Obituaries, April 1st 2009

Pembroke Dock

The death occurred of Betty Lovell, of Wellington Street, Pembroke Dock, at her home on March 2nd. She was 81.

Originally from Pembroke Dock, she worked as a full-time carer.

In her younger days, she enjoyed dancing and spending time at the Rafa Club.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Kelvin Jones (nephew); Peter Jones (nephew) and Jackie Jones; Christine Smith (niece) and partner Tom; John Beckett (cousin) and Dorothy Beckett.

The funeral was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, and was officiated by Rev Nigel Thomas.

The bearers were Arthur Evans, Terry Brace, John Jones and Stewart Treharne.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by E. C. Thomas and Son, Pembroke Dock.

Mr. W. John

Pentlepoir

The funeral took place at Parc Gwyn, Narberth, on Tuesday, March 10th, of Wynford Thomas John, aged 91, of Mill Cottage, Pentlepoir.

Born in Llanddowror, Wyn, the second of four children, moved with the family to various local farms to live before eventually settling at The Wells, Cold Blow, where he lived until starting work at Trewern Farm, Kilgetty. He lived there until his marriage to Olive in 1942 and moved to Woodside, Sardis, while working at Merrixton Farm.

After later making their home at Mill Cottage, son Eric was born and the family farmed continued to farm there, while Wyn also worked at the poultry farm nearby until retirement.

Predeceased by Olive in 1999 after 57 years of marriage, Wyn died at Withybush hospital.

A quiet, loving family man, the principal mourners were: Eric and Pat (son and daughter-in-law), Lindsay and Jonathon (granddaughter and partner), Gary (grandson), Arthur (brother), Betty and Malcolm, Graham and Audrey, Wyn and Frieda, Rob and Andrea, Janice and Colin, Julie, John and Royston, Jan and Bern, Josie and Richard, Joyce and Richard, Gillian and Paul, Peter and Brenda, Ray (nieces and nephews), along with many other family members and friends.

The funeral was officiated by Canon Michael Butler.

The bearers were Peter Badham, Bernard Nash, Richard Fanus and George Jones.

There were family flowers only, but donations, if desired, for Wales Air Ambulance, may be sent to W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, who carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr F. G. Oakley

Haverfordwest

Frederick Gordon Oakley died on March 12th at Castle View Residential Home, Llawhaden, aged 85.

Gordon was born in Hinkshay, Shropshire. On leaving school, he worked at a local foundry until he joined the Royal Navy at the age of 18, serving on several ships, primarily HMS Jamaica.

As a Royal Navy Commando, he took part in the Sicily landings. He served in Italy, India, Burma, and saw action in the Korean War. While at Donington, Gordon met Betty Lloyd, of Ambleston, a private in the ATS, whom he married in 1951.

Gordon settled in the Clarbeston Road area in 1953, and was employed as a postman until retirement. Gordon and Betty raised four children: Katharine, Miriam, Rhys and William who died in 1998. Prior to retirement, the family moved to Walter’s Avenue, Merlins Bridge.

Gordon’s interest in sport began in his youth. He supported Clarbeston Road and Haverfordwest AFC until his health deteriorated, and won awards for dominoes during his time as a postman.

He was a long-serving member of the Spittal branch of the Royal British Legion, and in later years, he joined the Haverfordwest Services Club.

War-time friendships were rekindled when he joined the Royal Navy Commando’s Association. Home and family life continued to give him pleasure, his devotion to his three granddaughters, the friendships with his neighbours and pride in his garden. The funeral was held at Clarbeston Church on March 18th, where Gordon had been a member.

Rev Nicholas Cale officiated the service, and also present was Nan Warlow, Rev Derek Davies, and Rev Huw George.

The Royal British Legion’s contribution to the service acknowledged Gordon’s naval career.

Family left to mourn are: Betty (wife), who was unable to attend the funeral due to ill-health; Katharine and Kevin, Miriam and David (daughters and sons-in-law); Rhys and Debbie (son and daughter in-law); Margaret, Sara and Bethan (granddaughters); Margaret (sister); Jean and Ken (sister and brother-in-law); Josie (sister-in-law) as well as relatives, neighbours and friends too numerous to mention.

The bearers were Alan Thomas, Malcolm Brown, George Llewellin and David Povey.

Donations, if desired, for Clarbeston church and the Royal British Legion Afghanistan Appeal may be sent to Robert James, Moat Grange, New Moat, Clarbeston Road.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Ken Davies and Sons, of Clynderwen.

Mr D. Davies

Narberth (formerly of Bethesda)

The death of Dilwyn Davies occurred on March 13th, at his home in Queens Court, Narberth. He was 81.

He was formerly of Trewynt, Bethesda.

He was the eldest son of Danny and Eliza Jane Davies, of Trewynt, and spent all his working life farming at Trewynt Farm. After his retirement in 1993, he moved to Narberth, where he enjoyed a very active life.

His interests included being a past chairman and life member of Narberth AFC, where he looked after the clubhouse.

He was also a member of the Dragon Rifle Club, a past chairman and life member of Pembrokeshire Darts Organisation, a past chairman of Narberth Darts League, a trustee and announcer at Bethedsa Congregational Chapel, Llawhaden and a past member of Llawhaden Parish Council. He also enjoyed fishing.

Due to Dilwyn’s varied interests and hobbies, he had a wide range of friends and companions of all ages as was reflected in the large attendance at his funeral.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Lottie (wife); Cynthia and Peter Howells (daughter and son-in-law); Yvonne and Aled Gravell (daughter and son-in-law); Rhiannon and Anwen Howells (granddaughters); Llyr and Rhodri Gravell (grandsons); Deryk and Joan Davies, Emrys and Beryl Davies (brothers and sisters-in-law); Margaret Evans (sister); Nancy Thomas (sister-in-law); Olwen Thomas (aunt), nieces and nephews and cousins.

There was a family service at the Chapel of Rest, Clynderwen, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn, Narberth, officiated by Rev Hugh George and Rev Hywel Jones.

The bearers at the Chapel of Rest were Peter Howells, Alec Gravell, Llyr Gravell and Mark Evans, and at the crematorium were Colin Williams, Ralph Phillips, Len Thomas, Jeff Thomas (football friends).

There were family flowers only, with donations for the Paul Sartori Foundation and Narberth First Response, to Ken Davies, Blaenwern, Bro Waldo, Clynderwen, SA66 7NQ, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr A. L. Reed

Simpson Cross

In the obituary for Arthur Llewellyn Reed (Western Telegraph, March 25th), the following were omitted. Unable to attend Darren and Caroline Davies, Helen, Ian and Jessica Richards.

Mrs H. Young

Pembroke Dock

The death occurred on March 13th of Hannah Young, of Front Street, Pembroke Dock, after a long stay at Withybush Hospital. She was 85.

As a native of Pembroke Dock, she worked at the Anchorage Day Centre and the cancer charity shop.

She was predeceased by her husband George.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: George Young (son); Jean (daughter-in-law); Carol Threlfall (daughter); Terry (son-in-law); Marcus, Jason, Gethin, Luke and Sarah (grandchildren); Jake, Cian and Emily (great grandchildren), plus nieces, nephews and cousins.

The service was held at St John’s Church, Pembroke Dock, followed by interment in Llanion Cemetery. Rev Nigel Thomas officiated.

The bearers were Luke, Gethin, Marcus, and Jason (grandsons).

There were family flowers only, with donations for Cancer Research to Graham Thomas, 34 Charles Thomas Avenue, Pembroke Dock SA72 6UR.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by E. C. Thomas and Son, Pembroke Dock.

Mr G. D. Purton

Pembroke

The death occurred at Withybush Hospital of George Dennis Purton, of East Back, Pembroke, on March 20th. He was 83.

He was born in 1925 in West Ham, Stratford, London and also lived in Sussex.

During his working life he was a draughtsman and a chief engineer.

He had lived in Wales since 1962.

His interests included West Ham United football club, cricket, country sports, marine and military antiques and also supporting local charities.

He also designed and restored Castell Malgwyn stables at Llechryd.

He was predeceased by his wife, June Elizabeth Purton.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Karen, Ann and Nick (children); Ann (partner); Cait, Callum, Geraint, Gethin, Liam, Marin and Daniel (grandchildren), plus many others too numerous to mention.

The service was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium.

There were family flowers only with donations for ward 14, Withybush Hospital to Graham Thomas, 34 Charles Thomas Avenue, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6UR.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by E. C. Thomas and Son, Pembroke Dock.

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