Obituaries for December 17 2014

Pembroke Dock

THE death occurred recently of John Llewellyn Price of Clarence Street, Pembroke Dock. Aged 77 years, he passed away at Withybush Hospital on November 24.

John was a native of Ystalyfera in the Swansea Valley, brought up in a mining community as a Welsh speaker but following the death of his father in a mining accident the family relocated to his mother’s native Pembrokeshire, moving to Pembroke Dock where John finished his schooling in the Coronation School. John completed his national service with the Royal Corp of Engineers (an experience which later led him to become a long term member of the Territorial Army) following which he moved into the engineering industry.

In 1966 he married June and they settled in Clarence Street, Pembroke Dock. They were a devoted couple who had three children – Alan, Vanessa and Gareth.

John worked at Pembroke Refinery for over 40 years, initially during the construction phase and from 1964 he worked in the maintenance department with Regent/ Texaco until 1995 and then with Jenkins and Davies until his retirement in 2004.

John had many interests including choral music and was a 2nd tenor in the Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir of which he was a dedicated and loyal member for over 50 years. He also gave over 40 years to the ROAB at The Sir Thomas Meyrick Lodge in Pembroke Dock and was a committed and well respected Buff. He enjoyed rugby and was a keen supporter, both home and away, of Pembroke Dock Harlequins.

On retiring John kept himself busy with these life-long pursuits, other voluntary work and gardening but his foremost interest was his family. He and June enjoyed travelling on many holidays together and he loved nothing more than spending time with his family, particularly his eight grandchildren who adored him.

He will be fondly remembered by all who knew him as a true gentleman.

The funeral took place at St John’s Church in Pembroke Dock on December 3 with the service beautifully officiated by the Rev. Caroline Mansell.

The principle mourners were June (wife), Alan and Joyce (son and daughterin- law), Vanessa and Cliff (daughter and son-in-law), Gareth and Sara (son and daughter-in-law), Gary, Leigh and Michelle, Neil, Elle and Jamie, Hannah, Jack, Harvey and Max (grandchildren) The tribute was given by Rev Mansell, a poem was lovingly written and read by Hannah (granddaughter) and a moving rendition of ‘Gwahoddiad’ sung Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir.

The bearers were Gary, Leigh, Neil and Jack (grandsons).

There were family flowers only but donations may be made to Parkinson’s UK c/o Mr Graham Thomas, 34 Charles Thomas Avenue, Pembroke Dock, SA62 6UR The funeral arrangements were carried out by E C Thomas and Son, of Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH.

 

Mr D G Roberts

Clarbeston Road

THE funeral of David Graham Roberts (Gaffer) took place in St Marys Church, Wiston on November 22. Gaffer as he was fondly known died peacefully at home on Nov 12. He had suffered from cancer for over three years and had borne his illness with great courage and dignity.

Gaffer was the eldest of three children of the late Mr and Mrs Jack Roberts of Leonardston Farm, Neyland.

He was born there on March 5 1944 and after attending school and Bush House he came home to work on the family farm.

He was an active member of Haverfordwest Young Farmers Club taking part in many activities. In 1966 he met Mary Llewellin a former Dairy Queen of England and Wales and they were married in 1968. They then took the tenancy of Upper Lamboro Farm to start their married life together.

In November 1969 their first daughter Margaret was born followed by Alice in 1972 and Anna in 1973. With their young children they were busy renovating their home at Lamboro where Graham helped Mary establish an attractive garden as well as increasing their farming enterprise.

There was a very stressful time when Margaret was nine and she suffered an horrific accident. She had severe head injuries and broke her leg. Thankfully she made a good recovery. In 1980 Owen was born and Graham was delighted to have a son. Their family was complete with the birth of their fourth daughter Susan. They both had a wonderful family life at Lamboro enjoying annual holidays to the Royal Show and travelling as well as working hard.

The family took part in all aspects of community life with Graham being chairman of the Hall Committee and Community Council for several years. He was a long standing and faithful member of Wiston Church, a governor of Wiston School and a hard working member of the P.C.C. as well as chairman of the local NFU and NMR Committees. He also worked hard raising money for many organisations and helped the county show.

They had a great interest in stock and founded the Wiston herd of Holstein Friesians at the start of their farming career with cows from Leonardston and Lamboro. Over the years animals were purchased from various herds and the bulls Hanoverhill Raider Barclay and Huddlesford Flomaster were bought to establish sound bloodlines.

Graham and Mary enjoyed establishing a pedigree milking herd and gradually increased the size of the farm by purchasing more land, firstly near Clynderwen and then at Corner Farm, Wiston.

In 1998 Alice married Adrian and went to live in their new home and at the end of the year Morgan was born, a brother for Fiona and a first grandchild for Graham and Mary. They were a lovely happy family. Graham and Mary went out to Australia and New Zealand for a holiday with Margaret who was living there at the time.

In 1999 Graham decided to sell up the dairy herd, Owen was going away to college and he had decided he didn’t want to come home on the farm. Graham worked very hard to get things ship shape at home and there was a very successful sale at Lamboro.

In the year 2001 Anna married William Jones and there was a very happy family wedding. Then in September came the bombshell that Alice had developed breast cancer. Graham was a wonderful support to Alice and Adrian driving them to Singleton when Alice was having treatment and always there for the family whilst Mary looked after Morgan.

Alice’s faith kept her positive throughout her illness. Sadly Alice did not recover and she passed away in August 2002.

The family were devastated.

Graham and Mary helped Adrian with the children and were kept very busy, bringing them to various school activities. In 2006 Owen and Helen were married. Iwan was born in 2008 and Griff in April 2010, just as Graham and Mary were on their way to Martyn and Tracys’ Wedding in Zimbabwe. Family life was very important to Graham and there was more time to spend with the grandchildren, Morgan, Daniel, George, Iwan, Jack, Monty and Griff.

In 2007 Graham and Mary bought their new home in Clarbeston Road to make it easier for Mary who had developed Parkinsons disease.

Graham was very good at all aspects of DIY and before moving to Clarbeston Road, he helped the children renovate their houses as well as updating their new home in the village.

In Dec 2009 Graham and Mary sold Lamboro house and buildings and went to live in the village and thoroughly enjoyed their new home and village life.

Sadly Graham developed cancer and spent some time having treatment. He was always cheerful and good humoured, he fought his illness with courage and dignity.

In November 2013 their eldest daughter Margaret got married to Martin. It was a very happy day for both families, especially Nanny Llewellin, who was delighted to see her eldest grandchild get married.

There was a very large gathering at the funeral at St Marys Church, Wiston. Officiating was Rev’d Nick Cale, also present was Rev’d Canon Roger Jones, Father Paul Boyle and Father Brendan O Malley and Heather Cale.

The organist was Seimon Morris and the choir sang the 23rd Psalm and The Gaelic Blessing. A poem was read by Susie Roberts.

The mourners were his wife Mary; daughters Margaret, Anna and Susie; son Owen together with sons in law Martin and William; partner Danny and daughter in law Helen; son in law Adrian and wife Nerys; grandsons Morgan Rees, Daniel and George Jones, Fiona and Aled Morgan; Celia and Vic Whittaker sister and husband; Peter and Carol Roberts brother and sister in law; John and Roey Llewellin, Margaret and Raymond John, Dai and Nan Llewellin, George Llewellin, Dickie and Karen Llewellin, brothers and sisters in law; James and Edward Llewellin, Rowland and Karen John, Mike and Charlie John, Gareth and Anna Llewellin, Rhiannon and Richard James and Peter Llewellin, David and Christine Roberts, Helen and HO Louwrens, Steven and Sarah Roberts, Ben Llewellin, Amy and Matthew Snell, Gina and Lee Rees, Tracy, Kevin and Robert Llewellin nephews and nieces as well as several cousins too numerous to mention.

Unable to attend were Nanny Llewellin, Meri and Gerry Mayhew, Nia Llewellin, Martyn and Tracey Roberts (nephews and nieces); Iwan, Monty, Jack and Griff grandchildren.

The bearers were his nephews James, David, Mike, Gareth, Ben and Kevin.

There were family flowers only with donations to the Paul Sartori Foundation being taken by Mrs Margaret John, Walton Grange, Clarbeston Road SA63 4SY.

The funeral arrangements were undertaken by Roy Folland and son, of Haverfordwest.

A tribute by a dear friend...

Graham was a dear husband and loving family man, and will be remembered with great affection by all in our community. He and Mary created a successful farming partnership which was the envy of the agricultural community far and wide.

Hard work and determination to succeed were at the centre of their work ethic.

He knew how to work hard, and also enjoy the fruits of his labours. No party, dance or event was complete without Graham’s special brand of humour, and sense of fun.

His commitment to our community was unequivocal.

Whether it was Hall Committee, Gymkhana, Sports and Carnival, church, County Show to name but a few, Graham’s energy and expertise so freely given, were always to the fore. How fitting that he affectionately acquired the nickname Gaffer, for he was a born leader. His enthusiasm and zest for life was infectious, and we are all richer for having known him. He devoted his life to those he loved, as those he loved will remember.

 

Mr C Boswell

Hook

A very large gathering of family and friends attended the funeral of Cecil Boswell on December 1.

He was a much respected man who moved from Johnston to Hook 23 years ago. He passed away at Withybush Hospital after a short stay, he was 79.

The family left to mourn are Margie (wife); Paul, Dean, Alan and Roy (sons); Shirley (daughter), together with his 15 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren, his sonin- law and daughters-in-law.

His carers also attended the funeral Marc, Delyth and Suzi.

He will be sadly missed by his canary fancier friends.

The bearers were Steven, Scott, Craig, Lewis, Liam and Marcus (grandsons).

The Rev Steven Wood officiated.

Glyn Thomas and son were the undertakers assisted by Mrs Susan Price.

Donations for EMI Meadows Nursing Home, Johnston can be sent to Mrs Dawn Boswell ‘Overdale’, New Town Road, Hook, Haverfordwest.

 

Mrs R Thomas

Square and Compass

Mrs Renie Thomas died peacefully at Withybush Hospital on November 8. She was 85.

The funeral was held at Croesgoch Chapel on November 17 followed by interment at Croesgoch Cemetery. The service was officiated by Rev Geraint Morse and the organist was Diane Adams. Family left to mourn are Angela Coleman and family; Roy and Anne Thomas and family; Ken and Ali Thomas and family; Josie and Huw Lewis and family; Ruth and Peter Lamb and family, and many more relatives and friends too numerous to mention. The bearers were Huw Raymond, Glyn Page, Michael John and Timothy Rees.

There were family flowers only with donations for Macmillan Nurses being received by Paul Jenkins and Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB.

 

Mr D Shone

Haverfordwest

THE funeral took place at Parc Gwyn, Narberth on November 24, following the sudden death of Dave Shone, on November 10, at home.

Dave was born in a little village called Helsby, just outside Chester 61 years ago.

He was a man of passions and these changed a little as he got older. In his youth, it was Man Utd, Deep Purple and pool. In fact Dave became quit an accomplished player and played for his county, Cheshire.

By the time he had moved to Haverfordwest, his passions were still as above, but he became fond of other things as well, such as playing pool for the Glen Hotel, and also walking the coastal path and he started to take photos and do a little painting.

For some years, Dave enjoyed time spent with Haverfordwest County Football Club, volunteering as a steward, or as a volunteer, as well as watching them.

Until his wife became involved in local organisations, these were his hobbies and then he became aware of his role as a sort of “could you just please sort of fetch me, find me, carry me”. His favourite reply to these requests was “Just now” which the family came to believe had quite a fluid meaning inasmuch that “just now” could cover any range of time from, say, 3 weeks to 30 years, depending on Dave’s particular mood!

Dave was very fond of his wife’s nieces and nephew, innumerable cousins, and stepson and step-daughter and fell in love with his very new grand-daughter, carrying her around her home, insisting that “Bella was the only one who ever listened to him.”

When it was pointed out to him that actually at under 3 months old, she really had no other choice, this was brushed off with a reply that “but she’s really listening to me”.

Dave’s kindness was legendary and he once came across a man, whilst walking his beloved “Compo” who had fallen off a ladder in his front garden, having no clue as to how long he had been lying there alone, he fetched his wife, stayed with him until the ambulance came and made enquiries afterwards that he was OK.

Dave’s musical tastes expanded to include musicals, Les Mis, Oliver, Alfie Boe, Michael Ball, were now established parts of his musical tastes and he could often be found at The Torch in Milford Haven if something caught his eye.

His constant moaning about “why doesn’t somebody do something locally, they do it everywhere else!” gave rise to the creation of Cleddau Community Arts, and then his rant changed to “why are we the only ones who do!”

His later years reflected his passion of photography and he could be found wandering around the coast or Pembrokeshire castles with a camera in tow.

He leaves behind shocked and heartbroken family, neighbours and friends, especially his wife, Barbara, stepdaughter Debbie, step-son Tom and little granddaughter, Bella.

At his funeral, which was officiated by Canon Gwyther, there were some members of the extended family present as well as many family friends.

His step-son David Harrison, son-in-law Tom Owens, nephew James Wood, and Barry John, a family friend, carried his coffin into the Chapel to the strains of Smoke on the Water from Deep Purple and the congregation left the crematorium to the sounds of Marguerita Time by Status Quo, with Always Look on the Bright Side of Life and hymns “Abide with Me” and “All People who on Earth do dwell,” were sung during the service.

The congregation had been requested to wear something red, black and white, to reflect Dave’s favourite Team, Manchester Utd.

Those left to mourn included his wife Barbara, stepdaughter Debbie Owens, sonin- law Tom Owens with new grand-daughter Bella Owens, step-son David Harrison, sister-in-law Jennifer Wood from Manchester, nephew James Wood from Buckinghamshire and cousin Adrian from Swansea, many family friends and neighbours.

Apologies were received from niece Elizabeth Ryan, her husband Carl Ryan and son Finlay Ryan, niece Catherine Milburn, and children Serena, Tara and Joel Milburn.

Family flowers only with donations to be donated to the British Heart Foundation c/o Mr Tom Owens, 13 Oak Road, Horfield, Bristol, BS7 8RY.

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

 

Mrs G Cunnick

Wooden

MRS Gwyneth Cunnick of Wooden, Saundersfoot passed away at Pencoed Residential Home in Wooden on October 24.

She was 92.

Originally from Lampeter Velfrey, near Narberth, she attended local primary school only and left when she was 14 to work at her fathers butter making and packing factory and also at the egg grading station, which he had set up in ‘Ivy House’, Lampeter Velfrey, where the family lived.

She later drove around all the local farms collecting the eggs.

She met her husband Vince at Bryn Sion Chapel, Lampeter Velfrey where they attended Sunday school. They went on to marry in 1947.

A year later they bought and ran a grocery shop in Narberth for many years until the arrival of their only child, Susan.

They built their own bungalow, The Haven in Wooden and moved there in 1962 which also become a B and B in the summer months for a good many years.

Later she ran the site shop at Rowston Caravan site with her sister Ann and brotherin- law Gary. The family did this for many years until Vince became poorly and died in 1983.

Gwyneth filled her time helping Susan with the children and eventually when they were all at school, went to work at New Hedges Mini Market, where she was affectionately known as ‘little Gwyn’. She remained working there for a few hours a week until she eventually retired with Mary and Pat, aged 80.

Her main interests were first and foremost her family, particularly her grandchildren, she loved being involved in all aspects of their life.

She would regularly be seen at Pentlepoir School and on St Davids Day would be seen cooking welsh cakes along with the other mums.

Her other interests included knitting, gardening and cooking, and then in later life scrabble, whist, de’coupage and ice decorating.

She was predeceased by her husband Vince Cunnick in 1983.

The family left to mourn are Sue Proctor (daughter); John Proctor (son-in-law); Jayne and Geraint, Jenni and Joe (granddaughters and husbands); Gareth and Sophie (grandson and fiancée); Jessica and Isabelle (great granddaughters); Ann and Gary (sister and brother-inlaw); Joe (brother); David and Nesta (brother and sister-inlaw); Vera (sister-in-law).

The service was held at Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg followed by a private interment at Bryn Sion Chapel, Lampeter Velfrey.

It was officiated by Canon Roger Jones and the bearers were John, Gareth, Geraint and Joe.

Donations to the Paul Sartori Foundation c/o E C Thomas and son, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

 

Mrs P I Payne

Pembroke

MONKTON Priory Church was filled with family and friends for the funeral of Pat Payne on December 1.

She would have been amazed that everyone had gathered just for her.

An essentially shy and gentle soul, Pat also had a strong and determined spirit, witnessed by her family on occasions and by those around her during her last months and days.

Born in Neath in 1922, she married Trevor and gave birth to Judy and Christopher there.

The family subsequently moved to Pembroke where Pat felt immediately at home and where she supported her husband in all his business ventures. Not a lady for the limelight, only those closest realised that none of Trevor’s achievements would have come to fruition without her. After Trevor’s death, Pat made a life for herself quietly with a few friends.

They enjoyed trips out locally and became known affectionately as “The Female Last Of The Summer Wine”.

When Pat’s dementia deteriorated she moved from The Conduit, Monkton to live in Hollyland Lodge. Here she was loved and cared for far beyond any remits of job description, for the last three years of her life.

During her last days the family provided hospice care of the very highest quality for which we shall always be grateful.

Pat’s greatest delight in life was always her grandchildren, Craig, Scott, Shelley and their subsequent partners, Holly, Nia and Mike.

Her world was complete when great- grandchildren arrived, Kassandra, Charlie, Eleri, Coel, Ethan and Caitlyn.

At the service in Monkton, Angel, Manager of Hollyland Lodge, read the Lesson, Judy read a poem and Richard gave the tribute “To A Lovely Lady”. Christopher, Scott, Mike and neighbour Michael carried her coffin.

If desired, donations in lieu of flowers in memory of Pat for Dementia Research may be sent to John Roberts and Son, Funeral Directors, 51, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6AN, who carried out the arrangements.