Mr R K Thomas

Cresselly

MR Raymond Keith Thomas, affectionately known as Ray, of Rosemary Lane, Cresselly, passed away peacefully on May 17, at Brooklands Nursing Home, Saundersfoot, he was 87.

Devoted husband of Ann, loving dad to Emma, much loved brother to Geoff and Brian.

Ray was born in Wrexham, North Wales, to Edith and William Thomas, and raised by his grandparents Jess and Peter Ellis. One of three brothers, Ray left school at 14, and went to work in the mill with his grandfather.

He was then called to work down in the coalmine as a Bevan Boy. The Army then beckoned him, and he joined as a Military policeman, stationed in Belfast, Ireland and Gibraltar. On returning from the Army, Ray found his niche, by becoming a salesman in Astons Furniture Store, Wrexham, and 12 months later he became manager of his own branch in Pontypridd and also Warrington.

During this time Ray emigrated to Toronto, Canada, for three years, and worked in Eatons Department Store.

His flare for selling and displaying was exceptional and won him many awards.

In 1971, Ray moved to Pembrokeshire, and made his home in Cresselly.

He became General Manager at Barretts Furniture Store, Haverfordwest. Whilst working at Barretts, he met and fell in love with Ann, and they were married in September 1983. Ray left Barretts after 14 happy years, and with Ann, they started their own business, `Sleeptime Bed Centre`in Haverfordwest, and Emma came along in 1985.

Ray`s personality and infectious sense of humour made many of his customers turn into lifelong friends, and many people would come into the shop just to chat with Ray. Ray also enjoyed many a good night at Cresselly Cricket Club with his friends.

In 1996 Ray retired, and enjoyed many a happy day at home, in his garden and on family holidays.

Ray sadly began a long battle with Alzheimers, and eventually in 2009 went to Brooklands Nursing Home, where the care was second to none.

The funeral took place at Pisgah Baptist Chapel, Cresselly, on June 1, officiated by Rev David Gooding. Organist, Mrs Maureen Griffiths, bearers were Andrew Cole (friend and neighbour), Luke Cole (godson), Melchor Garcia (friend) and Simon Hayward (future son-in-law).

A reading was given by his daughter Emma, and a poem written by Ray was read by Simon, this was followed by interment in the Chapel Cemetery.

The family left to mourn are Ann (wife); Emma (daughter); Simon, Geoff and Pat (brother and sister-in-law); Brian and Mag (brother and sister-in-law); Jean, Roger, John and Janet (brothers-inlaw and sisters- in-law) and many nieces and nephews.

Donations if so desired, for Brooklands Nursing Home c/o E.C. Thomas and Son, Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth who carried out the funeral arrangements.

 

Mr D G Davies

Milford Haven

THE funeral took place on March 5 of David George Davies, aged 68 years, of Willow End, Milford Haven.

He had spent all his life in Milford, raised in Haven’s Head, the son of Affie and Lilian Davies, he attended local schools and worked as a carpenter for Milford Council and Phelps and Owens, retiring early from work due to ill health, which he bore with patience and courage.

He was married to Kathleen for 47 years who lovingly supported him. They had two children Martin and Phillippa and five grandchildren.

There was a large attendance of relatives and friends at the funeral service which was officiated by Rev L Mitchell, at the Chapel of Rest, Hamilton Court and then at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

The principal mourners are Kathleen (wife); Martin and Phillippa (son and daughter); Sam, Abby, Tom, Jack, Cerys (grandchildren); Iris and John (sister and brother-in-law); Barbara and Bill (sister and brother-inlaw); Peter and Joan (brother and sister-in-law).

The bearers at Parc Gwyn were Martin Davies (son); Tony and John Tamilia, Neil Lees (nephews).

Donations in lieu if so desired, for Kidney Research Wales, may be sent to Mr Brian Lees, 32 Cromwell Road, Milford Haven.

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

 

Mrs M Richards

St Brides

MRS Maud Richards of Cliff Cottage and Windmill Park, St Brides died peacefully on June 9 at the age of 90. She was a loving mother and mother-in-law, grandmother and great grandmother She was born at Kilbarth, Rudbaxton and grew up on her parent’s farm outside Lewes, Sussex, spending holidays visiting her grandparents in Pembrokeshire. On one of her visits, she met and then married Lawson Richards of Windmill Park.

Maud and Lawson farmed at Windmill Park until 1984 when they moved to Cliff Cottage, with more time to spend enjoying their boat which was kept in Dale. Maud became further involved in Mother’s Union, Dale WI and St Brides Church, she was a devoted member of the church, being treasurer for many years.

After Lawson died in 2000, Maud lived at Cliff Cottage, enjoying walks along the cliff paths, meeting visitors and opening the church every day.

Maud leaves to mourn William and Jo Richards, Anne and Peter Johnson; grandchildren Mark Johnson, Richard and Rhian Johnson, Tom, Ed and Louise Richards, as well as great grandchildren Morgan, Robert, Simon and Oscar Johnson.

The funeral was held at Maud’s beloved St Brides church on June 19 where Revd Andrew Johnson officiated.

The bearer’s were Maud’s four grandsons.

Donations in lieu of flowers for St Brides Church c/o Mrs Mary Lewis, St Brides House, St Brides, Haverfordwest SA62 3AN. The funeral arrangements were carried out by F G Rees and Sons, Portfield Gate, Haverfordwest.

 

Mr R S England

Llangwm

MR Roderick Samuel England of Riverview, Llangwm passed away peacefully at home on April 5 surrounded by his family after a short illness. Roderick faced his illness with courage and stoicism refusing to curtail his lifestyle until the very end.

Roderick was one of twin boys born to Idwal and Ruth England of Guildford Bridge, Llangwm on November 29 1946. That winter was a very bitter, snowy one and Dr Douglas had to come from Neyland by boat to attend the birth of the twins.

Sadly Christopher Andrew developed meningitis at the age of three months and passed away. Two daughters Avril and Elaine completed the family. They spent their childhood at Guildford Bridge and Glan Hafan, Llangwm.

Roderick was educated at Llangwm V C School and having passed the 11+, he attended Haverfordwest Grammar School. On leaving school Roderick served his apprenticeship with the Admiralty and served his time as a boiler maker at the Royal Naval Dockyard in Portsmouth, after qualifying he was employed at the Dockyard in Pembroke Dock.

He then met Helen from Haverfordwest and they were married in 1971, they made their home in Lake Villas and then River View. They were blessed with five children, two of whom, Andrew and Anna predeceased them, much to their grief and sorrow.

Jane, Sarah and Lucy are his surviving daughters. Helen passed away in 2006.

Roderick was also proud and devoted to his seven grandchildren.

Roderick joined BT in 1975 and spent 35 happy years making many friendships.

He retired in 2009.

Roderick’s heart was always in Llangwm and he was involved in most activities associated with a small village, with rugby and cricket taking major roles. He played cricket for 1st and 2nd XI, playing in Harrisons Allen Finals.

After Roderick’s rugby playing days came to an end, he served the club in an administrative role, becoming chairman and later founder member of the 100 club, raising much needed funds. For the past 20 years he was a loyal member of Haverfordwest Golf Club and was a captain of the Rabbits Senior Team.

Roderick’s great passion was the river, he was brought up on the river and fished with his father Idwal and the herring fishermen of the village and he loved every minute of it.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are Jane (daughter); Sarah and Lyn (daughter and son-inlaw); Lucy (daughter); Dylan, Lloyd, Olivia, Ben, Sam, Daniel and Hannah (grandchildren); Avril (sister) plus many friends and neighbours.

Unable to attend were Margaret and Lenard (aunt and uncle, Scotland); Judith, David and Hannah (cousins all from Scotland); Stephen and Anne from Boston (cousins).

The service was held in Galilee Baptist Chapel followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn. It was officiated by Rev Roger Hart.

The bearers at the chapel were Ben and Sam Davies (grandsons); James Lewis (captain of Llangwm Rugby Team) and John James (neighbour). At the crematorium the bearers were Tony Beckett, Colin Bell, Kevin Thornton and Phil Woolcock (BT friends).

Donations in lieu of flowers to Lilian Rees, 39 Main Street, Llangwm for The Paul Sartori Foundation. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Glyn Thomas and sons of Freystrop.

 

Mr C Jenkins

Milford Haven

MR Christopher Jenkins, better known as Brown to his friends of Milford Haven, passed away in Morriston Hospital on June 30 at the age of 34.

Christopher was predeceased 15 years ago by his brother and best mate Carl with whom he will now be reunited.

He leaves to mourn his mother and father Carol and Chris, two lovely daughters Carmen and Kyra and many close aunts, uncles and cousins.

Following his school life, at the age of 16 he trained at Babcocks in the West Midlands as a welder and after completing his apprenticeship worked for many of the local engineering companies both in the workshops and on site.

Christopher’s main hobby was his fast cars of which he had many and his latest project customising his VW Golf is nearing completion. Over the last year or so he has become inseparable from his dog Mitzi who had become a great companion.

A vast crowd gathered at St Davids Church, Hubberston on Friday July 10 to pay their respects, which was overwhelming for his family. The service was officiated by Rev Josh Maynard and opened with a very moving Westlife song ‘See You Again’. During the service a very fitting eulogy was read out by Sarah Hitchings and Calvin Bernard, friends of the family, followed by a beautiful poem by Sarah. On departure from the church ‘I Don’t Want To Miss a Thing’ by Aerosmith was played, as it was 15 years previously.

The bearers all close friends were Steffan Hartaveldt, Neil Hartaveldt, Hugh Kucjy, Ian Proctor, Craig Bamborough and Chrissy Jones.

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

Donations can be made to Pancreatic Cancer Support and sent to Julie Jenkins, 4 Rectory Avenue, Hakin, Milford Haven.