Mr G J J Davies

Carew

WELL known West Wales Businessman, Govan John James Davies died peacefully on July 12. An overwhelming attendance to his funeral at St Marys Church, Carew on July 24 showed the high esteem in which he was held.

Govan as he was affectionately known by all, was born into the Pembrokeshire farming fraternity, revelled in a challenge. He was one of the first farmers to buy a Combine Harvester in the County, he expanded a corn drying venture at Carew Airfield which helped to save the harvests of many local farmers.

He enjoyed experimenting and inventing things, he made the first 6 furrow plough, a hay swather and potato planter. He designed and patented a stone picker.

From farming he went into Agricultural Sales, with business premises in Pembroke and Haverfordwest selling McCormick International Tractors far and wide, achieving an award for the second best number of tractors sold in the whole of the UK. He pushed on into car and petrol sales bringing the first Regent garage into the area, supplied fuel from the refinery, now known as Valero, around the farms and the boats at Fishguard Harbour.

From this he ventured into property development, building many new homes in the county, providing industrial and commercial facilities for businesses. With his land ownership at Freshwater East he built the original holiday chalets and flats at Devon Court, The Miracle Inn, The Pebbles Club, designated an area for the local boatman to store their boats and in later years let the National Parks have the remaining dunes and beach for all to enjoy its tranquility. He brought the first supermarket, Fine Fare, to Pembroke, the St Govan’s Shopping Centre and started the Carew Open Air Market, amongst many other projects, too numerous to mention.

One of his greatest achievements was transforming the largely derelict Old Royal Dockyard, Pembroke Dock into an international deep water heavy lift port with 24 hour access for shipping, his legacy to the area, known today, as the Port of Pembroke.

This demanded the considerable enterprise, ingenuity and invention that Govan was uniquely qualified to deliver.

The construction challenge alone was massive and almost every day presented obstacles that were met headon with fresh determination.

The international business magazine, Management Today, featured a profile of Govan in 1989 entitled ‘Local Hero’ applauding his determination to turn Pembroke Dock into an international Port.

In 1990 the then Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher asked if she could visit the Port of Pembroke to acknowledge and praise Govan’s enterprise in creating over 200 direct jobs and many hundreds more indirectly in the area that needed the employment.

The following year the Port of Pembroke was proud to co-host the Tall Ships Race and Govan entertained visiting royalty, Prince Andrew, on board HMS Britannia with characteristic wit and charm.

As one of his Directors said, ‘the legacy of what Govan created will stand for centuries and we can all be proud of being part of the team the delivered the dream of Govan, a remarkable man and indeed a true Local Hero’.

Sadly, Govan suffered a severe stroke in 1997 which left him unable to continue his business interests. A tribute to his beloved wife, who nursed him relentlessly for the last twenty years, with a increased decline in his health since last November.

Besides his business interests, Govan was a big family man, leaving three children, ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, who will miss him dearly along with his sister and other family members. Govan was a good friend to many, always willing to help in any way.

It was rewarding to the family to hear so many remembered stories of were Govan’s kind acts of assistance had not been forgotten. They were grateful to the people who have either worked for him or contributed to the various ventures he undertook over the years.

It is most appreciated the donations that have been made for the Acute Strike Ward at Withybush Hospital which facility will hopefully help with saving many lives in the future. Further donations may be sent to John Roberts and Sons, Funeral Directors Pembroke Dock.

Mr T J V Davies

Freystrop

MR Thomas James Vaughan Davies known as Vaughan of Top Farm, New Road, Freystrop, passed away on October 18 peacefully surrounded by his family. He was 78.

He had suffered from a long term illness and was cared for at home by his wife, his family, Pembrokeshire Care, Paul Sartori, Claire and Tracey.

Originally from Pembrokeshire he spent his early working life erecting farm buildings for Atcost and in later life a general builder.

His last job before retiring in 2008 was Vaughan Davies and Sons Construction.

He sadly lost his son Paul Davies at the age of 23 in 1997 in a traffic accident.

He enjoyed home life, the Captain Hook Snooker team, for over 20 years. He played for the Miners Institute and later for Hook Sports and Leisure.

The family left to mourn are Diana Davies (wife); John Davies (son); Shan Griffiths (daughter); Helen James (step daughter); Lynn Thomas (stepdaughter); Andrew Thomas, Simon James, Phillip Griffiths (sons-in-law); Joshua Davies, Jack Davies, Sophie Percival, Bradley Davies, Barry Evans, Adam Evans, Jamie Evans, Morgan James, Megan Thomas, Millie Thomas (grandchildren); Courtney and Mason Evans Cartwright, Ellie Evans (great grandchildren).

The funeral service was held at Hook Gospel Mission on October 26 followed by burial with his son at City Road Cemetery. It was officiated by Terry Broadhurst and the bearers were John Davies (son); Andrew Thomas (son-in-law); Simon James (son-in-law); Phil Griffiths (son-in-law); Frank Thomas (friend); Jeff Clout (friend).

Donations to the Paul Sartori Foundation and Dementia UK. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Roy Folland and Son of Haverfordwest.

Miss S J Harries

Formerly Milford Haven

THE death of Susan Jane Harries occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital on October 20, she was 59.

Born in Marble Hall, Milford Haven, daughter of Glyn and Margaret Harries. Susan was educated at North Road Girls School and the Central School where she left in 1974. Susan always worked in Haverfordwest starting in T.P. Hughes then moving on to the Hardware Centre, Leo’s and finally many good years in Wilko. The staff and management of Wilko have been very supportive of Susan during her illness while working and after finishing work due to illness. Susan enjoyed cooking and attending the craft classes in Steynton Community Hall.

The funeral took place at Parc Gwyn, the service was officiated by The Venerable Graham Davies and Val Petherick, Jessica Raymond and Huw Bevan read the poem ‘When God saw you getting tired’. Bearers were Lee Raymond (nephew), Gareth Davies (godson), Chris Oliver, Jack Oliver, Carl Goodchild.

Family left to mourn are Margaret (mother); Linda and John (sister and brotherin- law); Lee and Christina, Philip and Claire (nephews and wives); Jessica and Morgan (great grand niece and nephew). Together with numerous other family and friends. The family are grateful to Jane Moody (aunt) and family for their continued support.

Donations for British Heart Foundation c/o Mr John Hackett, 11 Hammond Avenue, Haverfordwest SA61 1SF. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Tom Newing and Sons Ltd, Milford Haven.

Mr G D Gale

Thornton

Milford Haven

GRENVILLE passed away after a very short illness at Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli on August 31. He was 78.

His funeral took place on September 13 at Steynton Church and it was officiated by Rev Derek Davies, Rev Graham Davies and Mr S Smedley followed by a short service at Parc Gwyn.

The bearers were Kevin and Callum Gale, Jason Llewellyn and Marcus Thomas.

Grenville was brought up in Steynton with his brothers Dougy and Brian.

During their teenage years they all played cricket for Steynton and later played football for Steynton Football Team. They were delighted when one year the team were name ‘Sportmen of the year’.

When Grenville left school he worked on various farms including Glyn Davies of Studdolph and Jimmy Ritchie of Ford Farm. He then worked as a green-keeper for Hakin Golf Club and next for West Wales Bus Company where he learned to drive a double decker bus. His last two employments were as a heavy goods vehicle driver with George Edwards and Son and finally Pembrokeshire County Council. Grenville retired in 2004.

Grenville was very proud of his children Kevin, Tracey and Samantha and dearly loved and took great interests in his six grandchildren and two great granddaughters.

He liked to follow their progress in school and in their sporting activities – netball, football and swimming.

Grenville’s hobby was his Morris Minor Classic Car and he loved watching football matches on television especially Liverpool Football Club.

He met his wife Virginia in the Masonic Hall in Haverfordwest and they were married in 1963. It would have been their 54th anniversary on September 28.

The family left to mourn are Virginia Gale (wife); Kevin and Tracy Gale (son and daughter-in-law); Tracey Sanders and Marcus Thomas (daughter and partner); Samantha and Jason Llewellyn (daughter and son-in-law); Gemma Gale and Owain Sinnett (granddaughter and partner); Jessica Gale and Mike Fuller (granddaughter and partner); Callum Gale (grandson); Erin Sanders (granddaughter); Rowan and Amelie Llewellyn (grandson and granddaughter); Ella Gale and Ava Fuller (great granddaughters); Dougy and Shirley Gale (brother and sister-in-law and families); Brian and Susan Gale (brother and sister-in-law and families); Philip and Alison Berryman (brotherin- law and sister-in-law and family); Glen Stapleton, Lara and George (nephew and children) plus many cousins and their families. Unable to attend Graham and Daniel Stapleton.

Donations are c/o Wales Air Ambulance, Ty Elusan, Dafen, Llanelli SA14 8LQ.

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