Obituaries for Western Telegraph March 9 2016

Haverfordwest

MARGARET Elizabeth Cole [nee Jones] known to all as Betty, died peacefully in the early hours of Saturday February 20 at The Meadows Nursing Home, Johnston.

She was 89.

She will be remembered by all those who knew her for her warmth, kindness and sense of humour.

Age did not dim her joie de vivre and she eagerly embraced the modern world and its many challenges and pleasures.

Betty was educated at Hill House College, near St Thomas’s Green, Haverfordwest, and then worked with her father at the armaments depot at Trecwn during the war.

Later she attended Greg’s Secretarial College, Swansea, and after a brief sojourn as a Junior Reporter with The Western Telegraph she started her professional working life as a private secretary at the Wales Gas Board.

By the time of her retirement Betty was Progress Controller for South West Wales.

She was constantly active, very hard working, and was known to hold several concurrent part-time jobs, including bar tendering at The Hotel Mariner’s.

Betty married Len James Cole in 1954, and they built their home at Fir Trees, on the Haven Road.

Although a baker by trade Len was a renowned aviculturist, and she supported his parrot breeding programme.

Their brightly coloured pet Macaws were often seen circling Haverfordwest town centre during the 1970’s.

After her retirement, and until Len’s passing in 1991, Betty devoted much of her time to hand rearing many dozens of exotic hatchlings.

However, Betty was a great lover of garden birds and wild life as well as being devoted to numerous family dogs.

Betty also undertook a great deal of voluntary work.

She was an active member of Soroptimist International, the professional women’s organisation whose aim is to inspire and help transform the lives of women and girls.

She became President of the Haverfordwest branch in the 1988. Betty was also a member of the Race Course Committee in their efforts to maintain it as a free and open recreational space for all Haverfordwest residents.

Amongst many other interests, Betty was a keen amateur artist, working in both watercolours and oils, she enjoyed foreign travel and loved to visit the opera and musical theatre. In latter years, and in spite of her infirmity which made walking difficult, she was an inveterate car boot sale enthusiast.

In recent years Betty succumbed to dementia and had been cared for at The Meadows, where she won the hearts of many staff with her kind nature, cheeky sense of humour and the twinkle in her eye.

Betty is survived by her only child, Rachael and sonin- law Tony Potts.

The funeral service took place on St David’s Day at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, and was officiated by Huw George.

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

 

Mr J P W Ryder

LLanstadwell

MR Jeremy Peter Worth Ryder (Peter) passed away peacefully at his home in Lighthouse Drive, Llanstadwell on January 23.

He was 71.

During his working life he was in the Merchant Navy until becoming a marine pilot in Milford Haven.

His main interests were holidays, golf, cycling and walking.

He also attended Christ Church and helped keeping the grass under control.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are Davina (wife); Richard and Helen (son and partner); Rachel and Tim (daughter and son-in-law); Ruth and Llion (daughter and son-in-law); Christopher and Kylie (son and daughter-in-law); Rhys, Luke, Liam, Sam, Grace and Carter (grandchildren who he adored); Pamela and Iain (sister and brother-in-law); Ian and Jennifer (brother-inlaw and sister-in-law); Geoffrey and Rita (brother-in-law and sister-in-law).

The funeral service was held at Christ Church, Milford Haven followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn.

It was officiated by Rev Hugh-John Wilson and the bearers were Christopher, Tim, Llion and Iain.

Donations in lieu of flowers for the Paul Sartori Foundation and Macmillan Cancer Carew may be sent to Mr David Britton, 22 Great North Road, Milford Haven SA73 2LU.

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

 

Mr G Raymond

Goodwick

GRAHAM passed away peacefully at Withybush Hospital on Monday February 15.

He was 54.

Graham was well known in the farming community of North Pembrokeshire, having farmed in Mathry for many years.

A large gathering of family and friends attended the funeral service at St Peter’s Church, Goodwick on Wednesday February 24 which was followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn, Narberth.

The service was officiated by Rev. Christopher Brown who was assisted by Rev.Geoffrey Eynon and Rev.John Bennett.

The principle mourners and family left to mourn are Jayne (partner); Adam and Emma, Luke and Alex (sons and partners); Albert and Mary (parents); Sheila and Simon (sister and partner); Owen (nephew); Marie and Garry (niece and partner); Marjorie (aunt); Margaret and Clive (cousins) together with other family members too numerous to mention.

The bearers were Garry, Owen, Nathan and George.

There were family flowers only with donations in Graham’s memory made payable to ‘Wales Air Ambulance’ being received by Paul Jenkins and Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

 

Mrs T I Charles

Haverfordwest

THE funeral and interment took place on Wednesday December 30 at Tiers Cross URC of Mrs Thelma Irene Charles, aged 82, who passed away on December 19 at her home in Redhill Park, Haverfordwest following a long illness. She was predeceased by her husband Harding in October 2001.

Thelma was born at Dairy Park, Dreenhill and was the eldest of three children.

She had a brother Mansel who sadly died aged 40 and a sister Sheila who gave much love and care in helping to look after her during the final year of her life.

Thelma attended Bolton Hill School and later cycled to secondary school in Milford Haven, leaving at 16 to work in Haverfordwest.

She married Harding Charles and they farmed at Denant Mill and nearby New House Farm, working hard and successfully together until their retirement in 1993, when they moved to live in Redhill Park, Haverfordwest.

They had two daughters, Celia and Helen, both of whom recall a very happy childhood and a home that was always full of friends and full of laughter.

Alongside the farm, Thelma ran a bed and breakfast with many of the guests coming back year after year and becoming firm friends.

Thelma was a woman of many talents, she played the piano and had an lovely soprano voice and after her retirement joined Haverfordwest Ladies Choir and Friends in Harmony. She was also an excellent seamstress and a very good cook.

Thelma was a life-long and devoted member of Tiers Cross Chapel and in her later years also enjoyed attending services at Ebenezer.

She and her late husband Harding took great joy from long term friendships with neighbours and farming friends and used to enjoy holidays spent with friends going on coach tours around the country and to Ireland and Europe, and wherever they went there was always guaranteed laughter.

Thelma was devoted to her family, Celia and Helen and her four grandchildren, Oliver, Edward, Isabel and Ewan, of whom she was equally proud of their various interests and achievements.

She was also very close to her sister Sheila Davies, sister-in-law Betty Jones and brother in law Derrick Charles and took an interest in the activities of her nieces and nephews, Claire, Neville, Stephen, Maria, Paul, and their respective families as well as those of her wider family cousins.

Thelma leaves to mourn Celia and David Harries (daughter and son-in-law); Helen Charles Henderson and Stephen Howells (daughter and partner); Oliver and Kelly Harries (grandson and wife); Edward and Isabel Harries (grandson and granddaughter), Ewan Charles Henderson (grandson); Sheila Davies (sister); Derrick Charles (brother-inlaw); Betty and Ken Jones (sister in law and husband) plus cousins, nieces and nephews and their families and many close friends.

Thelma sadly experienced a lengthy and debilitating illness which she endured with great dignity. For the last year of her life she was cared for at home by Celia and Helen together with her sister Sheila and greatly supported during the final months by the Paul Sartori Foundation and Shalom House, as well as Dr Rhodri Jones, Winch Lane Medical Centre.

The bearers were her three grandsons, Oliver, Edward and Ewan and her nephew Neville Davies.

Granddaughter Isabel read a poem during the chapel service.

There were family flowers only and donations in lieu of flowers are being taken by David Jenkins, 6 Redhill Park, Haverfordwest for the benefit of Paul Sartori Foundation.

The service was officiated by Rev. Martin Spain and the eulogy was given by Rev.Martyn Evans.

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

 

Mrs L M Raymond

Formerly of Camrose

LYNDA Mary Raymond formerly of Croft Villas, Camrose, passed away at Withybush Hospital on January 27 after a short stay.

She was 88.

After losing their mother at a young age, Linda looked after the younger members of the family and still worked full time at ‘Harford Café’ which she had done for a number of years, as assistant cook.

Linda and her sister Pauline fostered many children for a local authority at this time.

Linda lived at Croft Villas for sixty two years, before going into Lynfield Nursing Home, as it became apparent she could no longer look after herself.

The family left to mourn are Pauline and Vernon Gwilliam (sister and brotherin- law); Michael and Ivetta Raymond (brother and sisterin- law), plus many nephews and nieces.

Playing the organ at the service was Clive Raymond (nephew), among the bearers were Gary Raymond and Simon Gwilliam also nephews.

There were family flowers only, with donations being sent to M Raymond, 37 St Martins Park, Haverfordwest SA61 2HP on behalf of 'Kidney Research UK'.

 

Mrs M L Williams

Haverfordwest

MRS Megan Lloyd Williams passed away on December 27 at her home in Haven Park Drive, Haverfordwest.

She was 89.

Megan lived a rich, full, long and happy life which spanned 89 years.

She was born in Wrexham, North Wales where she spent her childhood as an only child.

She won a scholarship to Grove Park Grammar School and whilst still in school met her husband to be Ray Williams OBE.

After leaving school she went to Bangor to train as a teacher. Once qualified she returned to Grove Park as a member of staff whilst she waited for Ray to complete his course in Loughborough.

They married and went to live in Peterborough where Ray had a teaching post at the Kings School.

A move to the Midlands was next, firstly to Halesowen and then on to Hall Green, Birmingham.

Megan missed Wales and was delighted to return when Ray was appointed to the Welsh Rugby Union.

They lived many happy, busy years in Bridgend with their two daughters.

Life was full of exciting adventures for Megan travelling to many parts of the world with Ray’s job.

In later life Megan and Ray were persuaded to move to Pembrokeshire to be near their two daughters.

They moved to Haverfordwest and settled well enjoying seeing so much more of their family. This move was a blessing as Megan’s health began to deteriorate.

Megan lost her dear Ray in December 2014 and could never really believe he had gone.

Megan was the sweetest lady who always had a ready smile and great sense of humour, even in the last days of her life. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Great kindness was shown to Megan and the family by St Thomas Surgery and District Nurses, Pembrokeshire Care, Allied Healthcare, St Brynach’s Day Hospital, Crossroads and Paul Sartori in helping her and the family keep Megan in her own home throughout her illness.

The family left to mourn are Judith and Derek Griffith, Helen and Peter Morgan (daughters and sons-in-law); Katy Griffiths and Henry Durrant, Nia Morgan and David Lewis, Lowri Morgan and Lawrence Hancock (granddaughters and partners); Seren Morgan-Lewis (great granddaughter).

The service was held at Parc Gwyn on January 8 and was officiated by The Venerable Roger Hughes.

The bearers were Peter Smith, Geoff William, John Daniels and Stuart Watts.

There were family flowers only with donations in lieu of flowers to St Brynach’s Day Hospital.

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

 

Mrs I Jenkins

Pembroke

THERE was a large attendance at Monkton Priory Church for the funeral of Ivy Jenkins of Webbs Drive, Pembroke, formerly of Bentlass, who passed away peacefully at South Pembs Hospital on November 19.

She was 93.

Ivy was born at 63 Angle, the home of her maternal grandparents.

When she was two years old the family moved to North Studdock Farm, where she recalled many happy memories growing up on the farm.

She went to Angle School, then Pembroke Dock County School. To enable her to do this she lodged with relatives in High Street, Pembroke Dock. This was where she met her husband Walter.

Her father died when she was sixteen so she left school to help at home, and with her mother, brother and sister, moved to Newton Farm, Rhoscrowther.

After marrying Ivy and Walter moved to Home Farm, Bentlass, where they raised six children.

Sadly they lost their eldest daughter Hilary at the age of thirteen.

They lived there happily for 60 years, celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary just months before Walter died.

Ivy’s life revolved around her family and her home.

She loved to cook and later in life she enjoyed baking for the Pembrokeshire WI Market.

As life went on and her children grew up she was blessed with a large family, extending several generations.

She loved them all and they brought her a tremendous amount of pleasure.

She also enjoyed travelling in later life and was fortunate enough to travel to America several times to visit her daughter Valene.

She also went to Australia with Walter to visit his sister Roly. After Walters death she made a solo trip to New Zealand at the age of 78 to visit her son David and returned via Los Angeles to visit Valene.

She also enjoyed cruises with her daughters Denise and Rosemary.

After Walter died she moved to Webbs Drive, Pembroke, where she spent the last twelve years of her life surrounded by very good neighbours.

Tragically in 2010 her eldest grandchild Ian died.

The family left to mourn are Denise and Desmond James, Rosemary and Trevor Griffiths (daughters and sons-in-law); Billy and Sylvia Jenkins (son and daughterin- law); Caron, Nicky and Graham, Kim, Nyree and Barney, Chris and Becky, Pip and Andrew, Sarah and Phil, Hilary and Mark (grandchildren and grandchildrenin- law), along with great grandchildren Teri, Bryony, Huw, Rhiannon, Finn, Milo, Tomos, Ioan, Jac, Freya, Ella, Mila, Chloe, Jake, Lucia and Elin.

Unable to attend were Valene and John Sattler (daughter and son-in-law); David and Debbie (son and daughter- in-law); Alice (grandchild); Richard, Toni, Zoe, Nansi (great grandchildren) The service was officiated by Reverend Paul Nash and the bearers were Chris Griffiths (grandson), Huw and Ioan Strachan, Finn and Milo Stone and Tomos Davies (great grandsons).

The eulogy was read by Graham Strachan (grandson- in-law) with a tribute to Nan by Sarah Davies (granddaughter).

There were family flowers only with donations in lieu to Paul Sartori Foundation c/o John Roberts and Sons of Pembroke Dock who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

 

Mr J Woodruff

Yorkshire

Formerly of Milford Haven MR John Woodruff passed away after a short battle with cancer on February 21 in Hornsea, Yorkshire.

He was born in Kent, and he was the son of the late Basil and Connie Woodruff.

He also lived in Milford Haven and Hornsea.

He attended Kings School, Rochester before going to University in Hull to train as a teacher.

His passion was English Literature which he taught up to his retirement.

John worked as a teacher in various schools in Hull and East Riding of Yorkshire.

He was a devoted family man and was hugely proud of the achievements of his children.

He travelled with his wife Kate and had been looking forward to visiting Mexico this year where his sister lives.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are Kate (wife); Tom, Jack and Molly, Claire and Hannah (children); Jocelyn and Rosemary (sisters); Phillip (brother- in-law); Rebecca and Beth (nieces).

The funeral, a private service will be held in Hornsea, Yorkshire.

 

Mr W J D Thomas

Haverfordwest

MR Willian James Derek Thomas of Poyston Close, Haverfordwest passed away at his home on January 28.

He was 89.

As a native of Haverfordwest he served in the Royal Army Service Corps, Welsh Regiment, Army Military Corps from 1944 to 1949.

He then was a scaffolder in Bristol.

His interests included being a member of the British Legion, a member of the Services Club, Quay Street, Haverfordwest, darts, pool and socialising and he loved being with his family.

He was predeceased by his wife Scentalena Thomas 25 years ago.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are Marina Davies (daughter); Jonathan Davies (son-inlaw); Daniel and Cerys Pullin (grandson and wife); Aaron Pullin and Emma Thorpe (grandson and partner); Samuel Davies and Ashley Combs (grandson and partner); Tyler Pullin, Millie Pullin, Chase Pullin, Brody Davies (great grandchildren); Andrew Barrett (stepson); Sharon Richards, Eileen Buckland, Kerry Bedford (step daughters); Nancey Hughes and Prudie Revell (sisters), and a number of other grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

The service was held at Prendergast Church followed by Prendergast Cemetery on February 5.

It was officiated by Rev Mark Griffiths and the bearers were Jonathan Davies, Daniel Pullin, Aaron Pullin and Samuel Davies.

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

 

Mr R Davies

Fishguard

THE funeral service was held on Tuesday January 19 of the late Mr Randal Davies, Bridge Street, Lower Fishguard who passed away on Sunday January 10 at Morriston Hospital.

He was 81 years.

Randal was predeceased by his wife Beryl in January 2010.

He was born in Castell in Pencaer, Goodwick in March 1934. He was one of five children.

After leaving school he did his apprenticeship as a carpenter with Tom Evans.

When he was eighteen he joined the Royal Navy as a Naval Air Mechanic in the Fleet Air Arm where he advanced to Petty Officer Air Mechanic.

After completing twelve years service in the Royal Navy he then joined the Ministry of Defence at RNAD Trecwn and worked his way up to a Naval Ordinance Inspector.

He worked at Trecwn for thirty years until his retirement in January 1994.

Randal had been an Auxiliary Coastguard for many years. He had also worked tirelessly as an officer in the Sea Cadets at the T.S. Skirmisher unit at Lower Town.

The principle mourners were Stuart, Richard and Corinna (sons and daughterin- law); Helen (daughter); Alastair and Isabelle (grandchildren); Gwyneth and Noel (sister and brother-in-law); Lauretta (sister-in-law); Lisa, Gerald and Andre (niece and nephews).

The service was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth and was officiated by the Reverend D Carl Williams who was assisted by the Reverend John Roberts.

There were family flowers only with donations in lieu if desired for Fishguard Health Centre c/o Paul Jenkins and Sons. Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard who also carried out the funeral arrangements.