1:55pm Tuesday 13th January 2009
Mr L. Harries
Pembroke Dock
THE funeral took place on December 30th at St John’s Church, Pembroke Dock, of Leslie Harries, aged 78, of Park Street, who died in Withybush Hospital on December 18th.
Mr Harries was born at Llanion Cottages, Waterloo, Pembroke Dock, in November 1930. His parents travelled home especially for his birth from Gibraltar where his father was stationed with the British Army. Along with his older brother Frank, he started his education at The Christian Brother’s School on the island. He completed his schooling at The Coronation Boys’ School in Meyrick Street, Pembroke Dock, when his father left the army in 1938, and the family returned to their home in Llanion.
In the latter years of the Second World War, and into the post-war years, he formed a singing and dance duo with his brother. Their Flanagan and Allen impersonations are fondly remembered by their contemporaries.
On leaving school, Leslie served an apprenticeship as a carpenter and joiner with John and Lewis at Waterloo. On completion of his training, he joined Estate Services based in Bush Street, Pembroke Dock.
In 1954, he married Barbara Owen on St David’s Day. Their son, Paul, was born at the end of that year followed by a daughter, Janette, in 1960. By this time they had moved to their home in Park Street, where they had resided ever since.
Leslie moved from estate services to George Argent builders as a master carpenter in 1955 and remained with that firm until his retirement in 1995. He carried out specialised carving and joinery throughout Pembrokeshire, particularly the wood panelling in Warren Church, the fine lych gate at Lamphey Church, and the carving of bench ends and panelling of St David’s Cathedral.
Leslie also worked on the timber refurbishment of the Front Street Martello tower, which became the home of Pembroke Dock Museum Trust. One of his most intricate pieces of work was the crucifix, which hangs above the chancel arch in St Mary’s Catholic Church in Pembroke Dock, which he presented in memory of his mother.
He was a member of the Britannia cricket team, which won the Harrison Allen Trophy in Cresselly, playing Carew. He excelled as a table tennis player and was also a keen gardener.
The large number of colleagues, friends, and neighbours, who attended his funeral was evidence of the respect with which he was held in the community. The bearers were Charles Hare, Norman Kenniford, Phil Lloyd, Guy Roberts, David Sefton and John Scott. A eulogy was presented by his brother Frank, while the funeral service was officiated by Rev Thelma Barber, with St John’s Church choir in attendance. Interment took place at Llanion Cemetery.
The family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Barbara (wife); Paul and Karen (son and daughter-in-law); Janette and Michael Hannaford (daughter and son-in-law); James and Rosie (grandchildren); Frank (brother); Tom Roberts (brother-in-law); Martin Harries (nephew) and Christine Harries; Michelle and Fiona Harries (nieces); Irene Scott (cousin); John Scott and Anne Scott, David Sefton and Gillian Sefton (nephews and nieces); Margaret Brown and Edna Merriman (cousin); Guy Roberts (nephew) and Jan Roberts; Matthew and Sarah Jane (great nephew and niece).
There were family flowers only, but donations for Withybush Hospital’s intensive care unit and St John’s Church may be sent to John Roberts and Sons, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.
Mrs A. A. Davies
Hundleton
The death of Alfreda Atholl (Freda) Davies occurred on December 1st at Morriston Hospital, Swansea, after a short illness. She was 78.
Born in London of parents from the Cotswolds and the highlands of Scotland, she was very proud of her heritage.
She won a State scholarship which took her to Bristol University to read Biology, where she was awarded an honours degree. She attended lectures by Professor Keith Simpson, an expert pathologist, who influenced her later writings.
It was at Bristol that she met Gwyn. They married in 1956, then, having started the family which was to grow to four children, settled in Pembroke in 1963. She taught in a number of schools in the county including Pembroke and Tenby secondary schools; and Grove and Pennar primary schools.
Her abiding interest was in writing. She wrote a number of published mysteries. In recent years, she specialised in the history of Pembroke relating to Princess Nest.
She was pleased and proud to became a member of the Welsh Academi, the Welsh national literature promotion agenc, and the Society for Authors.
She was also a member of the Griffon choir.
The family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Gwyn Davies (husband); Sara, John, Petra and Lora (children); Alistair Hardie and Adam Hughes (sons-in-law); Eleanor, Luke, Freddie and Harry (grandchildren) and many other family members and friends.
The funeral was held at Monkton Priory, Monkton, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn. Revs Martin Cox and Matthew Dobbs officiated.
There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu, if desired, to Save the Children.
The funeral arrangements were carried out by John Roberts and Son, Pembroke Dock.
Mrs L. Phillips
Croesgoch
The death of Linda Phillips occurred at Withybush Hospital on December 10th. She was 87.
Linda was born at Pwlle Farm and attended Croesgoch School. She married Ivor and moved to Penlan, Mathry. They had been married for 67 years.
The family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Ivor (husband), Anne and Gareth (daughter and son-in-law); Wendy and Peter, Graham and Dilwen (grandchildren); Michael, Matthew and Gwen (great grandchildren); Myrtle and Tommy (sister and brother-in-law); Herbert and Mary, Henry and Lena (brothers and sisters-in-law); Erinie (sister-in-law) plus nieces and nephews to numerous to mention.
Unable to attend was Peggy (sister).
The bearers were Ken Jenkins, Michael James, Huw Luke and John Thomas.
There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu of Solva Surgery, being received by David Price, Hafan, Croesgoch, SA62 5JZ, who carried out the funeral arrangements.
Mrs D. M. Reynolds
Herbrandston
The death of Dorothy Maud Reynolds, of Haven’s Park, Herbrandston, Milford Haven, occurred on December 12th at Withybush Hospital. She was 77.
Born in Pembroke, Dorothy began her working life as a children’s nanny. She was later accepted into Neath General Hospital to train as a nurse, and qualified in 1953. She then returned to Pembroke as a staff nurse at the Meyrick Hospital, and at Riverside maternity unit.
She then took a sabbatical until the children were old enough to attend school. At that time she took a part time post at the old Withybush Hospital. She then decided on a change, and became a district nurse.
In 1980, she trained at Ammanford Technical College to become a district-nursing sister. In 1982 she attended Mount Pleasant Hospital in Swansea, to obtain another certificate as a family planning sister. She retired in the late 1980s, but went back to family planning for a few years.
For many years, Dorothy was a member of Esso Ladies, Lions Ladies, one of the founder members of the Milford Haven floral society, and was involved in many church and chapel flower festivals.
For a few years she was WRVS organiser for children’s holidays. Other interests included decoupage, art and craft, and Herbrandston Friendship Club. She was an exceptional needle woman and excellent cook.
Her greatest love, apart from her family, was the church. St Mary’s, Herbrandston, was very special to her, as was the Mother’s Union.
The family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Mr C. G. Reynolds (husband); Mr and Mrs P. Thomas (daughter and son-in-law); Mr and Mrs N. M. Reynolds (son and daughter-in-law); Kate and Martine (granddaughters); Nathan and Matthew (grandsons too young to attend); Mr and Mrs B. Evans (sister and brother-in-law); Mr and Mrs J. Shanklin (sister and brother-in-law); Mr and Mrs J. Worley (sister-in-law and brother-in-law); Mr and Mrs C. Richards (aunt and uncle); Mrs G. Smith (aunt), together with numerous nephews, nieces and their spouses, great nephews and nieces, cousins and family friends. Unable to attend were Mr J. Smith and Mr G. Smith (uncles), due to ill health.
The funeral was held at St Mary’s Church, Herbrandston on December 18th, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn. Rev Sian Wight officiated at both services.
Dorothy’s eldest granddaughter, Kate, read the nurse’s prayer during the service, supported by Martine.
Choirmaster John Smith sang the first verse of the hymn Abide With Me, then the choir continued to sing the remaining verses as the cortege procession left. The bearers were Peter Thomas, Jeff Newman, John Worley and Daniel Nicholls (Kate’s partner).
There were family flowers only, but donations to be divided equally between ward ten of Withybush hospital and St Mary’s Church, may be sent to Mrs S. Davey, Milmer, Herbrandston, Milford Haven, SA73 3TD.
The funeral arrangements were carried out by Tom Newing and Sons, Milford Haven.
Mrs H. G. Reynolds
Penycwm
(formerly of Llandeloy)
Hilda Gwendoline Reynolds, of Erw Lon, Penycwm, died at Withybush Hospital on December 9th. She was 90.
Hilda spent her early years living in Pen-y-Feidr, Llandeloy, with her grandfather, Tommy and grandmother, Margaret.
In her early teens she worked at Upper Tancredston farm for Tommy and Annie Wade and later at White House farm with Harold and Nan Gwyther.
In the 1950s, she moved with her family to Llandeloy. She was highly regarded as someone to rely on to comfort and care for the sick and dying.
She spent many happy hours at Llandeloy church, worshipping, singing in the choir and cleaning the building.
Above all, her interests were her family. The family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Ken and Colin (sons); Alice and Kay (daughters-in-law); Marie, Claire, Ryan, Scott and Thomas (grandchildren); Laura (great-grandchild); May Rees (sister); Tommy Davies (brother); Margaret Davies, Elvira Davies (sisters-in-law), also numerous nephews, nieces and cousins in the Llandeloy, Penycwm and Solva area.
The funeral was held at Llandeloy church on December 16th, followed by interment in the cemetery in Treffgarne Owen. The bearers were Denzil Rees, Lloyd Davies, Peter Richards and Gerald Copeland.
Donations in lieu of flowers for the RNLI (St David’s branch), can be sent to David Price, Hafan, Croesgoch, SA62 5JZ, who carried out the funeral arrangements.
Mr G. Conjoice
Milford Haven
The death of 18-year-old Gary Conjoice occurred on December 15th.
He lived at Prioryville, Milford Haven, and was a graphics student at Pembrokeshire College.
His main interest was football, playing for Milford United Juniors and Hakin United juniors. He also learned to play guitar and formed a band called A Murder in Motion with several friends. They played in gigs around Milford Haven and Haverfordwest.
The family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Janet Conjoice (mum); Sian Conjoice (sister); Brian Conjoice (father); Joan Adams (nan); Hazel Conjoice (grandma); Helena and Ian Davies (auntie and uncle); Gwyn and Sue Conjoice (uncle and aunt); Kay and Colin Williams (auntie and uncle); Rhian, Paula, Rachel, Stephen, Lisa, Denise, James, Felicity, Mark and Lorna (cousins), plus many other family members too numerous to mention.
The funeral service was held at St Katharine’s and St Peter’s Church followed by interment at Milford Cemetery and was officiated by Canon John Davies.
The bearers were James Mathias, Rhys Davies, James Ouxman, Ryan Eaton, Joel Rendell, Phillip Brown, Thomas Matthews and John Mitchell.
The funeral arrangements were carried out by Tom Newing and Sons, Milford Haven.
Mr F. J. McCanch
St Ishmaels
(formerly of Hubberston)
The death of Frederick ‘Fred’ James McCanch, of St Ishmaels, occurred at Withybush Hospital on January 5th. He was 82.
Originally from Hubberston, he carried out his National Service in the navy, where he served on Hunt class destroyers in the North Atlantic during World War Two.
He then joined H.M. Waterguard and H.M. Customs and Excise where he helped to design the official tie worn by H.M. Waterguard officers. During his service he worked at various ports and airports. For the last 23 years he was based in Milford Haven.
His interests were literature, local history, crosswords, embroidery and crochet, winning first prize for a crocheted bedspread at the County Show. He was married to Jean for 56 years and had two children, Norman and Nina. He loved his two grandchildren, Karis and Ellis, dearly.
The funeral service took place at Hamilton Court Funeral Home, Milford Haven, on January 10th, followed by a cremation at Parc Gwyn, Narberth.
The family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Jean McCanch (wife); Norman McCanch (son); Nina McCanch-Jones (daughter); Royden Jones (son in law); Karis and Ellis McCanch-Jones (grandchildren) and many brothers and sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces and cousins.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to The Paul Sartori Foundation, 31 Haven Road, Haverfordwest.
Funeral arrangements were carried out by Tom Newing and Sons.
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