Obituaries for Western Telegraph May 17 2017

Haverfordwest

STAN died on May 1 in Withybush Hospital aged 95.

He was born and raised in Haverfordwest, and was brought up in Hawthorn Villas, Hawthorn Rise by his parents Sidney and Martha together with his younger siblings Elwyn and Betty.

As a child he was happiest spending time on his grandparents’ farm in Clarbeston Road, where he developed a lifelong love of nature, the countryside and fishing.

He attended Haverfordwest Grammar School, and was a bright pupil excelling in English Literature and History.

On leaving school he joined Greens Motors as an apprentice mechanic, before being called up for National Service in 1940. He joined the RAF as ground crew, and was posted to Bomber Command working on Lancasters at various Lincolnshire airfields including Wigsley, Coningsby and Scampton. As the war progressed he was transferred to Coastal Command and posted to Calshot on the Solent to train on Sunderland flying boats. A training that resulted in him being posted to the Sunderland base in Pembroke Dock, and he followed progress at the Sunderland Trust and Heritage Centre there with great interest.

After being demobbed in 1946 he returned briefly to Greens Motors before joining the GPO as a trainee telephone engineer, and he continued to work for BT, as it became, in various capacities for 36 years until his retirement as an Inspector in 1983.

Spending his final few years there working from an office in the Telephone Engineering Centre in Hawthorn Rise overlooking the very cottage he was born in.

In 1949 Stan married Thelma Morgan at Tabernacle Chapel and they made their first home in a little flat above her hairdressing business at 5 Picton Place, Haverfordwest.

In 1954 they moved to a brand new bungalow on the Cardigan Road, where Stan continued to live until his death.

Their only child Susan, was born in 1963. Stan was a loving husband and father and was immensely proud of his daughter’s academic and professional achievements.

In his long retirement Stan had time to indulge his hobbies of gardening and fishing; he was a founder member of the Pembrokeshire Angling Association and served as secretary for several years. He was also a lifetime member of the Royal Air Forces Association and Haverfordwest Cricket Club.

In later years Stan and Thelma discovered a love of foreign travel and enjoyed many holidays abroad.

During their 60 plus years together Stan and Thelma were inseparable, true soul mates and best friends. You rarely saw one without the other. When Thelma became ill suffering from dementia she relied on him more and more for care and support.

A difficult task that he carried out with dedication, love and compassion; never complaining, never asking for help. Recently Stan’s life had been very difficult, his failing eyesight and poor physical health meant that he was confined to the house and had to rely on carers more and more. However, he was determined to remain in his own home, and through it all he never lost his sense of humour.

Stan was predeceased by his wife Thelma, brother Elwyn and sister Betty. The family left to mourn and principal mourners are daughter Sue, son-in-law Paul, sister-in-law Sheila, close friends; Jean, Malcolm and Cynthia, and his nieces, nephews, friends, carers and neighbours, too numerous to mention. There were family flowers from immediate family only. The funeral arrangements were by Roy Folland and Son of Haverfordwest and the celebrant at the service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium on Friday May 12 was Huw George.

Mrs E J Rodriguez

Milford Haven

MRS JEAN Rodriguez of Milton Crescent, Milford Haven passed away recently at Withybush Hospital at the age of 88.

Jean, one of 10 children, was born in her beloved town of Milford in 1928, to Charles and Florence Chretien.

Jean was a very loving and caring and resourceful person.

She always kept busy helping to provide for her family.

A hard worker all her life, from hairdressing to mending nets, office cleaning and finally a dinner lady. She continued her caring ways looking after her grandchildren, which were her pride and joy.

She also had five great grandchildren, which she took great pleasure in spending time with.

She leaves to mourn her beloved husband Manuel; Miguel, Andrew (deceased) and Mark (sons); Janet, Susan and Tracey (daughtersin- law); Steven, Louis, Paul, Lucy, Lucy, Anya, Mike and Christopher and partners (grandchildren); five great grandchildren; Olive (sister) and nieces and nephews.

The bearers were Steven, Louis, Mike and Christopher.

The funeral service at Parc Gwyn crematorium was officiated by Father Harri Williams.

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

Mr K J Bryant

Treffgarne

THE DEATH occurred of Keith John Bryant at his home in Treffgarne on April 16 aged 80.

Keith passed away peacefully following a long battle with illness.

There was a large gathering of friends and family at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth which reflected the fondness that so many people had for Keith.

The service was officiated by Rev Geoffrey Eynon and the bearers were Roy Lewis, Bob Thomas, Tony Derrick, Bill Carne, Ian Lloyd-Davies and Robin Jones.

Keith was born in a small village in rural Gloucestershire called Little Tuffley in 1937.

He did his national service in the RAF and was based in Berlin, spending most of his leave travelling around Europe.

His first job was as a work study officer for Gloucestershire County Council until he married his childhood sweetheart, Margaret and they moved to Northampton where Keith worked for British Rail as a Planner and Work Study Officer.

He had a large input into the design of rail plant, particularly on lifting and replacing railway track, sleepers and ballast.

While living in Northampton, Keith played hooker for a Northampton team and despite his small stature he was a tenacious opponent by all accounts.

He was particularly proud of one game in which he won all six strikes against the head – something unheard of in today’s game.

Keith and Margaret moved to Haverfordwest in the late sixties where he worked for Pembrokeshire County Council as a Senior Project Planner, developing new systems of project management, way ahead of their time really.

The methodology he developed was used in major civil contracts in oil refineries, gas plants, power stations, chemical plants and local authority schemes all over the UK and abroad.

They moved to Treffgarne in 1973 where they both rapidly became embroiled in village life as the little hamlet developed.

After moving to Pembrokeshire, Keith became immersed in rugby in the area, as did Margaret. In particular, he was hugely involved in working with the Pembrokeshire Junior Union and the Pembrokeshire Society of Rugby Union Referees.

He took up the whistle and quickly became synonymous with officiating a huge number of school matches during the week and for local clubs on the weekend.

In his role as Hon Secretary of the local referees Keith did a superb job of organising officials for the Pembrokeshire Junior Finals and the Neyland Junior Festival of Rugby, as well as the popular Newport Sevens Tournament, where he refereed for almost two decades. He took photographs at them all during that time and gave them to the local press.

Outside of his refereeing Keith, also played a key role as Hon Secretary of the Pembrokeshire Junior Union, as well as organising meetings and keeping minutes which kept club delegates informed.

Keith travelled on several British Lions’ and Wales Tours as far apart as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina, with friendships made with referees from those countries maintained right up until he passed away.

Only recently he had visitors from Ireland that included a long time referee and friend, and his death will be met with sadness from those who know him in other countries.

Margaret passed away 27 years ago, almost to the date of Keith’s passing but he continued his passion for rugby and his other interests, especially Classical music, attending local concerts at every opportunity, walking, he led many walks around the footpaths of Pembrokeshire and used to spend hours keeping the footpaths clear of weeds, probably as a result of his RAF days, he was interested in aviation and could recognize just about any aeroplane passing over, including helicopters.

He was very proud of his late brother David who worked as a senior designer on the Rolls Royce team that designed the engines for Concorde, Keith was a keen bird watcher keeping a daily record of visitors to his garden and was proud to record the visit of a cock pheasant for 31 consecutive days recently.

He also loved photography, amassing thousands of photographs and slides over the years.

Keith was an avid gardener.

He loved growing fuschias and his garden was awash with colour in the spring and summer months. Most of the produce from his greenhouse was distributed amongst neighbours because he always grew too much.

Finally, Keith was known locally as the cat man of Treffgarne.

If anyone needed a cat sitter he would always volunteer and stray cats always seemed to end up owning Keith.

It’s fair to say that Keith led a full and enjoyable life, dealing with all that was thrown at him in a positive manner.

He was a true gentleman, a well-loved character and a friend to so many.

He will be sorely missed in his home village of Treffgarne and wider afield.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Roy Folland and Son, Haverfordwest and donations are to Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, Paul Sartori House, Winch Lane, Haverfordwest, SA61 1RS Mrs G M J John Pembroke

Mrs G M J John

Pembroke

THE DEATH occurred peacefully after a long illness at home with her family on April 4 of Gwendoline Marie Josephine John of Froyne Terrace, Pembroke. She was 91.

She was pre-deceased by her husband George in 2012.

She was a secretary at George Argent and Co, Pembroke, while her husband George was a painter and decorator there. Josie also worked at East End School, Pembroke, as a dinner lady in the late sixties.

When husband George set up his own painting and decorating business, Josie became his secretary until they both retired.

For many years, together with her mother, father and husband, she was involved with Pembroke Cricket Club as a tea lady.

Josie and George loved to holiday in Guernsey for many years and they also loved sequence dancing together.

After George died in 2012, Josie had suffered poor health.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners were Carolyn and Stan Pratty (daughter and son-inlaw); Lee and Nathalie Coles (grandson and wife); Tracy Coles and Becky (granddaughters); Jessica and Isabella Coles (great granddaughters); William Coles (great grandson), together with close family members.

The service was held at Parc Gwyn on April 18, officiated by Rev Marina Evans with a moving poem from Carolyn (daughter) and tribute from Hayden (cousin).

Donations in lieu of flowers to The Paul Sartori Foundation and Macmillan Nurses c/o E C Thomas and Son, Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, SA67 8QH.

Mr G Simmonds

Milford Haven

THE DEATH occurred on May 3 of Mr Gerald Simmonds of Hanover Court, Milford Haven.

He was 79.

He passed away after a short illness which he had bravely battled and was cared for by his children.

He was born in Prescelly Place, Milford Haven and had lived in Milford all his life.

He served his national service and then went on to become a self-employed brick layer.

He was actively involved in Christ Church in Priory Road where he had many friends.

He enjoyed cooking, reading, sport and art.

He was pre-deceased by his wife Rosemary Simmonds.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are Gillian, Helen and Vincent (daughters and son); Derek, Brendan and Ann (in-laws); Nona Walsh (sister); Christine Hesslegrave (sister-inlaw); plus nine grandchildren and one great grandchild.

The service was held at Christ Church, Priory Road in Milford Haven followed by burial in Milford Haven Cemetery.

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

Mrs J Brown

Pentlepoir

THE DEATH occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital on April 19 of Joan Brown aged 92 years of Park House Court Nursing Home and previously of Hill House, Pentlepoir.

Joan was born in 1925, the eldest of two daughters to Leslie and Grace Shears of Church Street, Pembroke Dock.

She became an astute business woman owning several properties and successfully running a Caravan Shop at Hill Park Caravans, Pentlepoir.

Joan enjoyed her holidays and travelled to many countries but most of all she loved Spain and when she retired she bought a home on the Costa Del Sol, where she spent six months of the year and made many friends.

When she sold her property in Spain she joined a group of friends she called “the Walkers” and when she was 74 she walked up Snowdon.

Unfortunately after a very bad fall last May she had to leave the flat she loved in Pentlepoir and moved into Park House Court Nursing Home where she received excellent care and attention.

Joan leaves to mourn her sons Derek and Peter; her daughter-in-law Glynda; her grandchildren Dean, David and Emma, Christopher and Jo, Sharon and John and her six great grandchildren Alex, Cariad, Ffion, Ioan, Emyr and Dewi.

Her family were so pleased by the large attendance at Parc Gwyn Crematorium.

The service being held by Rev. Butler.

The bearers were Dean, David, John and Alex.

Donations if so desired to Cancer Research UK, c/o E.C.Thomas, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth, SA67 8QH who carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mrs A D John

Pembroke Dock

MRS AUDREY (Doreen) John of Clarence Street, Pembroke Dock, died on April 13 peacefully at her home.

She was 90.

Doreen was born in Pembroke, where she grew up.

She left school at the age of fourteen and began work at the Cottage Hospital, Pembroke, as a maid. In her late teens, Doreen took a job at Woolworths, Pembroke Dock, where she made many good friends. Olwyn Carr (nee John) introduced Doreen to her brother Edgar and they became sweethearts until Edgar was called up for National Service and Doreen went to work in the Flax Factory in Milford Haven.

On Boxing Day, 1946, Doreen and Edgar married and they moved to Clarence Street, Pembroke Dock, where they shared 64 years of marriage, watching their children grow up into adulthood. Sadly eldest daughter Lesley passed away at the early age of 30 and Edgar aged 80 in 2010.

Doreen’s life revolved around her very close family, she loved her garden and would sit for many hours reading. She had a very strong faith and regularly attended St. Johns Church, until a fall two years ago cut her visits short. However she continued to receive regular communion in her home which she found of great comfort.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are Kevin and Margaret (son and daughter-in-law); Eileen and Merlin (daughter and son-inlaw); Sarah and David, Matthew and Joanne, Rachel and Martin, Adrian and Nathalie, Nathan and Alison (grandchildren and partners); Leon, Ethan, Zane, Hugo, Cerys, Charlotte, Logan, Faye and Isla (great grandchildren); May Cross (sister); Ivor and Betty (brother-in-law and sister- in-law, Reading); Eileen and Keith Hulbert (life long family friends), numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and close family friends.

The bearers were Adrian and Nathan (grandsons), Colin Butland and David Griffiths (family friends) The service was held at St.

Johns Church, Pembroke Dock, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn, Narberth, which was officiated by Rev Marina Evans.

Sarah (granddaughter) gave the eulogy.

There were family flowers only with donations, if desired for the Paul Sartori Foundation and MacMillan Cancer Support which may be sent c/o E.C. Thomas and Son, Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth, SA67 8QH.

Mrs E M Elliott

Haverfordwest

MRS ELUNED Myfanwy Elliott (Myfi) passed away peacefully on April 11 at the age of 94 at Fairfield Nursing Home, Johnston.

She was born in Hayscastle but her most recent address was Laburnum Grove, Haverfordwest.

Myfi was the third child of four children, born at Hayscastle School House, where her father was headmaster.

Myfi attended Taskers school for girls, and on leaving, worked for Con Williams, gents outfitter, Bridge Street, Haverfordwest.

During the war she became an auxiliary nurse and worked at a hospital in Newport Mon until the end of the war. They then returned to Haverfordwest to become a hairdresser at the Elite Salon in Market Street.

In 1954 she met and married Jack Elliot, who had come from Cumbria, to work in the highways department of Pembrokeshire County Council.

She lived in Augustine Way, and finally in Laburnum Grove. During these years she cared for her mother, and later Jack her husband through illness. But she and Jack both enjoyed gardening, their membership of Burton Boat Club and ballroom dancing, and all the friends they made from these activities.

After Jacks death in 2010, Myfi managed to continue to live in her own home until January this year. But due to failing health, she moved to Fairfield Nursing Home, where she was well cared for in her last days.

The family left to mourn are Wyn and Mary Bowen (brother and sister-in-law); John and Julia Bowen (nephew and wife); Sarah Bowen (niece); Dougllas and Adam Bowen (great nephews).

The funeral was held at the Chapel of Rest at Portfield Gate, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn, Narberth on April 24.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by F G Rees and Sons, Haverfordwest.

Mrs L Helps

Narberth

A VERY large gathering of family, friends and the community supported by a significant representation of police officers from the Dyfed Powys and Gwent police forces were in attendance at a Service of Celebration of the life of Louise Helps at Parc Gwyn Crematorium on Friday April 21.

A police motorcycle escort headed the funeral cortege through a police guard of honour and six former colleagues and friends acted as bearers. Louise, age 50, passed away peacefully at her home in Bloomfield Gardens Narberth on April 5 following a long and courageous battle against illness.

Louise, wife of Chris Helps and mother of sons James and Joshua, was the eldest daughter of Rose and the late George Phillips of Narberth and eldest sister to brother Adrian and sister Heidi.

Born and raised in Narberth, Louise first attended Narberth Primary School before entering Dyffryn Taf Grammar School, Whitland. She was a very popular and active pupil, excelling both in the field of sport and academically.

Louise gained excellent results in her exams and represented Carmarthenshire schools in athletics and hockey.

She then attended Pibwrlwyd College, Carmarthen to study sciences and gained a HND in her course before successfully applying to join the Gwent Constabulary and in 1985 having graduated from the Police Training College of Wales, she began her police career in Blackwood.

She then moved to Ebbw Vale and soon began to impress her senior officers with her fine attention to detail, energy and courage. It was not long before embarked on a career within CID and then joined the Gwent Police Drugs Squad at Cwmbran.

In 1990 Louise married fellow officer Chris Helps and both transferred to Dyfed Powys Police in 1993, following the birth of their first son James. The following year Louise gave birth to her second son Joshua. On return home to Pembrokeshire she first served in Tenby prior to her appointment to the CID at Haverfordwest and subsequently the Pro-Active Drugs Unit at Carmarthen. It was shortly after this posting that Louise became unwell. However she made a full recovery and resumed her career as a detective constable in the Force Intelligence Bureau at Police HQ Carmarthen, where she served the remainder of her career until 2010 when she took early retirement.

The service was officiated compassionately and with a touch of humour by Rev Huw George. It opened with the processional music “Fields of Gold” by Sting and followed by the hymn “How Great Thou Art”. A reading of Psalm 23 was given by Louise’s brother-in-law Andrew Baker. The first tribute was given by Louise’s good friend and current Chief Constable of Dyfed Powys Police, Mr Mark Collins who spoke highly of her police career, Louise’s engaging personality, her support for fellow colleagues, her dedication to her work and the exemplary standards she set. A very moving tribute to their mother, written by her two sons, was delivered by family friend and neighbour Michael Richards. James and Joshua recalled how she had been an inspiration in their lives; always encouraging and supportive in their education and sport; courageous in battling her long illness and leaving them with memories that will never fade.

Her favourite poem “Footprints”

was read by her friend and colleague Dafydd Llywelyn, Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Commissioner who also paid tribute to the excellence of her work, through commitment to the service and her popularity with colleagues during her time at police headquarters.

The service concluded with the hymn “Calon Lan”. Louise’s all-time favourite song “Aint nobody loves me better”

by Chaka Khan provided the recessional music.

Louise was held in high esteem within the local community and both the Dyfed Powys and Gwent Police Service.

She will be sadly missed by family, friends and former colleagues.

Mr G Richards

Neyland

GLYN RICHARDS of Promenade Drive, Neyland passed away after a short illness at Withybush Hospital on April 6 aged 69.

Glyn was born in 1948, the second youngest of ten children.

He grew up in Waterston, attending the local village school before going to secondary school in Milford Haven.

He worked at the Gulf Oil Refinery when this was being built and continued to work on the local refineries until he retired five years ago.

In his teenage years Glyn had a passion for motorbikes and enjoyed spending any free time riding his bike around the local area.

After his marriage to Angela in 1971, he lived for a short time in Swansea, where his daughter Dawn was born.

On returning to Pembrokeshire they settled in Neyland.

He enjoyed many annual holidays in Albufeira, Portugal.

Here the cooler evenings would be spent exploring the old town and visiting the restaurant where he would enjoy the local fish dishes.

In 2012 Glyn retired following a heart attack. He enjoyed the weekly cardio support group.

Walking became a pastime, he enjoyed with Angela and together they explored much of the local countryside and coast.

He also enjoyed the occasional day at the horse races at Ffos Las and Chepstow although picking the winner was not always that easy.

Glyn was very much a family man and always enjoyed spending time with them. He enjoyed following the progress of his two grandchildren of which he was very proud.

Whenever you met Glyn, he would usually have something funny to say, bringing his own sense of humour into the conversion. This was one of his defining characteristics which most people will remember him by.

The funeral service was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium on Thursday April 20 and was officiated by Canon Alan Chadwick.

The principal mourners were Angela (wife), Dawn and Sean Wilson (daughter and son-in-law); Ross and Adam Wilson (grandsons); Brinley and Pam Richards (brother and sister-in-law); Eileen and Dennis Frank, Hilary and Glyn Hobbs, Maureen Hackett (sisters and brothers-inlaw); Ina Williams (motherin- law); Michael and Tina Williams (brother-in-law and sister-in-law) plus many other relatives, friends and neighbours. Unable to attend was Joyce Richards (sister).

The bearers were Sean Wilson, Ross Wilson, Brinley Richards and Michael Williams.

The eulogy was delivered by Sean Wilson.

Donations for the British Heart Foundation or Macmillan Nurses and may be sent to Mrs Christine Williams, 5 Phillips Avenue, Milford Haven Pembrokeshire SA73 2RB.

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