Obituaries, February 24th 2010

Haverfordwest

The death of Edna Lucy Hughes, of Priory Avenue, Haverfordwest, occurred on February 2nd. She was 81 and died on ward seven of Withybush Hospital.

Originally from Selby, North Yorkshire, Edna was the eldest of six children and met her husband-to-be Thomas James Hughes (Tom) when he was stationed in the village in which she lived during his time in the army.

They married in 1950 in Selby Abbey and were devoted to each other. Edna was devastated when her husband died in 2006.

Edna worked as a nursing auxilliary before her marriage and had various positions after this. She enjoyed bingo, quiz shows, and watching snooker on TV. She was devoted to her late husband, six children, 17 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners were: Brenda, Lynda, Kelvin, Christopher, Louisa, Peter (daughters and sons); Sandra, Trudi, Beth (daughters-in-law); Brian (son-in-law); Simon, Sharon, Nicholas, Michael, Claire, Tina, Gavin, Damion, Sabrina, Alex, Phillip, Ashley, Craig, Stacey, Karl, Ryan, David (grandchildren); Sue, Chris, Robert, Daniel, Zoe, Steve, Luke, Lucia (grandchildren’s husbands, wives and partners); Dylan, Cameron, Charlotte, Nathan, Kieran, Tyler, Stacey, Eve, Zoe, Danielle, Rebecca, Brandon, Harrison, Jake (great grandchildren); Arthur and Brenda, Eva, Sheila and Roland, Noel and Janet, Roy (brothers and sisters, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law); Raymond, Sharon and Fiona, plus nieces and nephews too numerous to mention.

Unable to attend were: Louisa (youngest daughter) due to severe illness, and Vi, Percy and Frances also due to illness.

The service was held at Parc Gwyn and was officiated by Rev G. Lloyd.

The bearers were Kelvin and Peter (sons), Nick (grandson), Brian (son-in-law).

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Roy Folland and Son, Haverfordwest.

Mr L. B. Phillips

Jameston

Leslie Byron Phillips, of St James Place, Jameston, died at Withybush Hospital on January 26th.

Originally from Jameston, he worked on local farms and also as a security officer at Penally and Manorbier Camp. He retired in 2007 after 18 years of service.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Maureen (partner); Billy and Edna (brother and sister-in-law); Wynford and Sophie (brother and sister-in-law); Tommy (brother); John (nephew); Catherine and Peter (niece and husband); Kate (great niece); Susie and Will (niece and partner); Paul and Linda (nephew and wife); Sharon and Kathryn (partner’s daughter and granddaughter).

Unable to atttend were: Byron and Janice (nephew and wife); David and Marie (nephew and partner); Janice (niece); Sarah and Shane (partner’s daughter and son), plus cousins and friends too numerous to mention.

The service was held at St James Church, Manorbier, and was officiated by Ven Graham Davies.

The bearers were Alan, Peter, Danny, Michael, Paul and Gerald.

There were family flowers only with donations in lieu for Withybush Hospital’s dialysis unit.

These may be sent to Graham Thomas, 34 Charles Thomas Avenue, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6UR.

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

Mrs B. L. M. Robinson Pembroke Brenda Louisa Maud Robinson, of Kingsbridge Drive, Pembroke, died at Withybush Hospital on Sunday, January 24th. She was 82.

Brenda was born in Milford Haven, the fourth of eight children of Fred and Lucy Eynon. She lived with her parents for several years and then went to live with her uncle and aunt, Walter and Ena Gough, firstly in Aberdare and subsequently in Market Weighton and Rotherham.

On leaving school, she worked in the Rotherham Council’s education offices and met Eric, who was manager of the nearby W. H. Smith & Sons shop. They were married in Brenda’s church in Rotherham on June 8th 1955 and their first home was in Eric’s hometown of Brigg in north Lincolnshire.

They later moved to Hull but soon decided to buy their own business — a newsagents in Middles-brough, North Yorkshire where they lived for ten years until an opportunity to buy a newsagents business in Pembroke arose. In 1966 Brenda returned to the county to run Robinsons Newsagents in East End Square, Pembroke. The couple lived and worked together there for the next 30 years until retirement in 1995. They then handed over the business to their youngest son Peter. When Brenda and Eric retired from the shop to live in Kingsbridge Drive, they had been in business together for 39 years.

Brenda was a committed Christian and was a member of Mount Pleasant Chapel and, more recently, Tabernacle Church. She was a member of Pembroke and Lamphey WI and was also involved for many years in the running of the Pembroke Darby and Joan Club and the Pembroke Old People’s Welfare Committee. She supported Pembroke Male Voice Choir and the Pembroke Floral Arts and her other interests included gardening, reading, cooking and having a good debate.

Brenda was never happier than when surrounded by her family and took great pleasure in the achievements of her sons and their families, particularly her grandchildren — Sam, Helen, Sarah, Owen, Abigail and Lily.

The funeral took place on Wednesday, February 3rd at Tabernacle United Reformed Church, Pemb-roke, and was followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn. Pastor Rob James, of Westgate Chapel, Pembroke, officiated at both services.

Principal mourners are: Eric (husband); David and Sue, Colin and Deborah, Tim and Tina, Peter and Hilary (sons and daughters-in-law); Austin and Julie (brother and sister-in-law); Sam and Helen (grandchildren), Brian, Ray and Estelle and Trevor, Brenda and Barbara (cousins), Fred, Jennifer and Nicola, Gwyneth and Clarence, Gerald and Martin, Chris and Mary, Richard, Karen and Su, Marylyn, John and Sophie (nephews and nieces).

Unable to attend were Barbara and John (sister and brother-in-law), Margaret (niece) and Gareth (grandson).

In addition to many other friends, numerous representatives of Pembroke Male Voice Choir attended the funeral and formed a guard of honour outside the church.

There were family flowers only but donations in lieu, if desired, may be made to Pembroke Old People’s Welfare Committee and Pembroke Darby and Joan Club. These may be sent to John Roberts and Son, 51 Bush Street, Pembroke Dock who carried out the arrangements.

Mr E. T. Davies

Llanelli

Edward Thomas Davies, of Bryn Glas, Drefach, Llanelli, died at Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen, on January 14th. He was 74 and formerly of Whitland.

As a native of Johnstown, Carmarthen, Edward moved to Whitland and worked at the Gwalia family bakery. He then went on to work on the railway at Haverford-west, then went labouring for a few years. He then worked in the powder department at Dairy Crest Factory, Whitland, later working for Turners Builders before suffering ill-health.

During national service in 1956 he served with the Royal Ordinance Corps in Aldershot.

Edward enjoyed photography, DIY, his family, watching Wales play rugby, F1 motor racing and motor bike racing. He was known as Grismond by all who knew him and The Grizzler by his grandchildren.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Jean Davies (wife); Marie and Peter James (daughter and son-in-law); Gareth and Wendy Davies (son and daughter-in-law); Gavin and Hannah James, Craig, Gareth, Caru-Anne and Efan (grandchildren); Hollie (great granddaughter); Clifford and Anita Rees (cousin and wife); John and Eira (cousins), Diana; David and Elizabeth Cherry (brother-in-law and sister-in-law); Pat and Peter Russell (sister-in-law and brother-in-law); Liz and Bill Covington (sister-in-law and brother-in-law); Shirley, Christine, Susan and Thomas (nieces and nephew); Janet and David Sutton (cousin-in-law and husband), plus numerous friends.

The service was held a Parc Gwyn and was officiated by Rev Huw George.

The bearers were Gareth Davies (son); Gareth Davies (grandson); Peter James (son-in-law); Gavin James (grandson).

David Cherry read a poem and gave a personal tribute.

There were family flowers only, with donations for CCU, Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen, to E. C. Thomas and Son, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside SA67 8LT who carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr D. T. Lewis

Haverfordwest

The death of David Thomas Lewis (Tom), of St Martin’s Park, Haverfordwest, occurred at Withybush Hospital on January 30th, after a four-week stay. He was 81 and originally from Narberth.

After training as a teacher at Trinity College, Carmarthen, he taught at various schools in Pembrokeshire, including becoming headteacher of Loveston Primary School. He returned to college later to major in maths and took up a post of maths teacher at Sir Thomas Picton School, Haverfordwest, where he taught for many years, until early retirement in 1986.

His interests included his family, reading biographies and theological books, cricket, hiking and classical music. He was an active member of Bethany Free Church in Clarbeston Road and Haverfordwest Stroke Club.

The service was held at Bethany Free Church, Clarbeston Road and Parc Gwyn. Rev Norman Gilbert officiated. The bearers were Kevin, David, Ben and Sam Keen, Lewis Townend and Thomas Robb (son-in-law and grandsons).

Family left to mourn are: Paula Lewis (wife); Hilary Townend (daughter); Frances and Carl (daughter and partner); Sarah and Sean (daughter and partner); Kevin Keen (son-in-law); David, Ben, Sam, Hannah, Lewis, Kate, Thomas and Alistair (grandchildren); Ken Lewis, Robert and Tegwyn Lewis, Mary and Brian Preston (brothers and sisters and their families) plus cousins and their families, nephews and nieces and their families.

Unable to attend were: Jed and Jo Lewis, Donald and Margo Lewis (brothers and sisters-in-law); Millicent Dalby (sister) and others too numerous to mention.

There were immediate family flowers only, with donations in lieu for overseas missionary fellowship and Crossroads Care Company to E. C. Thomas and Son, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, Narberth SA67 8LT, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mrs M. Knight

Haverfordwest

Margaret Knight, of Dunsany Park, Haverford-west, died on January 5th, aged 75.

Margaret was born on Bethany Row, Haverford-west and spent her childhood there. She attended Prendergast School and then Tasker Milward. From there she went to Swansea Training College, where she met her first husband Mervyn.

After a period of living in London, she and Mervyn and their two children went to Fiji, where Mervyn worked for the Fijian government. He died there suddenly, and Margaret returned to Haverfordwest.

She bought a house in Dunsany Park and was joined there later by Jack on their marriage. They spent 38 happy years together.

Margaret had a great interest in everything that went on around her. She was an avid reader and was fond of knitting, tapestry, water colour painting, travel and all things to do with nature and animals, particularly cats. She was also a member of Arthritis Care and the Labour Party and made many friends there.

Principal mourners were: Jack Knight (husband); Timothy and Daniel Knight (son and grandson); Elizabeth Knight (daughter) and Tom Jamieson, John and Anne Reeve (brother and sister-in-law); Hazel and Tony Bowen (sister and brother-in-law); Robin Reeve and Marcia Vale (cousins); David and Eirya Evans (nephew and niece) and John Evans (nephew); Winnie Evans (sister-in-law); Christine Evans (niece, unable to attend).

The funeral took place on January 22nd at Parc Gwyn. The service was officiated by Canon Geoffrey Gwyther and the bearers were Timothy and Daniel Knight, David and John Evans.

The funeral arrangements were carried out Roy Folland and Son, Haverfordwest.

Mr J. D. Atkinson

Haverfordwest

On January 20th, James Douglas Atkinson, of Penns Close, Haverfordwest, died at Withybush Hospital. He was 83.

Originally from the Isle of Wight, Jim arrived at Castlemartin Camp in 1957 with a detachment of the Military Police and met Lena who was in the Pembrokeshire Police, stationed at Pembroke Dock. They married in 1958 and settled in Haverfordwest. After leaving the Military Police, Jim worked at Cavendish Furniture Company and for BT at the telephone exchange in Haverfordwest until 1988 when the exchange closed.

During the war he served in the Hampshire regiment and served in east Africa and later joined the Royal Military Police.

His hobbies included DIY, fishing and gardening and he was an avid Manchester United fan.

Family left to mourn are: Lena (wife); Robert and Kathryn (son and daughter-in-law); Gareth and Susan (son and daughter-in-law); Bethan and Gary (granddaughter and boyfriend); Lindsey and Jenny (grandson and girlfriend); Kathryn (granddaughter); Meredith (granddaughter); Darius (grandson); Mary Salter (niece); Ken and Stella Atkinson (nephew and wife); Brian and Pauline (nephew and wife); Roy and Diane Ormond (nephew and wife); Peter Ormond (nephew) and Anthony Ormond (great nephew).

The service was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and was officiated by Rev Martyn Evans. During the service, a eulogy was read by his grandson Lindsey.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Roy Folland and Son, Haverfordwest.

Mr R. G. James

Milford Haven

The funeral took place on January 29th of Richard Gerald James. He died at home, aged 71.

Gerald lived in Milford Haven all his life and during that time he had many jobs, but the one he loved most was his time spent as a carpenter.

Over the years his dolls’ houses, car transporters and rocking horses brought much delight to local children and many charities. He was still making them until he died.

Left to mourn are: Vera (wife); Karan (daughter); Mark (son); Amanda (daughter-in-law); Philip (son-in-law) and Sam (his grandson) together with his brother Gordon and wife Mary, and many family and friends too numerous to mention.

The service at the cemetery was carried out by Malcom Hawkins (ROAB).

There were family flowers only, but donations can be paid into Barclays Bank for the Paul Sartori Foundation and Macmillan Nurses.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Frank Newing and Shane Morgan.

Mr E. G. James

Merlins Bridge

Ernest Gordon James, of Glen View, Merlins Bridge, Haverfordwest, died at his home on January 21st. He was 80.

Gordon worked for BT as a mechanic for 33 years until his retirement. He was a member of RAOB Picton Castle Lodge.

Family left to mourn are: Rowena (wife); Pauline and Michael, Wendy and John (daughters and sons-in-law); Ross and Anna (grandson and fiancee); James, Thomas, Daniel and Luke (grandsons); Freda and Fred (sister and brother-in-law); Mary (sister); Martin and Hugh (brothers) together with other relatives too numerous to mention.

The funeral service was held at St Martin’s Church, followed by interment at City Road cemetery.

The service was led by Fr R. Graham Lloyd and the bearers were Ross Harries, James Wray, Thomas Wray, Daniel Wray, Luke Wray (grandsons) and Arthur Daye (nephew).

There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu to the cardiac unit, Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Glyn Thomas and Son, Freystrop.

Mr J. D. G. Scourfield

Begelly

James David George Scourfield, of Windberry Top Farm, Begelly, died at home on January 21st. He was 71.

David was born in the old Tenby Cottage Hospital and was the eldest of three brothers.

He spent his whole life at Windberry Top Farm, where he worked hard to build up his dairy farm.

In his younger days David also used to help his uncle who farmed at Gilfach. David was a dedicated farmer and was well respected. Due to ill-health, he had to retire from farming 18 months ago.

David never married, but found love with Diana, whom he had known for 15 years. They enjoyed holidays together in Scotland and Ireland and were very happy together.

David was very close to his brothers and their families. He also became very close to Diana’s children and grandchildren.

David leaves to mourn: Diana (partner); Gwyn and Gareth (brothers); Diane and Alison (sisters-in-law); nephews and nieces and their children and Diana’s children and their families, plus cousins too numerous to mention.

There was a family service at the farmhouse on January 28th, followed by a moving service led by Rev Elwyn John at Parc Gwyn Crematorium.

There were family flowers only and the bearers were Glyn Williams, Hywel Davies, Peter John, Gwyn Morgan, Huw Scourfield and Callum Lowe.

Donations, if desired, for Wales Air Ambulance, may be sent to E. C. Thomas and Son, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr J. A. Roberts

HAVERFORDWEST

THE funeral of John Albert Roberts took place on January 25th. He was 86, and born in the Back Lane, Prendergast.

There was a family service at his home in Stepney Terrace, which was officiated by Cannon Geoffrey Gwyther, followed by a church service at St David’s Church, Prendergast, and interment at Prendergast cemetery.

Johnny, as he was known, was predeceased by his wife Mary in 1990. They had nine children, 23 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

Family left to mourn are his children and partners - Dot, Phillip John and family, Jill, Graham Campion and family, Dilys, Neil Hancock and family, Alan, Debbie Roberts and family, John Roberts, Nicki James and family, Lynda Roberts, Kevin Brown and family, Neil, Beverly Roberts and family, Hazel, David Arnold and family, Della Halgunseth (daughter from America) and Matthew Hooper (grandson), who read a poem at the graveside.

There were also nieces and nephews, friends, neighbours and work mates.

The bearers were Andrew John, Kenneth Campion, Sion Roberts, Mark Hooper, John Roberts, David Arnold (grandsons).

Unable to attend were Richard Halgunseth (son-in-law); David Halgunseth (grandson); Christina and Jason Corbett (granddaughter and husband); Elizabeth Corbett (great granddaughter) living in America, Katherine and Penthlyn Lewis (granddaughter and husband), Jemimah Lewis (great granddaughter) living in America, Danial Hancock and Julia Hill (grandson and partner) abroad.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to Cancer Research UK.

Mrs A. T. McMullan

Pembroke

Agnes Teresa McMullan died on January 9th at her son’s home in Hundleton. She was 79 and from South Terrace, Pembroke.

Agnes was originally from Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, where she worked as a Pye Radio factory worker.

She enjoyed reading and socialising with her family and friends. She attended the Catholic Church, St Joseph’s, in Pembroke.

She was predeceased by her husband, John McMullan, in 1980.

Family left to mourn are: Billy and Rachel McMullan (son and daughter-in-law); Simon, Joanne, Connor and Aiden McMullan (grandchildren); Nan Gribben and family, Mr and Mrs G. Hylands, Mr and Mrs M. O’Toole, Mr and Mrs T. Wilkinson, Mr and Mrs A. Todd, Mr and Mrs Michael Gribben, Mr and Mrs J. Hubbard, plus various family, friends and neighbours too numerous to mention.

The service was held at St Joseph’s, Pembroke, followed by interment at Monkton cemetery. Father Patrick officiated.

The bearers were Liam Gribben, Michael Gribben, Simon McMullan, Gary Davies, Steven Pannell and Philip McAuley.

There were family flowers only, with donations for the Paul Sartori Foundation and Macmillan Cancer Support to Graham Thomas, 34 Charles Thomas Avenue, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6UR. The funeral arrangements were carried out by E. C. Thomas and Son, Pembroke.

Mr R. A. James

PEMBROKE

The funeral of Robert Andrew James was held at Parc Gwyn, Narberth. Robert died unexpectedly on January 15th. He was 54.

Born in Pembroke, Robert was educated at Pennar Primary School and Pembroke Grammar School before going on to the University of Surrey where he obtained a BSc in mechanical engineering.

He joined the merchant navy and served as a chief engineer for many years before leaving to set up in business (Mainstream Refrigeration) firstly in Cambridge and then in Pembrokeshire.

Robert leaves to mourn: Rhys and Beth (son and daughter); Karen (partner); Walter and Elizabeth (parents); Stevie and Dan (sister and brother-in-law); Justin and Tina (brother and partner); Mair Catling, Lillian Price and Jeff James (aunts and uncle); Geraint and Lynda, Dennis and Lynda, Haydn and Ingrid, Pauline and Ken, Christine and David, Irene, Lance, Carol and Edward (cousins), Frankie, Alex, Victoria, James, Caroline, Joe and David (nephews and nieces); Dulcie and Ken (partners parents). Unable to attend were Doll and Tom Rees, Ivy and Frank Masters and Jenny (aunts and uncles).

There were family flowers only, but if desired, donations for the RNLI may be sent to Neil Roberts, of 51 Bush Street, Pembroke, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mrs M. G. Croucher

Llangwm

Mollie Grace Croucher, of The Kilns, Llangwm (formerly of Broad Haven), died on January 30th. She was 86.

Originally from Herne Bay, Kent, she moved to Pembrokeshire in 1989 and over the years she fostered more than 40 children.

She served in the WRAF during the war. She had a love for camping and driving and was a volunteer driver for social services in Kent.

In Broad Haven she was always a willing chauffeur when needed, and was an active member of Broad Haven Baptist Church.

Family left to mourn are: Barry (son); Colleen (daughter); Kat and Kerry (granddaughters).

The service was held at Broad Haven Baptist Church followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn and was officiated by Rev Ifor Williams.

There were family flowers only with donations for the Dog’s Trust and Children’s Fostering Network, which can be sent to E. C. Thomas and Son, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mrs E. James

Milford Haven

Eileen G. James, of Burton Ferry, Milford Haven, died at her home on January 29th, aged 94.

Originally from Shenstone, Eileen and her husband Bill ran a successful cycle and pram business in Birmingham.

Both looked forward to retiring to Pembrokeshire, which they did in 1975. Bill died in 1996.

Eileen's life centred around her home and garden, of which she was very proud. She was a kind and compassionate woman. Every visitor to her home was made to feel extra special.

Left to mourn are: Michael Dickman (nephew), Malcolm Lewis (Jersey) and Keith and Eirwen Howells, George and Jean Dickman, Dorothy and Fern Harfatt, Timothy and Joanne Howells, Peter Huyshe, Graham Jones, Ruby and John Jones, Tricia and Ian Jones, Rhys and Olive Lawrence, Steve and Malcolm Lewis, Shirley and John Marles with Phillippa and Bethan, Mair Michael, David and Mrs Pyart, Brian Roberts, Allan, Anne and Timothy Rudd, Bob Scott, Sue and Dave Scott, Brian and Beryl Steele with Fiona, James and Anita Thomas, Joan Thomas, Sarah and Richard Wigzell.

The funeral took place at Parc Gwyn on Friday, February 5th. Rev Martyn Evans officiated.

Donations in lieu to the Paul Sartori Foundation, 31 Haven Road, Haverfordwest.

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

Mr A. J. Allen

Pembroke Dock

The death of Aubrey James Allen occurred at Pembroke Haven Residential Home, Pembroke Dock, on January 20th. He was 90.

Aubrey was brought up in Front Street, Pembroke Dock, the second eldest of five children. He lived most of his life in Pembroke Dock and worked most of his life on The Tosco Pop, and Co-op bakery deliveries in Pembroke and Pembroke Dock. He then worked at Silcox Garage, from where he retired.

He was a long standing member of the RAFA Club, which he frequented well into his 80s.

Aubrey was predeceased by his wife Joan in 1992.

Family left to mourn are: Wendy and Ian (daughter and son-in-law); Malcolm and Vivienne (son and daughter-in-law); Andrew and Tracey (son and partner); Carrie, Bobby, Lucy, Craig, Jamie and Sian (grandchildren); Cameron (great grandson); Nancy, Joyce and Affie, Glyn and Linda, David and Ann (brothers and sisters-in-law); Jean, John, Gwen, Brian, Keith, Shirley, Marion, Stephen, Anthony, Michael, Jane and Yvonne, Barbara, Dean, Mandy, Annette and families (nieces and nephews).

The funeral service was held at Parc Gwyn and was led by Rev Elwyn John. The bearers were Ian (son-in-law); Bobby, Craig and Jamie (grandsons).

There were family flowers only, with donations for the Royal Institute of the Blind to John Roberts, 51 Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr A. J. John

Milford Haven

The death of Alan Jeffrey John, of Woodland Crescent, Mount Estate, Milford Haven occurred at Withybush Hospital on February 6th. He was 60.

He was the widower of Susan Pamela John.

He retired from being a trading standards officer in 2006. His hobbies included following and watching rugby.

Family left to mourn are: Beatrice John (mother), Joyce E. Davies (sister), C. Davies (brother-in-law), John Davies (nephew), Mark Davies (nephew), Adam Davies (nephew), Keith and Derrick Hall (brothers-in-law).

The funeral took place on February 12th, at Hamilton Court Funeral Home, Milford Haven, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn.

The bearers were Gareth Barrett, Richard Evans, Jeff Sinnett and Gerald O’Leary.

Donations in lieu for Cancer Research UK via Margaret Jones, 113 Waterloo Road, Hakin.

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