Mr Clifford James

Milford Haven

CLIFFORD George Edward James of Haven Drive, Milford Haven, died on June 23rd 2015 at Withybush Hospital.

He was 84.

A native of Johnston, Mr James worked as a supervisor with the Electricity Board in Charles Street, Milford Haven, for more than 40 years until his retirement in 1988.

He had spent his National Service in the REME.

Mr James was pre-deceased by his wife, Mary.

His main interests were his family; his three daughters, grandchildren and great granddaughter.

The family left to mourn are: Theresa, Helen and Debbie (daughters); Geoff, Kim and Martyn (sons in law); Christopher, Lucy, David, Jonathan, Matthew, Michelle, Garreth and Lydia (grandchildren); Lexus (great granddaughter).

The funeral service was held at Hamilton Court Funeral Home, Milford Haven on Tuesday June 30 followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn crematorium.

Father Harri Williams officiated.

The bearers were Mr James’ five grandsons; Matthew and Garreth Cheshire, Christopher, David and Jonathan Nicholson.

The principal mourners were: Theresa and Geoff Middlecote (daughter and son in law); Helen and Kim Nicholson (daughter and son in law); Debbie and Martyn Cheshire (daughter and son in law); Arthur and Vivien Day (brother and sister in law); Mandy, Michelle and Rachel (nieces).

Many neighbours and friends also attended the funeral service.

Donations in lieu of flowers, for Pembrokeshire Cancer Services, can be sent to Martyn Cheshire, 2 Trewarren Close, St Ishmaels, Haverfordwest, SA6 2 3TA.

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

 

Frances Mary Insell

Haverfordwest

THE funeral of Frances Mary Insell was held at Narberth Crematorium on Thursday 16th July, following her passing at Ashdale Nursing Home, Pembroke on 9th July, aged 92.

She leaves to mourn two sons, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Born Frances Mary Partridge in Reading on September 5 1922, she lived at home with her parents and two sisters until the age of 17 and attended Kendrick Girls Grammar School.

After leaving school, Frances worked as a clerk at Swan Laundry, Reading and was then a nurse for two years at Newbury Hospital.

Frances met her future husband, Tony, during World War II - whilst she was a warden in the ARP and Tony was a messenger. They were married in February 1944.

Tony was sent overseas to fight in Burma soon after their marriage. During this wartime separation, Frances lodged in London and in Truro - where she was a clerk at Cornwall County Council.

Frances and Tony made a home together in Reading on Tony’s return to England at the end of the War in 1945.

Sons Stephen and Peter were born, and the family home was the police house at Shiplake - Tony having joined the force, in a career which would see him retire as Detective Chief Inspector.

The nature of postings in the police meant frequent moves of house. The family moved to Botley Rd - Oxford, Elms Rise - Oxford, then to Banbury, and to Caversham.

When family flew the nest, the moves continued - to Woodstock, Kidlington and Bicester. A holiday home was also purchased near Newton Abbot in Devon in the late 1970’s.

Whilst in Oxford, Frances was involved in assisting research work at the Nuffield Trust, and at the Radcliffe Infirmary. Her interest in consumer affairs also started in Oxford, as a member of the Townwomen’s Guild - being chauffeur driven to Birmingham one day to be interviewed on BBC Radio.

Frances filled her time with running the household and bringing up a family. She used to like to cook (even winning cookery competitions) and she knitted and embroidered.

She was a keen member of the Women’s Institute and was president of her local WI in Bicester. Frances & Tony shared the pursuits of walking, folk dancing, and family history research.

Frances and Tony finally moved to retire to Haverfordwest in 1982 - following the lead of son Peter and family.

Steve and family similarly moved to Pembrokeshire in 1986.

Following their move to Wales, Frances & Tony kept up a keen interest in many activities, including bowls, wine-making, playing the electric organ and gardening.

Retirement also gave chance for the couple to travel further afield, with holidays around the country, visiting National Trust properties, visiting churches for family history research, and on trips with Tony’s sister Diana and her husband Norman.

The most distant trip being to British Colombia and Prince George in Canada 20 years ago.

Frances and Tony celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary in 2004, but sadly Tony passed away the following year. Frances had been housebound for the past few years due to being unable to stand or walk. She relied on help from son Peter - who returned from Florida to take on the role of her resident carer - and on visits from nursing carers. Despite many hospital admissions of late - some of many months duration - Frances managed to keep her home as her base until earlier this year, when her health took on a rapid decline.

Unflappable and worldlywise, she never raised her voice in anger and was always willing to offer helpful advice and the benefit of her experience. She had a good sense of humour, always remained cheerful, and would laugh recalling many experiences of her long life.

When asked what her biggest regret was in life, her answer was that it was being unable to sing in tune. From that we conclude that she must have led a reasonably contented life, all-in-all.

She lives on in the hearts, and in the genes, of her family - who have happy memories, photos, and even home videos, to remind them of her.

Survived by sons Stephen and Peter, grandchildren James, Simon, Sarah, Matthew, Nicholas and Jonathan, and great-grandchildren Kai, Alana, Thalia, Maiya and Clara.

 

Mrs I M S Cole

Whitland

MRS Isobel Margaret Scale Cole of Lingfield Park, Spring Gardens, Whitland passed away peacefully on May 2nd at Blaenmarlais Care Home, Narberth aged 89.

Married to the late Campbell, devoted Mother of Richard and Alison, loving grandmother of Sara and Edward and respected mother in law.

Isobel was born in Potterslade, Llawhaden to Austin and Emily Lewis and a sister to the late William.

Isobel enjoyed her life on the farm at Potterslade and married Campbell in 1955 to farm at Mount Pleasant, Tangiers and later at Llwyn Gwydd, Whitland until her retirement in 1984 when she moved to Lingfield Park.

Isobel had been joint organist at the English Congregational Chapel, Whitland for more than 40 years, a Deacon for more than 30 years and pulpit secretary for many years also.

A great many of her lifelong friends were made during her membership of the Chapel The funeral took place at the English Congregational Chapel, on May 10th officiated by the Rev. Martin Spain, with Mrs Hilary Evans as organist. The service was a thanksgiving for her life and was well attended by family and friends .

The family left to mourn are Richard and Ann , Alison and Roger, Sara and Taliesin, Edward and Rebecca, Jonathan, Robert and Amy , Laura and Aled.

The bearers were Mr Dave Wood, Mr Brian Thomas, Mr Ian Richards and Mr Peter Howells.

Cremation took place at Parc Gwyn ,Crematorium.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr Ken Davies, Llandissilio.

 

Roy Desmond Evans

Norwich

THE funeral of Roy Desmond ‘Jap’ Evans was held on July 9 at St Faith Crematorium, Norwich.

He passed away peacefully on June 22 at Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, aged 82.

Roy had lived and worked in Norwich for around 50 years making many friends, who gave him his other nickname ‘Bluey’ after Haverfordwest Football Club.

Roy’s family, along with his many friends, attended his funeral.

His ashes will be interred in his parents’ grave in City Road Cemetery, Haverfordwest.

 

Kenneth Purnell

Haverfordwest

MR Kenneth Purnell of Haverfordwest passed away peacefully at his home on July 8 after a short illness, aged 82 years He leaves to mourn his wife Veronica, daughters Ann and Catherine, sons-in-law Charles and Bryan, brother and sister-in-law Frank and Mair, grandson Alexander and his wife Julie, granddaughter Claire and her husband Ian, great grandchildren Jack, Luke, Sophia, Harry, Millie and Sion, nephew Mark, niece Frances, plus Maz and many other relatives and friends.

Mr Purnell was born in Pembroke and spent a few years in Egypt as a young child with his family. He joined the RAF on national service and became a Corporal.

He was stationed at Bister.

He met and married Veronica and the couple celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary earlier this year.

After returning to Haverfordwest with their daughter Ann, the couple had two more children, Catherine and their belated son David, who is sadly missed.

A keen member of the RAOB and Royal British Legion for many years, Mr Purnell enjoyed collecting stamps and coins, gardening and was dedicated to his family.

His funeral service took place on July 17 at St Martin’s Church and donations, if desired, should be sent to Cancer Research Wales, C/O Roy Folland and Son, 27-29 Cartlett, Haverfordwest, SA61 2LH.

 

Lynda Ann Owen

Fishguard

THE death of a dedicated Pembrokeshire member of St John Ambulance, Lynda Ann Owen, occurred on June 20 at Fairfields Nursing Home, Johnston.

A native of Worthing, 70-year-old Lynda, of Heol Crwys, Fishguard, had worked for the Gas Board in Cardiff, and was later employed at Green Bower Garage, Haverfordwest for more than 30 years.

Lynda spent numerous hours nurturing her beloved garden, of which she was very proud, and won many awards for, including Fishguard in Bloom.

Lynda was also involved with St John Ambulance, climbing through the ranks to commissioner of Dyfed.

She was also in charge of the Haverfordwest division and was devoted to her cadets, spending many wonderful times taking them on outings.

Due to her dedicated service to St John Ambulance, she was invited several times to Buckingham Palace, taking husband Graham on the last occasion, which they thoroughly enjoyed.

Her funeral took place at Parc Gwyn, Narberth on June 26, with the Reverend Geoffrey Eynon officiating, with bearers Gareth Owen, Geraint Owen, Hubert Davies and David Nicholas.

Principal mourners were husband Graham Owen, mother Masie Jones, stepson Gareth and his wife Emma, stepson Geraint, and grandchildren Poppy and Hari.

During the service a poem was read by Eunice O’Hara.

There were family flowers only, with donations to St John Ambulance.