Mr E A Orsman

Lamphey

THE funeral took place recently at Lamphey Church of Eric Arthur Orsman, of Ashfield, the Ridgeway.

Eric passed away peacefully at Withybush Hospital on March 19, surrounded by his family. He was 89.

Eric was born in Pembroke Dock, to Arthur and Emily, and weeks later they moved to Lamphey, where he resided for (very nearly) the rest of his illustrious life.

They lived at Garden Cottage, where he grew up with his close cousins just next door.

Eric schooled in Lamphey, and later Pembroke Dock County School, and it was here that his lifelong passion for sport began.

In 1943 Eric attended Trinity College, Carmarthen to train as a teacher, whilst continuing to play both hockey and cricket as a member of the college teams, and also joined the Air Squadron of Swansea University.

Once qualified as a teacher, Eric then joined the 21st ITC at Brecon, and served in the 1st Battalion, Welch Regiment in Italy.

He moved to Austria to hone his teaching skills in the Army Educational Corps.

Whilst there, he played football for the forces against Rapid Vienna. Despite the onslaught, as goalkeeper he managed to limit the professionals to just five goals, for which the rest of his team were immensely grateful.

Upon returning to Lamphey, Eric taught in various local schools, and in 1950 he took up a post as woodwork teacher at Saundersfoot Council School, latterly running woodwork and maths courses for school-leavers.

In 1961 he became primary school teacher at Saundersfoot CP School, later becoming deputy head, and he taught until his retirement in 1988.

Hockey and cricket continued to play a big role in Eric’s life. He was at one time the captain of the Pembrokeshire hockey team, and in 1951 was the first Lamphey cricketer to score 100 runs on the new cricket ground in Pembroke.

At Lamphey Vicarage, now Lamphey Hall Hotel, Eric made the acquaintance of Julie, and they married in 1957, making their home in Flemish Court.

With a family on the way in1962, Eric began the search for a plot to build a new home.

Ashfield was completed in 1968, and whilst Eric lost out on two whole seasons of cricket due to building commitments, he made up for this by having easy access to the cricket pitch through the back garden.

This new garden provided extra space for Eric’s other passion, home-grown vegetables, with his runner beans winning many a plaudit with family and friends. But woebetide any would-be sportsman kicking a ball into that veg patch. That’s what the sports field was for!

Eric continued to play cricket for Lamphey 2nd team well after his retirement and into his late 60s, and after hanging up his pads he continued to support the club regularly from the boundary rope, enjoying a cigar and the company of many other fans and former players.

Eric touched the lives of so many, through decades of sporting endeavour, his many years teaching generations of children, and as a lynchpin of community life in Lamphey. Of course he was first and foremost a dedicated family man, a loving father and grandfather, and will be dearly missed by Julie, their sons and wider family.

The overwhelming memory of Eric is of a principled and very gentle man, who will be dearly missed yet fondly remembered by a great many people.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by John Roberts and Sons, 51 Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, who would welcome any donations to Lamphey Church and Cancer Research UK.

 

Mr D Jones

Milford Haven

Mr Danny Jones of Priory Road, Milford Haven passed away on April 4 at Withybush Hospital after a short illness.

He was 82.

A native of Neyland he was the second child of the late Thomas and Elizabeth Jones.

He attended Neyland Primary School and Milford Haven central School.

Danny served his national service in the REME spending most of his time in Germany.

On leaving the army he commenced work with Lloyd and Pawlett furniture removals. Before joining the staff of Foster Wheeler on the construction of the Esso Refinery. After the competition of Esso Danny started his own business as a fish vendor travelling as far as Aberystwyth, which he continued with until his retirement.

He met and married his wife Kath, with whom he would have celebrated his 60th wedding anniversary this September.

The family was nearly complete with the birth of his two daughters Julie and Gill, his family increased with his sons-in-law Neville and Huw, with whom he also became good friends with completion of his family came with the arrival of grandchildren Matthew, Nathan, Sophie and Hannah and great granddaughters Morgan and Maizee of whom he was very proud, and spent many happy hours with.

Danny’s main interest in life after his family, were his boat and fishing. During this time he made many lifetime friends, which was obvious from the number of people who sent their messages of sympathy to the family.

The principal mourners are Kath (wife); Julie and Gill (daughters); Neville and Huw (sons-in-law); Matthew and Stacey, Nathan, Sophie and Hannah (grandchildren); Morgan and Maizee (great grandchildren); Idawl (brother); Glenys and Betty (sisters).

The service took place at Parc Gwyn on April 20. It was officiated by Father Harri Williams with a short tribute by Matthew, his eldest grandchild who spoke on behalf of all the grandchildren. The bearers were Matthew and Nathan (grandsons); Huw and Neville (sons-in-law).

Donations, if desired for RNLI (Hakin Branch) which may be sent to Mr John Haughey, 12 Hayston Avenue, Hakin. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Tom Newing and Sons of Milford Haven.

 

Mrs D E Gray

Haverfordwest

The death occurred peacefully on March25 at Withybush Hospital of Doreen Elizabeth Gray, aged 85 of Hawthorn Rise, Haverfordwest.

Originally from London, Doreen moved to Haverfordwest with her husband Billy in the 50’s. Doreen worked for many years as a cook in the old County Hospital and then Withybush Hospital.

Upon retirement Doreen volunteered at the Paul Sartori shop in Haverfordwest.

The service was held at Parc Gwyn on April 9 and was officiated by Rev Martyn Evans. The bearers were Adam Murphy, Lewis Wood, Iain Wood and George Sewell.

The principal mourners were Billy (husband); Lynda and David (daughter and partner); Pauline and Iain (daughter and husband); Janet (daughter); George and Julia (brother and wife); Lisa, Brett and Gary, Adam and Cath, Lewis and Charlotte (grandchildren and partners). Unable to attend were Chuck (son-in-law), Aron and Eric (grandsons) from America.

Donations to The Manager, Paul Sartori, Haven Road, Haverfordwest. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Glyn Thomas and Son, of Freystrop.

 

Mr E Jenkins

Clunderwen

ERIC Jenkins passed away peacefully at the age of 81 on March 28, surrounded by his family at his home in Clunderwen.

Eric was born at Danycoed, Llawhaden in June 1933, one of seven children.

He was married to his wife Jean in November 1957, at Bethesda Chapel, Llawhaden.

They made their home at Fairy Bank, near Clunderwen where they had five children Garry, Tina and Penny along with the late Paul and Graham.

In 1948 he started his building apprenticeship with Young Brothers and Lewis, later establishing his own business, first as a contractor working on a range of local projects.

In the mid 1970s he established Derwen Concrete Works in the old Garage, Clunderwen, where he provided concrete products to local farmers, builders and other businesses. He was well-known in the local community, and employed many local men, giving many their first jobs.

In later years, the business moved to new premises at the Old Station Yard, next to the railway where Eric ran the business with Jean and Graham.

Latterly, he and Jean made their home in a bungalow at Parc-y-Deri, on the former site of the concrete works.

He served in the army during his National Service, based in Knighton and remained active in the British Legion. He was also a trustee of Clunderwen Playing Fields Association.

Eric retired in 1993 but continued to keep himself active as a keen gardener and accomplished carpenter.

He also spent many years caravanning with family and friends.

Eric was first and foremost though, a family man and enjoyed nothing more than being at the heart of the family gatherings.

The funeral was held at Parc Gwyn on April 14, following a private family service at Parc-y-Deri, Clunderwen.

Chief mourners were Jean, Garry, Tina and Penny, grandchildren Gabrielle, Hedd and Thomas and daughters-inlaw Cilene and Val, son-inlaw David and sister Venda.

Both service were officiated by the Reverend Geoffrey Eynon.

The bearers were Terry Morris, Gwyn Thomas, Hywel Mathias and Huw Lawrence.

Melvyn Jenkins and Neil Johnson acted as ushers.

Tributes were read by the Reverend Geoffrey Eynon, Garry and Thomas. Gabriella performed the song Weep No More.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Paul Sartori Foundation via justgiving.

com/Garry-Jenkins1/, alternatively cheques can be sent to E C Thomas and Son, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg SA67 8QH, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

 

Miss E M Davies

Milford Haven

MISS Edith May Davies of Steynton Road, Milford Haven passed away at the age of 85 on March 8 at her home.

She was 85.

Before retirement she was a civil servant.

Her interests were her family and she was also a past member of Milford Haven Golf Club.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are John and Julie Richards, John and Elaine Davies, Jeremy and Liz Davies (niece and nephews); Elizabeth, Christine, Peter, Michael, Joanne, Mali and Elin (great nieces and nephews); James, Emilie and Megan (great great nieces and nephew).

The service was held at Parc Gwyn and was officiated by Father Harri Williams.

The bearers were John and Jeremy Davies (nephews); Peter Richards and Michael Davies (great nephews).

There were family flowers only with donations in lieu for Steynton Church/Robeston West Church c/o John Richards, Fern Hill Farm, Haverfordwest, SA62 4ES.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Tom Newing and Sons Ltd, of Milford Haven.

 

Mrs Sylvia Watts

Merlins Bridge

Mrs Sylvia Watts of Jenkins Close, Merlins Bridge passed away peacefully at Withybush Hospital on Tuesday April 21 aged 73.

Sylvia was much loved and will be sadly missed by all her family and many friends. The funeral service is on Thursday April 30 at 2.30pm at Albany Church, Haverfordwest followed by burial at Freystrop Cemetery. There are family flowers only with donations if desired for Parc Y Llyn Residents Fund which may be sent to Roy Folland and Son, 27/29 Cartlett, haverfordwest SA61 2LH