Mr C R Howells

Milford Haven

CHRISTOPHER Royce Howells, known as Royce of Ramsey Drive, Milford Haven passed away peacefully on February 14, aged 73. His wife and stepdaughter were at his side.

Royce had been a patient on Ward 11 for a week following a stroke. During this time he was cared for with great kindness, ensuring his dignity at all times. Royce was a native of Puncheston, moving to Haverfordwest during his early years.

His first employment on leaving Haverfordwest Secondary Modern was a civilian clerk to the Pembrokeshire Constabulary. Within a year he was to become a serving police officer, during 1960 – 1968, he policed the towns of Fishguard, Pembroke Dock and Milford Haven.

In 1968 Royce joined Gulf Oil Refinery as an accounts clerk. Over the following years Royce worked his way up the ladder to become accounts manager, specialising in customs and excise duties.

Royce was an avid bowler and a loyal member of Milford Haven Bowling Club.

From here he played at club and county level. For 34 years Royce carried out the duties of honorary treasurer and was, at the time of his death, proud to hold the office of club president.

It was at the bowing club Royce met Sue Barrett, they quickly became inseparable, and enjoyed a very happy life together. During the past three years while his health was failing Royce and Sue made the most of everyday.

Cherishing their time together, and they stayed inseperable to the end.

Royce had no children of his own but soon became a devoted step dad to Liz, and he was a proud Gramps to Maddie over the past eight and half years.

Royce regularly attended St Peter’s and St Cewydd’s Church, Steynton where the funeral service was held on March 3. The church was filled to capacity, which showed the high regard in which Royce was held. The service was carried out by the Rev Derek Davies. The reading especially chosen by the family, was given by Mr Stephen Smedley and a very insightful eulogy delivered by Mr Ashley Warlow, a work colleague of some 30 years.

The service of committal was held at Parc Gwyn, where family friend Mr Peter Scoble read a poem ‘Let me go’, by Christina Rossetti.

The bearers were Liz and Karl Allen (stepdaughter and husband); Stephen and Jamie Barrett (brothers-in-law); Robin and Vaughan Howells (nephew and great nephew).

The principal mourners were Sue Howells (wife); Liz and Karl Allen (stepdaughter and husband); Billy and Mary Barrett (parents-inlaw); Stephen and Julie Barrett (brother and sisterin- law); Jamie Barrett (brother- in-law); Robin Howells (nephew); Dawn Howells and Phil Owen (niece and partner); Vaughan Howells (great nephew); Ian Preston and Emma Pierce (step nephew and fiancé); Heather Davies (close family friend); Denny and Maureen Allen (close family friends).

Unable to attend Celeste Howells (sister-in-law); Joyce Fancett (close cousin); Anna Dixon (great nephew’s partner).

On March 4 a short service was held privately for the interment of ashes at St Peter’s and St Cewydd’s Church cemetery.

There were family flowers only. Donations will be gratefully received by Mr Peter Scoble, Ashgrove, Steynton Road, Milford Haven. The donations received will go to Alzheimers Pembrokeshire, Ward 11 and the Stroke Rehabilitation Day Unit at Withybush General Hospital. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Tom Newing and Sons Ltd, of Milford Haven.

 

Mrs E M Rhead

Haverfordwest

Mrs Eleanor Mary Rhead of Haverfordwest passed away peacefully at her daughter’s home on January 30.

Eleanor was raised in Mathry and was the daughter of David and Elizabeth James. After leaving school she worked in Goodwick and Letterston Post Offices, until her marriage to her beloved husband William (Bill). After her marriage she helped him in the family building business, together with raising their children, Alan and Rachel. Eleanor and Bill were devoted to each other and were happily married for 31 years before his passing in 1994. She was delighted when she became a grandmother to Sophie and Alex and was so very proud of them.

Her main interests were her family whom she loved dearly, meeting friends for coffee or lunch and gardening.

She was a lovely, quiet and elegant lady, who will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Reverend Jenny Gough officiated at a family service held at her daughter’s home, followed by funeral service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, where a large gathering attended. A poem “Precious Memories of a Wonderful Mum” was read by her daughter in law, Catherine.

The principal mourners were Alan and Catherine (son and daughter-in-law), Rachel and Paul (daughter and son-in-law), Sophie and Alex (granddaughter and grandson). The bearers were Alan Rhead, Paul Harries, Ted Harries and David Burrows.

Donations to League of Friends, Withybush Hospital, c/o W J Kenneth Davies and Sons, Clynderwen, who also carried out the funeral arrangements so caring and compassionately.

 

Mr T H Davies

Llandeloy

MR Thomas Howard Davies died peacefully at Withybush Hospital on February 20 at the age of 84.

Tommy was born in Pendeidir and was one of five children born to Sarah Ethel Davies. He went to school at Hendre Cross, Llandeloy, leaving at the age of fourteen to work as a farm labourer at Greater Hook Farm and Lochmeyler Farm among others. In 1950, the family moved to Llandeloy. In 1961 he married Margaret Howells from Pan Meiddyn, Manor Owen and she came to live with him in Llandeloy. Tommy later left farming for the building industry, where he worked until he retired at 60.

His main interests were cars, aeroplanes and watching wrestling on the television.

Tommy had not enjoyed good health for the last four years but had been determined to enjoy life despite everything. He will be greatly missed by his wife Margaret who was his constant companion.

He was predeceased by his sisters Hilda and Doris and his brother Gwylym and is survived by his sister May.

The funeral was held at Trefgarn Owen Congregational Chapel on March 4 followed by interment at Trefgarn Owen Cemetery, and was officiated by Rev Geoffrey Eynon assisted by John Roberts. The bearers were Lloyd Davies, Neil Davies, John Griffiths and John Davies. The organist was Gerwyn Davies.

Donations in lieu of flowers to Paul Sartori being sent to Lloyd Davies, Cleddau Cottage, Cuttybridge, Camrose, Haverfordwest SA62 6HX.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by F G Rees and Sons, Portfield Gate, Haverfordwest.

 

Mr D Evans

Haverfordwest

THE entrance to St Marys Church was lined with fireman, in the ceremonial uniform, for the funeral of David Evans on February 26.

It was a moving and fitting tribute to their long retired and much respected colleague who had served the Brigade in the town for 30 years; 25 of then Union representative for Pembrokeshire.

He died aged 94, at Highgrove Residential Home where he had lived for the past five years on February 9.

David Moelwyn Evans was born in City Road. The son of a founder miner and a seamstress, he was the eldest of four, Mair, Billy and Tony predeceased him. The family known as the Solva Evanses, moved to Milford Road. He went to school in Barn Street and was a butcher’s boy in the Market Hall on Saturdays, a delivery boy for the Western Telegraph on Wednesdays, a choir boy at St Mary’s on Sundays.

He served his time as an apprentice shipwright in Milford Docks. Then to Devonport Dockyard in 1939 and into the Royal Navy with active service in the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean.

His final posting, as Chief Petty Officer, was on Motor Torpedo Boats in the English Channel. At a dance in Felixstowe, he met a Corporal in the ATS, Isabel Kerr, and they married in Paisley in 1945. So began 57 years of marriage and a lifetime relationship with Scotland, particularly Lochranza on the Isle of Arran and the family there.

He joined the fire brigade and married life began in Scotchwell View and then they moved to Jury Lane.

There was more than one ‘Dai’ in the Hill Street Fire Station so he became, and remained, ‘Big Dai’.

He talked little about his work. Two exceptions were the fire on the Esso Portsmouth in Milford Haven, in which he was injured, and the disaster recovery at Aberfan, for which he volunteered.

His work ethic was strong.

He filled his rest days with maintenance jobs on a farm in Uzmaston. On retirement in 1975, painting and decorating became almost full time, always accompanied by his whistling and his old radio.

Some saw him as a determined and principled man.

But everyone saw and admired his ability, consistently, to see the fun in life and to make people laugh, a gentleman with old-fashioned manner, rarely without tie, cap and buttoned up jacket. No stroll across Newgale beach, hands behind the back, could be completed without a chat with a total stranger.

Snooker and a pint at the legion, boxing, ballroom dancing, Tommy Cooper, Shirley Bassey, Car Polishing, rhubarb and runners from the garden, hand-cut chips from the shed, a malt whisky night cap were a few of his favourite things. However, there was nothing to beat tea, toast and the Telegraph on a Wednesday. Every birth, every death and marriage, every car for sale was closely scrutinised.

The service was led the Reverend Father Nicholas Cale and the organ, played by Peter Allen, accompanied the hymns ‘The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want’ and ‘The day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended’.

His grandson, Nicholas, read Ecclesiastes 3, 1-8 ‘There is a time for everything’ and granddaughter Jane read Fern Hill ‘Time held me green and dying, though I swam in my chains like the sea’. His elder son Trevor paid tribute.

The principal mourners were Trevor and June, Julian and Jennifer, Simon and Heidi, Huw and Owain, James and Lesley, Gareth, Nicholas and Sophie. Unable to attend were Andrew, Annabel and James, Ben and Katie, Carys and Caroline.

The burial at City Road Cemetery was private. The bearers were members of the Fire Services Ceremonial Party. Donations, in memory of David may be made to either St Mary’s Church Organ Restoration Appeal or The Fire Service Benevolent Fund and sent to Roy Folland Son, Funeral Directors, 27 Cartlett, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA61 2LH.

 

Mrs M Craven

Keeston

MRS Marion Craven (nee Thynne) of Keeston passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 26. She was 76.

Edith Marion Christine Thynne was the youngest of three children to Mr and Mrs Corelli Thynne of 64 Precelly Place, Milford Haven.

Marion attended Milford Haven Grammar School, and on leaving worked for several years in the North Road Post Office for Mr and Mrs Steward. In her spare time, Marion taught at St Katharine’s Sunday School in Milford Haven, and it was in St Katharine’s, she was first introduced to her future husband (who was a Curate at the time), the Reverend Allan Craven.

In 1964 they married, in St Katharine’s, and shortly afterwards moved to Llwynhendy, Llanelli, where Allan was vicar. In 1968, the family moved to Nolton, where they raised a family and lived until retirement.

Marion’s interests were her family, grand children and gardening. Marion was also a very talented water-colour artist and regularly exhibited at various galleries and exhibitions in Pembrokeshire. In her lifetime she sold over 500 of her own paintings, usually to the benefit of her favourite charities.

The funeral took place on March 6 at Roch Church, followed by burial in Nolton Church yard.

The chief mourners were Claire, Rowan, Huw, Jonathan and Lucy Wilson; Richard, Jacqui, Evan and Llewelyn Craven; and Peter, Monique and Peter-Yves Thynne. Over 150 family and friends from across the UK also joined the service of remembrance.

The coffin bearers were David Thomas, Ian Edwards, David Young and Ken Durham.

The service was led by the Rev. Michael Rowlands and assisted by the Rev. Richard Rees, the organ was played by her son Richard.

Donations to Nolton and Roch Churches, or Cancer Research UK, c/o C Wilson, 18 West Lane Close, Keeston.

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

 

Rev Canon A Craven

Formerly of Keeston

REV Canon Allan Craven passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 10 at Williamston Nursing Home, Houghton. He was 79. Allan was one of four sons to Mr and Mrs J Craven of Upper Gate Street, Conway.

Allan attended the John Bright Grammar School in Llandudno, then went to St David’s College, Lampeter, where he obtained a BA, followed by Chichester Theological College.

During Allan’s ministry, he was Curate at Blaenau Ffestiniog, Curate at Milford Haven, and Vicar at Llwynhendy.

He was Rector of Nolton and Vicar of Roch for over 30 years and during that time was appointed Rural Dean of Roose and Canon of St David’s Cathedral. It was while Allan was Curate at St Katharine’s in Milford Haven, he met his future wife Marion who was the Sunday School teacher.

Allan’s interests included music, playing and teaching the piano and organ, gardening, bee-keeping and local history, particularly John and his son Moses Grant, who were both Rector’s of Nolton and Vicar’s of Roch in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The funeral took place on March 18 at Roch Church, followed by burial in Nolton Church yard.

The chief mourners were Claire, Rowan, Huw, Jonathan and Lucy Wilson and Richard Craven. Many family, friends and parishioners joined the service of remembrance.

The coffin bearers were Peter Storrow, Ian Edwards, David Young and Ken Durham The service was led by the Rev. Michael Rowlands and assisted by the Rev. Canon Richard Rees, and the Ven.

Graham Davies. The organ was played by his son Richard.

Donations to Nolton and Roch Churches, or Parkinson’s UK, c/o C Wilson, 18 West Lane Close, Keeston.

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

 

Mrs F Thomas

Haverfordwest

MRS Florence Thomas of Haverfordwest passed away peacefully, at her home on Merlins Hill, with her family by her side on February 28, just four days before she was due to celebrate her 90th birthday.

Known as Floss, she was born on March 4 1925 to Edith and Jack Watts. The third child to be born but with four younger siblings to follow.

The family ran a very busy market gardening business so Floss, at a young age found herself helping on the land, in the house and with the younger members of the family.

Floss passed her exam into Taskers School for Girls and it was here that she developed a love of French, Maths and Music. She could play the piano, organ and piano accordion and regularly played at the Merlins Bridge Methodist Chapel which she attended up until her health started to fail.

Floss married Syd Thomas from Dew Street in 1951 and they built themselves a bungalow near the family home.

They had one daughter Gail and Floss decided to stay at home being a house wife and full time mum. Floss was a very private person and independent lady and when Syd died in 1995 she stoically remained living in her own. She loved her garden and spent many hours in her greenhouse. She enjoyed feeding the birds and animals that visited her garden.

Her granddaughter Ceri was the light of her life and they spent many hours together playing board games and cards as Floss found it more difficult to leave to the house.

The family left to mourn are Gail and Peter (daughter and son-in-law); Ceri (granddaughter); Olive Dann (sister); Mary and Maurice Kinslow (sister and brotherin- law) and her many nieces and nephews together with great nieces and great nephews, cousins and friends.

A large gathering of family and friends attended the funeral at Burton Church on March 7 officiated by the Rev David Mortimore. The bearers were Leigh Evans Thomas, Mark Corby, Kim Morgan, William Dawson, Malcolm Walker and David Byford.

Donations if wished for Paul Sartori and Adams Bucketful of Hope can be sent to Mrs Gail Smith, Harbour View, Burton Ferry, Milford Haven SA73 1PA. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Glyn Thomas and Son of Freystrop.

 

Mr J Eveson

Kilgetty

THE death occurred peacefully on March 3 of Mr John Eveson with his family by his side. Affectionately known locally as ‘Norcot’, after his driving school; and also as ‘Gonger’ by his beloved grandchildren. Aged 79 John lived in Kilgetty with his cherished wife Hazel.

Predeceased by his youngest son Stuart, he is survived by his wife of 59 years Hazel, his son and daughter Richard and Mandy, his four grandson Alex, Jason, Jack and Robert and all their families.

John grew up in Worcestershire and attended Hanley Swan Boarding School.

He went on to do two years national service in the RAF after which be began training as an architect. Later on he joined the family business as a metal fabricating engineer and ran the company until the family moved to Saundersfoot in 1983, where he started his driving school, and also he and Hazel ran a B and B.

John and his family loved camping holidays and his enthusiasm encouraged their extended family to join them on these memorable holidays where they enjoyed boating, kayaking, diving and fishing.

John also loved badminton and keeping fit.

The service of thanksgiving was at Parc Gwyn on March 18.

The bearers where Graham (brother-in-law); Richard (son); Daryl (son-in-law) and Johns grandsons Alex, Jason and Jack. Donations for St Nons Ward c/o E C Thomas and Son, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth who carried out the funeral arrangements.

 

Mr K E R Davies

Pembroke Dock

AFTER a brief acute illness, Ken passed away very peacefully at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest on February 11. He was aged 84 and died with his wife Ena by his side, holding his hand.

Ken was born in Wrexham in 1930, but moved to Military Road, Pennar when he was just a few weeks old and later, aged 10 years moving to Kings Street. He lived very happily in Pembroke Dock for most of his life. Educated car mechanic at Edwards Garage, Queen Street, he was ‘called up’ in to the armed forces, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) at the age of 18 years and served for eighteen months, followed by a further four years with the Territorial Army (TA).

Ken moved to the Milford Haven Mining Depot in 1953 where he remained and, gained promotions to Higher Professional Technical Officer (HPTO), until his retirement in 1990. In 1954 he married Ena Mary Lovering and they enjoyed 61 very happy years together. They enjoyed holidays abroad and travel together. This included, during the time in the mining depot, taking up opportunities to work both in Mombasa, Kenya for three years (where their son, Andrew was born) and Silema, Malta for three years (where their daughter, Denise was born). He also enjoyed being a member of the Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir for forty years (including being the treasurer for twenty-one years) and additionally was a member of the local Probus group.

Ken was gentle and honest.

He loved all his family but his love for his wife was clear for all to see, even through his illness over the past year. He leaves a big hole in the lives of his wife, family and close friends, he will be hugely missed. The family left to mourn are his wife Ena; Naomi and Andrew, Denise and Ian (children and partners); Sarah, Danielle, Jessica, Duncan and Gary (grandchildren and partners); Oliver, Brady- James and Scarlett (great grandchildren), as well as numerous very close friends and extended family. Unable to attend were Graham Lovering (brother-in-law) and family.

The funeral took place on February 26 in St John’s Church, Pembroke Dock, where Ken was married, and had been a choir boy and bell ringer. The Pembroke and District Male Voice Choir sang at the service and it was officiated by the Reverend Nicky Skipworth. A very special tribute was given by Darren Kenniford. The bearers were Duncan Campbell, Robert Griffiths, David Halstead, Darren Kenniford, Gary Purdy and Harry Shafto. The church service was followed by a short ceremony at Parc Gwyn.

Donations in lieu for Combat Street should go to E C Thomas and son, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH, who carried out the funeral arrangements.

 

Mrs V Percival

Maenclochog

MRS Valeria Percival of Wilwin, Maenclochog died suddenly but peacefully on February 11 at Glangwili Hospital aged 63.

Val was the middle child of Margaret and the late Brian Daye. After leaving school at 15 she worked in Ocky White until she married the late Terry Percival at the age of 19. They then made their home at the Globe Inn, Maenclochog.

Over the following years she brought up her three children, looked after her mother-in-law and also helped run the family pub.

She continued in the Globe Inn for 44 years.

Her interests included knitting, needlework, cooking and making chutneys and pickles. Over the last years she loved spending time with her three grandchildren.

The family left to mourn are Mark and Jenny (son and partner); Mary and Jon (daughter and son-in-law); Martin and Natalie (son and daughter-in-law); Jessica, Carys and Morgan (grandchildren); Margaret Daye (mother); John and Ann Daye (brother and sister-in-law); Susan and Nigel Evans (sister and brother-in-law) plus numerous aunties and uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins and close friends.

The funeral took place at St Mary’s Church, Maencochog.

It was officiated by Rev Becky Davies and Rev Llinos Ann.

The bearers and assistants were Huw Owens, Lyn Howells, Gary Bevan, Eirwyn Evans, David Nicholas, Gwynfor James, Charles Bedford, Anthony Davies and Clive Bevan.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr Ken Davies of Clunderwen. Donations for Narberth Health Centre and Wales Air Ambulance c/o Mr John Daye, 16 Halkon Crescent, Narberth SA67 7EB.