Mr D W Bedford

Formerly of Solva

RETIRED merchant seaman and local businessman Doug Bedford died peacefully with his family at his bedside on December 30.

Doug, who was born in Doncaster, Yorkshire, joined the Merchant Navy after studying at nautical college and had sailed around the world by the time he was 15.

After leaving the sea he trained as a salesman with Heinz before working with breweries including Watney Mann and Carlsberg.

He and his late wife Sheila fell in love with Pembrokeshire during caravan holidays and moved to Broad Haven in 1970. The couple later took over Little Haven Post Office where they were a muchloved part of the community.

They ran a shop in Milford Haven before retiring to Solva where again they became involved in village life and made many friends.

Doug had a strong sense of justice, as a young man he campaigned for civil rights in America and he was a lifelong member of the Labour Party.

After his wife of 51 years died in 2006, Doug set off on his travels revisiting the countries he had seen as a young man as an officer on merchant ships. He spent time in India and West Africa making new friends along the way.

He never lost his love for ships and the sea and had a wealth of knowledge of times gone by. But his greatest love was for his children, David (Tom), Susan and Judith, and his six grandchildren Daniel, Angharad, Lucy, Katy, Max and Thomas. He was especially proud of his first great-grandchild Maisie who brought him many smiles as he bravely battled a long illness.

Doug moved to De Clare Court in Merlins Bridge in 2015 and again made many friends who were deeply upset at his passing six days after his 86th birthday.

A private funeral was held last Friday January 6. There were no flowers and donations can be made to The Treasurer, Paul Sartori Foundation, 31, Haven Road, Haverfordwest. SA61 1DU.

Mrs M Carter

Fishguard

ON Tuesday December 20 family and friends gathered for the funeral of Mrs Megan Carter formerly of Pen-yr- Aber, Fishguard.

At the age of 103 Meg passed away peacefully on December 10 in St Teresa’s Rest Home where she had lived for the last seven years.

Her beloved husband, Sid, had predeceased her in January 2009.

The funeral took place at The Chapel of Rest where the service was conducted by Rev Christopher Brown and tributes were read out from Megan’s niece, Mrs Mildred Dimery, and her son Mr Robert Dimery who were unable to attend. Also unable to attend were Mr John Williams, Mr and Mrs Gareth Llewelyn and Mrs Renate Collins.

There followed cremation at Parc Gwyn, Narbeth. The mourners present were Mrs E Richards, Mr Guy Richards and Mr Howell Richards.

Also Mr Ken Slatter, Mr Terry Rosser and Mrs Sue Lloyd, Mr Richard Davies and Mrs Joan Manning, Mr and Mrs Philip Lapage, Mrs Maria Nicholas and Iwan, Iestyn, Owain and Llyr.

Paul Jenkins carried out the undertaking duties in a dignified manner.

Donations may be made to St Teresa’s via Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB.

Mrs M Merriman

Haverfordwest

MRS Megan Merriman of Snowdrop Lane, Haverfordwest passed away on November 10.

She was 89.

Originally from Trehafod in the Rhondda she served in the Land Army during WW2 with her twin sister Mavis for four years and they both met their husbands during that time and settled in Haverfordwest, having been brought up in the Rhodda Valley.

Megan always loved music throughout her life and was a member of St Marys Church, Haverfordwest Ladies Choir and Friends of Harmony. She was also a member of Haverfordwest Towns Women’s Guild and a committee member of Mary Immaculate Band.

She was a talented cake maker and was infamous amongst her family for providing wonderful cakes for all family occasions.

The family left to mourn are Sonia and Keith Luke, Stephen and Jocelyn Merriman (children and partners); Natalie, Joseph, Alexander, Owain and Bethan (grandchildren); Mavis and Sylvia (sisters); Carol, Sandra, Kevin, Julie, Graham, Linda, David, Michelle, Lee and Keith (nieces and nephews), other close family members including Oscar, Avril, Michelle, Ian, Richard, Laura, Steven, Judy, Eirwen, Richard, Alex and Paul.

The funeral was held at St Marys Church, Haverfordwest followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium on November 24.

Mrs B Davies

Steynton

MRS Betty Davies of Monnow Close, Steynton, Milford Haven passed away on December 17 at Withybush Hospital.

She was 86.

Originally from Tiers Cross she was a cleaner/relief warden, Hilton House, Milford Haven (1990).

Her main interests were her home and family. She took much pleasure out of the achievements of Kathryn and Bethany, her granddaughters.

She was predeceased by her husband Joseph John (Jack) Davies in 1994.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are Eleanor (daughter); Michael (son-in-law); Kathryn and Bethany (granddaughters); Barrie (son); Sylvia (daughter- in-law); Neil and Karl (grandsons).

The funeral service was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium on December 24 and was officiated by Rev Martyn Evans.

The bearers were Billy Laugharne, Bryn Mathias, Jonathan Morgan and Roy Harteveld.

The principal mourners are Eleanor and Michael Harteveld (daughter and sonin- law); Kathryn Harteveld and Wayne Clayton (granddaughter and fiancée); Bethany Harteveld (granddaughter); Barrie and Sylvia (son and daughter-in-law, unable to attend); nephew and nieces John and Peggy Morgan, Barbara and Billy Laugharne, Vera and Bryn Mathias, Beryl and Sydney Thomas, Chris and David Hughes, Anne and Graham, Jeffrey Sinnett, John Sinnett, Michael and Annette Barrett, Jonathon Morgan, David Morgan, Stephen Thomas; friends and neighbours; good friends Roy Harteveld and Pearl.

Sisters-in-law Betty Davies and Olwen Sinnett were unable to attend.

Donations in lieu to Cystic Fibrosis Trust, c/o Mrs Janet Hicks, 8 Lilac Close, Milford Haven.

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

Mrs M M G Jenkins

Narberth

MRS Margaret Mary Gay Jenkins of Northfield Road, Narberth passed away at Morriston Hospital, Swansea on December 1.

She was 69.

Margaret was Pembrokeshire born and bred and during her life she was a housewife and mum. She began her working career in the 1960’s as a typist at James Williams Brewers, Narberth, and was also a secretary/receptionist at E&C Rewinds.

She also worked as a breakfast club and lunchtime supervisor at Narberth CP School. Her final career move was a part time librarian assistant at Narberth library, she was heading to work in the library on the day of her passing.

Her main interests were socialising with family and friends, be-friending anyone and everyone. She had a love of all things craft, sewing, crochet, cross-stitch but number one was her knitting.

She loved her sons, grandchildren, family and friends. Her greatest pal was Bertie the dog, who would often be seen at her side.

She loved Daniel O’Donnell, Cliff Richard and Abba. Her favourite TV programme was The Chase and she loved crosswords, quizzes and puzzles.

She also loved the film/ musical Mary Poppins.

She was predeceased by her husband Mr Derrick James Jenkins in 1996.
The family left to mourn and principal mourners are Adrian Jenkins, Andrew Jenkins and Matthew Jenkins (sons); Miss Geraldine Cole (sister); Tabitha Jenkins and Seren Jenkins (grandchildren), plus cousins and relatives too numerous to mention.
The funeral service was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium on December 19 and was officiated by Rev Martin Cox, assisted by Rev Chris Rees.
The bearers were Ceri Richards, Paul Davies, Gareth Nicholas, Dave Edwards, Mark Simpkins and Hugh Morris.
Donations in lieu of flowers for Narberth First Responders and Wales Air Ambulance.
The funeral arrangements were carried out by E C Thomas and Son of Llanteg.