Obituaries for Western Telegraph, February 8 2017

Bletherston

MIRIAM Howell (nee Oakley), White Hook Farm, Bletherston passed away peacefully at home on October 14 aged 60 following a short illness, bravely bourne.

Miriam was born in 1956 in Clarbeston Road to Gordon and Betty Oakley, the second of four children.

The family later moved to Brodawel, Clarbeston. She was educated at Clarbeston CP School and Taskers High School, Haverfordwest, moving on to Normal College, Bangor where she graduated in Home Economics in 1977, teaching at Tenby and Redruth (Cornwall) before returning to Tasker Milward.

Miriam met David, a local farmer and they were married in August 1980, eventually settling at White Hook, the family farm. There, they raised three daughters, Margaret, Sara and Bethan.

When the children were all in school, Miriam began working as a carer at Castle View Residential Home, Llawhaden, leaving to care for her parents and mother-inlaw in their final years.

Miriam was an active member of St Martin of Tours Church, Clarbeston where she was Church Warden, and also a member of Mothers Union (Llawhaden with Bletherston branch) where she was Deanery Leader and Treasurer of her branch.

Baking, sewing and gardening where lifelong interests and she would always be busy sewing clothes, baking and decorating wedding cakes and delivering garden produce to her neighbours.

She also proudly coached members of Llysyfran YFC during cookery competitions to a National Level. Miriam and David enjoyed travelling abroad and Miriam’s determination enabled her to continue with her passion for visiting new places during her illness. Family life continued to give Miriam pleasure and she was very proud to become a grandmother to Hedd, looking after him regularly until her health declined.

The funeral service, planned in detail by Miriam, took place on October 22 at St Mary’s Church, Wiston with a private interment at Clarbeston cemetery. The officiating minister was Rev Sian Wight, assisted by numerous clergy. Miriam’s friend, Janice Parry-Jones performed a solo and the church choir sang a wonderful medley of songs under the direction of Seimon Morris.

Principal mourners were David (husband); Margaret, Sara and Bethan (daughters); Simon (son-in-law); Hedd (grandson); Katharine and Kevin (sister and brother-inlaw); Rhys and Jane (brother and sister-in-law); Jean and Diane (aunts); Keith, Anita and Barry, Angela and Julia, Beryl and Michael (cousins) as well as family, friends and neighbours too numerous to mention. Unable to attend were John (uncle); Margaret (aunt); Jane, Carole and Andrew (cousins).

The bearers were David White, George Llewellin, Adrian Lloyd and Michael Hassall.

Donations to St Mary’s Church, Wiston Restoration Fund and “The Mothers Union Diocese of St David’s” may be sent to Mr Malcolm Lewis, Highways, Clarbeston Road.

The funeral arrangement were carried out by Kenneth Davies and Sons, Clynderwen.

Mrs M Reynolds

Rosemarket

THE funeral of Mrs Marjorie (Marj) Reynolds of Rosemarket passed away at Withybush General Hospital on December 26. She was 84.

Marj was born in Llangwm, brought up in Hook, and in later years lived in Sardis and Rosemarket.

She married Chris in 1952 and they went on to have two children.

Sadly, their son, Paul was killed in a road accident in 1993. Chris passed away in 1996.

Marj enjoyed the company of her grandson Michael, her granddaughters Lindsay and Kayleigh and her great grandchildren Tyler, Dylan, Brooke and Indie-Leigh.

Marjorie’s family and friends were her life and are all the poorer with her passing.

Marj had a heart of gold and she will be missed by all who knew her.

The family left to mourn are Pearl, Mark, Michael, Lindsay, Tyler, Dylan, Kayleigh, Brooke, Indie-Leigh, Merle and Eric John and Denise along with many relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

The service was held at Parc Gwyn on January 10 and was officiated by Rev Martyn Evans.

The eulogy was read by Ashley Warlow and the bearers were Michael Osmond, John Thomas, David Websdale and James Harwood.

Donations for Ward 8, Withybush Hospital c/o Pearl Osmond, 37 Westhaven, Cosheston, Pembroke Dock SA72 4UL.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Glyn Thomas and Son of Freystrop.

Mrs D J Hight

East Williamston

HER many friends were greatly saddened by the sudden death of Deborah (Debbie) Jane Hight in the USA on January 17.

Born in Solihull in 1946, she worked as a secretary at Imperial College, London and later at Cambridge University.

It was here that she met her American husband Joel Gottesfeld and together they moved to San Diego, California, where their daughter Emily was born. She was also persuaded by Francis Crick, the discoverer of DNA , to become his secretary.

In 1991 Debbie and Emily moved to Bend, Oregon, where purchase of a small ranch allowed them to pursue their love of horses. Debbie qualified as a clinical hypnotherapist and a great many patients’ lives were improved and enriched by her treatments.

A number of years later Debbie renewed her acquaintance with Dr. David Hight, who she first met during her time at Imperial College, and they married in May 2009. They lived in Grayshott before moving to East Williamston in 2012.

They made many new friends locally and Debbie threw herself wholeheartedly into village life. She served on the committee of East Williamston Community and Hall Association and helped to organise many functions. She joined the Friends of Jubilee Park, volunteers who help to maintain this popular area of nature trail and woodland, and was instrumental in raising significant funds towards buying additional land for it. A great animal lover, she also concerned herself with animal charities and their work.

Debbie had a warm-hearted and generous nature and endeared herself to all she met by her kindness and thoughtfulness.

She continued to visit the USA to spend time with her daughter, her horses and her many American friends.

Debbie leaves to mourn her husband David and daughter Emily, as well as members of her extended family. A cremation will soon take place in USA, with a small private ceremony, to be followed by an open-air service there in the spring for her many friends to celebrate her life.

Once this has been held there will also be a similar gathering locally.

Those wishing to be contacted in due course about the latter may send their details to friendsofdebbieh@ gmail.com. They will also have a future opportunity to make a donation in lieu of flowers, to be used for charitable purposes to benefit the community.

Miss M M Haines

Pembroke Dock

MICHAELA (Kayla) Marie Haines untimely passed away on December 23, aged 25 years. Her funeral took place on January 10 at St. Marys Church, Pembroke, followed by committal at Parc Gwyn Crematorium. There was a large congregation in attendance and she literally stopped traffic within a majestic white horse drawn carriage.

The service was officiated by Reverend Paul Nash.

The coffin bearers were Christine (mother), Liam (brother), Alisha (sister), Alan (father). There were many other family members present to include friends, peers, students and work colleagues.

During the church service Suzanne (Tasker Milward School), Jackie (Pembrokeshire College) and Liam (Brother) gave a very personal and affectionate representation of Michaela’s life.

Michaela was both beautiful on the inside and outside, she had a certain sparkle in her eyes and a heart of pure gold that blew everyone away, you only had to meet her once and you would never forget her. Michaela was vivacious, fearless and full of determination but also empathetic, kind and patient.

She always found the time for everyone, to listen and to care, ‘there was something that she found to love in each and every one of us’ and will loving be remembered for ability to make other people smile, ‘making others happy made her happy’. The world was a much better place with her in it.

Michaela enjoyed socialising, walking, horse riding, surfing, running and had an interest in ballet, gymnastics and motocross riding. However, her true passion was dancing and music was a big part of who she was.

At the end of year 11 at Tasker Milward VC School Michaela had gained lots of qualifications - Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award, Edexcel, Skills for working life GCSE in Maths, English and Science. Michaela also became an important member of Mentor UK’s reference group. Michaela was given an opportunity, along with other Young People from the UK, to help influence the planning and development of policies relating to issues that were important to them as Young People. As a result of a year’s worth of hard work, Michaela, along with other members of the group, presented their findings to the Home Office and the Children’s Commissioner (this is the first time Young People have been allowed to do this). Whilst finishing her Gold Award with the Princes Trust XL Award Michaela was nominated for the ‘Educational Achiever of the Year Award’. The Princes Trusts Celebrate Success Awards recognizes the difficulties that some young people face while in education. Upon winning the Welsh Award in Cardiff, Michaela headed up to London for the British finals, mingling with all the celebrities as she walked up the red carpet to the theatre in Leicester Square. Whilst listening to all the finalists among a strong crowd tell their personal story by video on the ‘big screen’, Michaela’s named was called out as she had won the biggest prize of all, the ‘Educational Achiever Award’ for the whole of the UK. She stood on stage with HRH The Prince of Wales, Benedict Cumberbatch and Talulah Riley - Michaela kissed Prince Charles on the cheek in front of everyone, because that is who she was, one hundred and ten percent full of life.

Most recently Michaela was studying on the Skills for Further Study programme at Pembrokeshire College, where she would have progressed onto an Access to Higher Education Course, enabling her to study in University, to become a Mental Health Nurse (prior to this she studied Hairdressing and Travel and Tourism).

Michaela most recently worked at Care in Hand, Kiln Park and Fecci’s Restaurant.

Michaela also volunteered at Pembroke Dock Youth Club and was just about to start volunteering at Pembrokeshire Mind, Haverfordwest.

She was also a keen fundraiser and fought hard every day for what she believed in. Michaela was so conscientious and everyone is so proud of her achievements.

Words cannot describe how much she will be missed, her loss has been felt so deeply and a void has been left in our lives that can never be filled, but we will all move forward and do so by honouring her memory and making her proud, as she deserves the inspiration and love she kept trying to give everyone else - a piece of her sparkle will forever continue to shine on within each and every one of us. Truly one of a kind.

Donations were accepted for Pembrokeshire Mind, Withybush Hospital Cancer Day Unit Appeal and her online Just.Giving page raised £4,730. Furthermore, floral and personal tributes were also truly overwhelming thus showing an affectionate testament to the impact she had on the lives of those around her.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by W and M J Rossiter and Sons Ltd, of Tenby.

Mr T K Reynolds

Llanstadwell

MR Thomas Kenneth Reynolds (known as Ken) passed away at Withybush General Hospital on Wednesday January 11. He was 77.

The funeral service took place on Friday January 20 at St. Tudwal’s Church in Llanstadwell.

Ken was a wonderful, caring, loving and generous man who touched the lives of everyone who knew him.

He will be sadly missed by his family and friends.

Mr B E Mason

Narberth

MR Benjamin Ellis Mason of Station Road, Narberth passed away on December 4 at Ridgeway Nursing Home, Llawhaden. He was 86.

Ellis was born in Cox Hill, Narberth in 1930 to the late Albert and Sarah Mason.

The family moved to Sodston Manor but in the early 40’s they had to vacate the manor as it was commandeered by the Army and the family had to move to Cold Blow. Ellis was one of 11 children and attended Templeton School.

It was at school that Ellis met Valerie, his wife of 65 years.

Ellis left school at 14 and started his working life at Carr Garage in Narberth (were the Post Office Vans are kept now in Spring Gardens).

He moved to Bowen’s Llawhaden and got an apprenticeship, this is where his extensive knowledge of motor bike engines began.

He later moved to Greens and from there he moved to Alfie Arnold’s just across the road. Alfie retired, so Ellis with Valerie’s backing stared Mason Motorcycles. He rented one of the zinc sheds in Quay Street, Haverfordwest opposite the Bristol Trader (where the parking spaces are now). In 1970 Ellis moved to new premises in Fountain Road off Barn Street, he became the local main dealer for Yamaha and then BMW as well.

His knowledge and reputation was such that people from all over the UK would write to him saying they had difficulty in getting cables for their old or new bikes and he would make cables for them from scratch. He closed the doors of Mason Motorcycles for retirement in 2002 after trading for 40 years.

In Ellis’ late teens and early twenty’s he used to take part in local scrambles and became an ACU steward for the South West Wales Scramble Club. He also raced on Pendine Sands beating the top racer at the time, Fred Wrist in the one mile sprint race. Then in later life for many years took part in the Saundersfoot Vintage Run and various vintage shows often winning his category.

He spent many a happy day going to bike shows and bike jumbles with his dear friends, travelling as far as Birmingham.

Ellis also enjoyed caravanning in Aberaeron, gardening, cooking and he had a love of most especially country and western. Unfortunately, due to ill health Ellis resided at Ridgeway Nursing Home for nearly three and half years.

The family left to mourn are Valerie (wife of 65 years); Philip and Margaret Mason, Brian and Gwenda Mason (brothers and sister’s-inlaw); Bronwen and Alfie Scourfield, Audrey and Peter Thomas (sisters and brothers- in-law); plus numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

He was pre-deceased by his brother’s Ken, Vernon, Dennis and Dan Mason, and sisters Rhianon Evans and Betty Morris.

The service was held at Parc Gwyn on December 15 and was officiated by Rev Huw George.

The bearers were Gareth Mason, Lee Mason, Kevin Thomas, Anthony Evans, James Davies, Phil Thomas (nephews).

Donations for Cancer Research UK c/o Mrs L. Davies, Headlands, Middlewalls Lane, Penally, nr. Tenby SA70 7PG.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by E C Thomas and Son, of Llanteg.

Mr J R Dempster

Rosemarket

AFTER a two and a half year battle with cancer, Mr John Richard Dempster, who was 64, died peacefully with his family by his side at his home in Rosemarket, on January 28.

John was born in 1952 in Kings Heath Birmingham.

Born to Edna and John Dempster, he was the youngest son of four children.

John lived in Birmingham until 1973 when he then moved to Cardiff. It was whilst living in Cardiff that he met the love of his life and wife to be, Jan. They married in 1975 and set up their first home together in Llanelli.

They then moved to Pembrokeshire where John embarked on a long successful career as an engineer. John worked for Texaco/Chevron for the greater part of his career, dedicating 29 years of service to the company. During his time with Chevron John became very well respected in his field of work.

He began as an Instrument Technician. John was extremely motivated and with this drive and enthusiasm for his job, he then decided to pursue an Open University course. Finally he achieved a degree in engineering.

His work lead him to travel further afield and in 2003 he was given a position as Lead Analyser Engineer as part of the Chevron global technical team in Houston, Texas, USA.

He remained in this position for seven years. John’s job often took him to a number of remote parts of the world and his final position found him in Kazakhstan.

John’s love of travelling and exploring was also pursued in his free time. Both he and Jan managed to visit 35 of the 50 states in the USA.

He also had a passion for history and loved visiting historical cities and towns in the UK and Europe.

John is survived by his wife Jan; son and daughter-in-law Alex and Rebecca; daughter and son-in-law Sarah and Craig and his four grandchildren Rosie, Holly, Milo and Lola.

The funeral service was held at Parc Gwyn in Narberth on February 7. The Rev Martyn Evans officiated.

The family are grateful to Dr Tobin, the district nurses and Johnston Surgery staff for the tremendous support they have given during John’s brave battle with cancer.

Donations can be made to Johnston and Neyland Surgery C/O Sarah Dempster, 29 Heritage Gate, Haverfordwest, SA62 3 HQ.

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

Mr K Jones

Robeston Wathen

THE funeral of Ken Jones, Sunnyside Farm, Robeston Wathen took place on January 14 at Parc Gwyn.

The very large attendance was a tribute to his popularity amongst the local and farming communities. Ken came to Pembrokeshire at the age of 14 with his family, who then moved to Sunnyside Farm in 1960 from Builth Wells.

After leaving school he joined Lloyds Bank for a short time until he came home to help run the family farm with his father. He took over the running of the farm after the death of his father in 1993 and with his youngest son continued to expand the farm to its current level. As well as farming he loved all sport, especially rugby and over the years was a member of the local football, darts and pool teams.

The family members at the funeral were his mother Rone; Bethan his partner of 20yrs and his children Andrew and daughter-in-law Karen, Carolyn and son-in-law Tim, Christine and son-inlaw Tom, Lyndon and friend Rebecca; grandchildren Emily, Jack, Christopher, Martyn, Monty, Maxi and Hector; sisters and brothers-in-law Val and Phil and Shirley and Frank; nieces and husbands Tracey and Tim, Tina and Dave and nephew James.

Among the large congregation were many cousins from the Builth Wells area.

Officiating at the service were Rev Hywel Brown and Rev Guto Llywelyn.The bearers were his friends Anthony Howells, Irfon Davies, John Howitt, Tim Simons, Huw Jenkins and Eulyn Davies.

Donations for Cancer Research UK (Local Branch) may be sent c/o E C Thomas and Son, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr A T Richards

Milford Haven

MR Arthur Thomas Richards of Bay View Drive, Milford Haven passed away in his sleep on December 12 at Williamston Nursing Home, Houghton. He was 86 and had been in the home for only a few months.

Arthur (Rick) was born in Angle in 1930 and following schooling at Angle and Bush Grammar in Pembroke Dock proceeded to complete his National Service with the RAF where he was keen on rifle shooting and took his first flight in an aircraft from Ringway, now Manchester Airport. Arthur was in two minds to stay in the RAF but ultimately made the choice that would define his life.

Arthur spent 1951 to 1953 in Trinity College Carmarthen before qualifying as a Woodwork Teacher. He then served in a number of schools in the centre of London before meeting his wife of nearly 60 years and returning to Pembrokeshire.

He was given a position with the Milford Haven Central School where he remained his entire working life teaching often three generations of the same family.

In addition, he spent many years as a lecturer at Neyland Technical College undertaking night school.

He retired as Head of the Craft Department in 1987 following the creation of the new Milford Comprehensive and the closure of the Central School.

Closely aligned to the school was his love of the sea and he was instrumental in helping generations of school children to learn to sail. He made yachts for the school, the Pembrokeshire Yacht Club and his own family. He was a lifetime member of the Pembrokeshire Yacht Club where he was a past committee member, and ex commodore.

He was an ex-treasurer of the School Sailing Association of Wales and a past member of the Sail Training Association that sought to give disadvantaged children an opportunity to experience life at sea.

Arthur was actively involved in the bringing of the tall ships to Milford Haven in 1991.

A keen sailor himself he sailed in Herons, GP14s, Dragons and in later years on Morning Glory and Dead Beat where he is missed by his many ex crew members.

Following his retirement, he spent much time with his wife on cruise-ship holidays all over the world and being able to be on deck when ships arrived in port was one of his main enjoyments.

Carving and painting became an active hobby in which he made many figures for his children and grandchildren.

The family left to mourn are his wife Edna; Lawrence and Bruce (sons); Megan and Nicky (daughters-in-law); Eleanor, Byron, Isobel (grandchildren).

The funeral service was held at St. Katharine’s and St. Peter’s Church, Milford Haven followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn and was officiated by Rev Hari Williams.

The bearers were Lawrence Richards, Bruce Richards, Byron Richards, John Beckett, Jonathan Roach and John Davies.

Donations to Cystic Fibrosis Trust, c/o Mrs Nicky Richards, 84 Marlborough Road, Cardiff.

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

Mr N L Davies

Surrey

Formerly of Abergwilli

PEACEFULLY at Broome Park Nursing Home, Surrey, Norman Llewellin Davies passed away. He was the second son of the late PC and Mrs David Davies, St Dogmaels, aged 81 years, devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother.

Norman was educated at St Dogmaels’ Church School, Cardigan County School and University College Cardiff where he graduated with a BSc Honours degree in 1956.

He will long be remembered as a talented rugby full back for his school, Cardiff University, University of Wales, Cardigan RFC and the UAU, the national University Athletics Union. In later years he played for British Guiana and Trinidad in South American internationals. After his rugby days, golf was his sport and means of relaxation.

He married Pamela Lyden Jones, a fellow Cardiff student, in British Guiana where Norman was working at his first position as an agronomist.

An illustrious career as an internationally recognised world expert in sugar production and agronomy followed. Later he served in Trinidad working for Tate and Lyle Research then travelling globally wherever problems occurred or plans were needed for future developments, for the World Bank or various lending agencies in third world countries. He also had accountancy skills and worked as a consultant in many countries.

Home was Keston in Kent for 34 years and when he finally retired from Tate and Lyle as a Director of Tate and Lyle Agribusiness in the late 1990s he returned to West Wales with Pam, settling in Abergwilli Carmarthen.

They left in recent years to be nearer their daughters in Surrey. He leaves his loving family wife Pam; daughters Sian and Helen; their husbands Stephen and Simon and four cherished grandchildren Robert, Megan, Bethan and Hannah and his two brothers John and David.