Margaret Diane (known as Diane) Thomas of Bridge Villas, Narberth on February 18.

She was 66.

Dianne entered employment as an accounts clerk, followed later by assisting in retail sales and then into professional caring.

Her interests revolved around her family, mainly her son and three grandchildren.

When health permitted she was an active member of the Narberth Branch of The Arthritis Research Committee and Mothers Union. She also loved to potter in the garden and did have green fingers.

The family left to mourn are Philip Thomas (husband of 40 years); Steven (son); Harry Thomas (grandson); Leah and Ella Thomas (granddaughters).

The service was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and was officiated by Rev David Gooding.

Donations for the Paul Sartori Foundation and the Chemotherapy Day Unit, Withybush Hospital may be sent c/o E C Thomas and son, Funeral Directors, Llanteg, SA67 8QH, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

 

Mr H H Newman

Haverfordwest

MR HAROLD Harry Newman died on March 2, aged 99 years, after a short illness. He had been living independently at his home in Hawthorn Rise, Haverfordwest.

Born in Kilburn, London, Harry had a distinguished career as a master organ builder firstly with Bishop and Sons and then Manders Organ Builders. His work took him to many parts of the world including the USA and Caribbean. He helped rebuild and maintain many of the great organs of Britain - Saint Pauls Cathedral in London, Canterbury and Salisbury Cathedrals, University Chapel Oxford, Windsor Castle Chapel, Eton College and St James Palace in London where Prince George was recently christened and many others.

During World War ll while stationed in Haverfordwest Harry met his future wife Eleanor Thomas. They married in 1953 and set up home in London then to Bexley Heath in Kent.

When Harry retired, he and Eleanor returned to Haverfordwest. He maintained the organs at Picton Castle, St Thomas Church and the Tabernacle Church, Haverfordwest. He had a very active retirement including gardening, DIY and making furniture were his great interests.

After Eleanor’s death in 2006 he added jam making to his skills. He won prizes at Camrose Horticultural Show for his jams and produce.

Three years ago he overcame a serious accident on his scooter when he broke his thigh, however he made a full recovery. He maintained an outward looking view on life and enjoyed seeing new technology at work. He enjoyed adventures and age 97 made his first visit across to Skomer followed by a power boat ride up the Cleddau and a flight in a light aircraft from Withybush over favourite haunts along the Pembrokeshire coast.

Harry lived a full and satisfying life. When he looked back it was always with good memories and never with regret or sadness. The family takes much comfort in that. He will be much missed by his nieces, nephews and friends.

The Reverend Paul Mackness officiated at the funeral service at St Mary the Virgin, Haverfordwest on March 10 where rousing organ music was played in his memory, followed by internment at City Road Cemetery.

Donations may be made in memory of Harry to St Mary’s Church – Organ Fund which may be sent to Roy Folland and Son, 27-29 Cartlett Haverfordwest SA61 2LH who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

 

Mr S Kane

Milford Haven

STEVE Kane passed away peacefully on February 9 at Withybush Hospital aged 49.

Steve a native of Greenock in Scotland moved to Milford Haven in 1986 where he met and married Emma in 1997.

Steve and Emma went on to have three children Calum, Duncan and Freya. Steve and Emma separated in 2009.

Steve met his fiancé Rose in 2009 and they had four and a half very happy and memorable years together.

Steve was always a larger than life character and loved to live life to the max always being the life and soul of the party. He had a marvellous sense of humour, tremendous warmth, kindness and generosity and would do anything he could to help people.

Steve had been unwell since Sept 2012 and bore his illness with pride and dignity and tried not to let it get the better of him.

The chief mourners were his mother Alice Kane; his fiancé Rose Kennington; his children Calum, Duncan and Freya-Megan Kane, their mother Emma Allen; his brother John Kane; his three sisters Alice Tohill, Janice Parkinson and Yvonne Bulstrode.

The funeral was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium on February 13. Jules Thrower, who was unable to attend sent a meaningful poem to be read at the service. (Steve had supported Jules throughout her own cancer treatment).

There were family flowers only with any donations being made to the Oncology Ward 10 at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire.

God bless you Steve Kane there will never be another Mr Blue Sky x.

 

Mr V E T Crosland

Formerly of Merlins Bridge and Herbrandston

THE funeral took place on February 10 of Mr Victor Edward Tyne Crosland (Vic), formerly of Merlins Bridge and Herbrandston, who died unexpectedly at Glangwili Hospital on February 5, aged 88.

Vic was born in Newcastle and remained a proud Geordie all his life. Vic qualified as a motor mechanic with the Royal Air Force and moved to Pembrokeshire just after the war when he joined Greens Motors. This was where he met his wife Dorothy and when they first set up home in Merlins Bridge. He joined Esso, as a pipe fitter, when it opened its refinery in Milford Haven and the family moved to Herbrandston in 1961. Over the following 20 years Vic worked his way up through the ranks, finally retiring as maintenance coordinator when the refinery closed.

A fine guitarist, Vic played several nights a week with local bands, entertaining the troops and locally on the bases around the county. He ‘retired’ from music when he met his wife to be Dorothy.

They married in 1949, and celebrated their diamond anniversary with a letter from the Queen in 2009.

A keen sportsman, Vic played cricket for many years for the Thomarians, at the Racecourse in Haverfordwest; this was followed by stints as captain of both the Esso full and 6 a side cricket teams. In later years he was instrumental in helping to develop the junior section of Herbrandston Cricket Club.

Retirement from cricket led him to Milford Haven Golf Club where he was a long serving committee man and captain and president of both the full club and the seniors section, completing a further three year term as president in December 2013.

Vic enjoyed the camaraderie of team sport, the characters that he came across, and the fun to be had. His continuing involvement with music not only saw him occasionally playing guitar at Priory Road Methodist Church in Milford Haven but also at impromptu sing-alongs at the golf club, where he would pop home and get his guitar if it looked like being a good night.

Vic was competitive at all sport but never let that get in the way of fun and the friendship.

A keen gardener, an animal lover (all of which were strays) and most of all a family man who was immensely proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, He revelled in their individual achievements and loved their company when they visited.

A dad and Pops who will be sorely missed.

The family left to mourn are Dorothy (wife); Peter and Debbie (son and daughter-inlaw); Ken (son); Wendy and Mike (daughter and son-inlaw); Beth, David, Sophie, Peter, Gareth, Robin (grandchildren); Ronan, Alex, Andy (grandchildren-in-law); Josh, Cilly, Bayley, Sam, Gabriel (great-grandchildren).

There were full congregations at both the Wesley Methodist Church in Carmarthen which was officiated by Rev Felicity Jepson-Randall and at Parc Gwyn Crematorium by Rev Martin Evans.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Peris Rice of Carmarthen.

Donations in lieu please to Parkinsons UK Pembrokeshire Branch, c/o Mrs G Robinson, Secretary, Kiln Park House, Treffgarne, Haverfordwest SA62 5PH.

 

Mr W E R Morris

Letterston

THE death occurred peacefully on February 5 at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest of W E R (Randal) Morris, of Craig Las, Letterston.

He was the beloved husband of the late Kathleen who passed away in February 2012.

He was the loving father of Tony, Margaret and the late Jane.

He was a loved grandfather, great-grandfather and greatgreat- grandfather.

After he married Kathleen at the age of 19 he was sent to ‘Scapa Flow’ in the Orkney Islands, Scotland, where he joined the Royal Marines, this was 1942, the war with Germany was three years old. He was then transported to Sydney, Australia and then on to India. When the war was over, he was demobbed along with thousands of other service men and he found work with Evans and Williams,Transport, Letterston driving a lorry, he then moved on to Treffgarne Construction, where he remained for 38 years.

Treffgarne Construction was formed by F H Gilman Quarries, he was very happy with this company and with his working companions.

After his retirement he spent his time gardening and looking after his home, he also loved having his grandchildren around him, playing pranks etc repairing their bikes. He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.

The funeral took place at Saron Chapel, Letterston on February 14 followed by internment at Saron cemetery.

The service was officiated by Rev Geoffrey Eynon. The bearers were his grandsons Robert Davies, Robert and Meurig Morris and Timothy Rees.

The eulogy was read by Hayley Gerry on behalf of the grandchildren and Amy Davies on behalf of the great-grandchildren.

 

Mrs J E Rogers SRN

Pembroke Dock

THE funeral took place recently of Mrs Joan Elaine Rogers SRN, who passed away peacefully on January 20 aged 91 at Pembroke Haven Residential Home formally of Ashdale Lane, Pembroke.

She was pre-deceased by her husband John in 1997.

Joan was born in Swansea and was the eldest of four, her sister Dorothy and brothers Douglas and John have all sadly passed away. They arrived in Pembroke Dock in the pre-war days with their parents Reginald and Lillian Hodges and settled in Laws Street. Joan went on to train as a state registered nurse in Neath and then on to the London Fever Hospital, returning to Pembroke Dock as a staff nurse in the Meyrick Hospital in Park Street post war. Joan met John a chief petty officer in the Royal Navy and they married in 1948. Joan continued to work as nursing was her vocation and quickly rose to the position of Sister. Joan worked at South Pembrokeshire Hospital for many happy years, when she was called to organise and run a medical centre at the building of the first Pembroke Power Station in the 1960s. There will be many who remember her from that time, especially among the thousands involved on the construction of the power station where she was fondly referred to as Sister Rogers.

After the completion of Pembroke Power Station, Joan left for a new challenge, and achieved a certificate in care of the elderly at Carmarthen College and returned to South Pembrokeshire Hospital to care for the elderly. This was not the end of her industrial career however because a doctor came calling “we need you at Texaco Refinery on the Cat Cracker Expansion Project” in the 1970s where she soon got back in to the swing of looking after hundreds of construction workers and then again in the 1980s when they built the Visbreaker at Texaco. Joan was never off duty and attended accidents near to her home on many occasions.

Once where Joan’s prompt action saved the life of a young 17-year-old boy who had stopped breathing after an accident on his moped and is now a grandfather.

On another occasion Joan received a Commendation from the Pembrokeshire Coroner who stated, “Mrs Rogers acted in the highest tradition of the Nursing Service” upon attending a car accident where two young police officers were involved, sadly one officer lost his life. She also received a letter of thanks from the chief constable at the time echoing and associating himself and Dyfed Powys Police with the coroner’s comments. For this Joan was very proud but felt it was her duty.

Joan thought she was in for the quiet life then when she went to work at the local St Oswald’s Surgery in Pembroke but found she had to learn how to use a computer but nothing phased her and she completed this. On her retirement at the age of 70, her caring still continued as she looked after John who had many mini-strokes until his death and looked after all her family. Joan adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Joan also loved to garden and spent many hours in her garden upon her retirement.

A true matriarch loved by family, many friends and colleagues too numerous to mention. Joan was a very caring and loving lady who will be greatly missed by her family and friends and by all who knew her. The family left to mourn are David and Mary (son and wife); Jean and Brian, Christine and Lee (daughters and husbands); Joanne, Peter, Gary and Heidi, Clare and Simon, Jorone and Janine, Ben and Emma, Laura and Dan (grandchildren and their partners); Abigail and Belle Grace (great-grandchildren); Keith and Sue, Robert and Marion, Michael, Paul and Jill, Ann and Mike, Julie and John, Jane and Christian, Janet, Beryl and Peter, Ann, Bill and Margaret and families (nieces and nephews). Remaining greatgrandchildren not present are Oliver, Rosie, Indie, Max and Harry. Also unable to attend was Mrs Kathleen Hodges (sister-in-law).

Unable to attend the service were daughter Jean and sonin- law Brian who were visiting their son and his family in Australia. They held their own personal memorial accompanied by Joan’s grandson Gary and his wife Heidi and great-grandchildren Megan, Holly, Dylan, Gracie and Iwan. This coincided with the time of the funeral service in Pembroke Dock.

The bearers were Peter Thomas, Jorone Rogers, Ben Goldsmith (grandsons) and Michael Hodges (nephew).

The funeral was held at St John’s Church, Pembroke Dock on January 27, officiated by Rev Nicky Skipworth and was followed by internment at Llanion Cemetery. St John’s Church organist and choir performed beautifully the hymns and music Joan had chosen for the service.

There was a tribute written by son David and a reading by daughter Christine ‘A Mother’s Walk’. There was a large gathering including friends and colleagues, many of whom had visited Joan regularly prior to her passing. Representatives from Pembroke Haven Residential Care Home were also present. Joan’s family and many friends recalled fond memories after the funeral.

There were family flowers only but if desired donations for the British legion and Ty Hafan children’s hospice may be sent to Mr Graham Thomas, 34 Charles Thomas Avenue, Pembroke Dock SA72 6UR.