Obituaries, September 29th 2010

Scleddau

The funeral service took place on September 16th of Delma Thomas, of Maes Awel, Scleddau who died on September 11th at her home. She was the beloved wife of the late Len.

The funeral service took place at St Gwyndaf’s Church, Llanwnda and was followed by interment at Llanwnda cemetery. The service was led by Rev Brian Barnes.

Principal mourners were: Kevin and Stephanie (son and daughter-in-law); Lynette and Dougie (daughter and partner); Bryn, Wayne, Kelly, Jessica and Grace (grandchildren and partners); Wenday, Brian, Roselyn and Jeanette (sisters, brothers and partners), together with nieces, nephews and cousins too numerous to mention. Unable to attend were the great grandchildren. The bearers were her grandchildren.

There were family flowers only, with donations for the COPD (an emphysema charity) to Paul Jenkins and Sons, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB, who carried out the arrangements.

Mr L. H. Jenkins

Goodwick

Lewis Henry Jenkins, of Hill Street, Goodwick has died at the age of 89.

Lew, as he was known, held a strong Christian faith all his life, growing up at the family home in Cwmgwrach in the Vale of Neath.

It was not thought that Lewis would survive when he was born; he was so small as to fit in a pint pot.

His family moved around with the Great Western Railway Company and at an early age they moved to Goodwick.

Lew’s father and most of his close relatives were all railwaymen, so it was no surprise that when he left school he went to work for the GWR.

Lew was proud of his long association with the railway, he never lost his fondness of steam and the companionship and fellowship he enjoyed working on the great steam locomotives.

Lewis met and fell in love with Margaret Jane. The couple had many happy years together, and they really were soul mates. Margaret died in 1977.

Lew was a first aid teacher with Sea Link. He was awarded a medal from the St John Ambulance in recognition of his skill and diligence.

For many years Lew sat on the bench of magistrates as a Justice of the Peace, his wisdom and clear thinking valued in the community until his retirement in 1990.

He had a long history with St Peter’s Church, Goodwick. He worshipped there most of his life, and he was always involved in the life of the church. He was church warden and later verger, and served as an officer of the church for more than 65 years.

Lew was a founder member of St Peter’s men’s society and for many years a fastidious secretary and treasurer.

Lew had a kind word to say for everyone and many were privileged to call him a friend. He had boundless energy, you could not stop Lew when he set his mind to something.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Paul Jenkins and Sons, Fishguard.

Mrs E. M. Betts

Kilgetty

The death occurred on August 17th of Elsie Maud Betts, of Yerbeston Mountain Farm, Kilgetty. She died at her home, aged 86.

She was a housewife and mother, and she was a much-loved mother, grandma and great grandma.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Sue and Martin (daughter and son-in-law); Vicky and Sarah (granddaughters); Chloe and Alys (great granddaughters); Sheila and Dave (close friends). Dolly (sister-in-law) was unable to attend.

The service was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and was officiated by Father Paul Davies.

Bearers were Hadyn Mathias, Richard Mathias, Philip Merriman and Martin Brodie.

There were family flowers only with donations for the Paul Sartori Foundation to E. C. Thomas and Son, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, SA67 8LT, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr D. Jamieson

Pembroke

Donald Jamieson died at his home after a short illness, aged 76.

He was a native of Hornchurch, Essex and moved with his wife and family to Pembroke Dock in 1967.

He worked as a butcher with Bernie Best in Dewhurst, Pembroke Dock and later in Fine Fare and the Co-op from where he retired due to ill-health.

Family left to mourn are: wife Pat; sons Peter and Robert; daughter Carol; brother Stan and partner Judy; daughter-in-law Gillian; son-in-law Mike; grand-daughter Kara; brother and sister-in-law Arthur and Jean, together with numerous other relatives and friends.

Bearers were Ian and Steven James (nephews); Dave Whiting and Derek Calcutt (friends).

The funeral took place at Monkton church on August 2nd.

Unable to attend were his brother and sister and brother-in-law Alan and Jean, Rosemary and Chris.

There were family flowers only, with donations to the Paul Sartori Foundation.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by John Roberts and Son.

Mrs D. G. John

Milford Haven

Dorothy Gwendoline John (Nanny John), of Castle Pill Road, Steynton, died at home on August 29th. She was 89.

A native of Milford Haven, she was a hairdresser.

Predeceased by her husband Harold, she leaves to mourn: Mervyn and Jenny (son and daughter-in-law); Matthew and Natalie (grandson and wife); Nathan and Teresa (grandson and partner); Adrian, Julia and Laura (grandchildren); Nicolle, Charlie, Daniel, Cerys, Ioan, Megan, Olivia, Harry, Mali, Maisie and Iestyn (great-grandchildren); Peter and Linda (nephew and niece); Natalie and Teresa, Audrey, Edith, Derek (sisters-in-law); Brian, Sian, Ann, Bobby, Suzanne (close family friends).

The service was held at St Katherine’s Church on September 3rd and was followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn, Narberth. Canon John Davies officiated and the bearers were Mervyn (son); Adrian, Nathan and Matthew (grandsons).

Donations for the RNLI may be sent to Julia John, White Dove, Upper Thornton, Milford Haven.

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

Mrs K. Gwilliam

Milford Haven

Kathy Gwilliam, of Hilton Avenue, Milford Haven, died at Withybush Hospital on September 20th. She was 90.

Kathy was born in Great Yarmouth in 1920, the daughter of trawler skipper Claude Mileham and Ella. She moved to Milford aged three where her father, affectionately known as “Smiler” Mileham, was to skipper the trawler Tenedos.

Kathy grew up in Milford. It was there she met her future husband, Alf Gwilliam, soon to become a Naval war hero decorated with the Conspicuous Gallantry Medal for his brave actions in the Battle of the River Plate.

At the outbreak of the Second World War, Kathy moved to Yarmouth to train as a seamstress making Army uniforms, then to Paisley in Scotland to work in an armament factory making shell-cases, then to Plymouth to make parachutes.

She set up home in Plymouth with the Reynolds family, who were to become lifelong friends. Plymouth was blitzed by the Luftwaffe and many nights were spent huddled in an air-raid shelter. At the end of the war she moved back to Milford to raise her family.

When her husband Alf became ill, she took on the role of breadwinner and worked in catering and in the ITT factory. She was devoted to her family and was never short of a kind word, a compliment and a kiss and a hug.

She loved music, dancing and playing cards. Kathy and her many friends travelled the county and farther afield attending dancing competitions.

In retirement, she worked as a volunteer at the Hamilton House Day Centre (where her parents had been wardens).

Gardening had become her passion and even at the age of 89, she could still mow the grass.

Kathy will be remembered as a small person with a big heart, always happy and strong in the face of any obstacle. Even in her late years, she never missed out on any outings, dinners or parties and thoroughly enjoyed her 90th birthday party this year. She was never a burden on anyone, always kept her sense of humour and was fun to be with.

The funeral was at Hamilton Court on September 23rd, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn. Rev Paul Bartlett officiated, with Tom Newing and Sons carrying out the arrangements.

The principal mourners are: Linda and David Hodgkinson (daughter and son-in-law); Roy and Ann Gwilliam (son and daughter-in-law); John and Paula Gwilliam (son and daughter-in-law); grandchildren John (and Kate) and Robert Hoggins, Tom and Hannah Gwilliam, Kate and Sam Gwilliam; great grandchildren Nicolas, Elliot, George and Seb; Jim and Philip Davies, Barbara Fletcher and family , Alfred Fletcher and family, Alec Clark and family, Kath Johnson and family, Janet Golding, Nigel Gwilliam.

There were family flowers only and donations in lieu to British Heart Foundation, Memorium Department, Greater London House, London, NW1 7AW.

Mr R. J. Steele

Roch

The death occurred at Parc-y-Llyn Care Home in Ambleston of Reginald John Steele on September 12th. He was 92.

Originally from Sussex he was a civil servant in the Lord Chancellor’s department based in Sussex, Devon and Cardiff.

He retired in 1978 and was a principal auditor. He served in the Sussex Yeomanry in North Africa and Palestine.

Reginald’s interests included U3A, painting, gardening and caravanning (caravan club).

Mr and Mrs Steele were married in the same year as the Queen and Prince Philip in 1947 and in 1997 they were one of the couples invited to a golden wedding celebration at Buckingham Palace.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Diana and Mary (daughters); Colin (son-in-law); Lynette (granddaughter); Stephen (grandson) and Brenda (widow).

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

The funeral was attended by close family and friends.

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

Miss M. H. Adams

Llandissilio

The death occurred on Friday September 10th at her home in Llandissilio of Margaret Haulwen (Peggy) Adams. She was 84.

Peggy was born at Pwllcwarre and then moved to Garthowen, moving to her present home in the village eight years ago.

Peggy was the sister of Pat Jones and the late Ivy Hart. All three entered the nursing profession and were state registered nurses. Peggy worked at Sully and Llandough hospitals, Cardiff and Edgeware, Middlesex.

Left to mourn are Pat Jones (sister); Cyril Hart (brother-in-law); Margaret Kunz, Jayne Hart, Dave Hart (nieces and nephews); Elis Evans (cousin).

The funeral service was held at Parc Gwyn on Friday, September 17th and was officiated by Revs Huw George and Jill Haley-Harries.

Unable to attend were John Kunz, Natasha, Chico, Lorenzo and Chantal Bazzano (Switzerland); Jonathan Kunz (Australia) and John Hart (Chippenham).

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

Mrs E. J. Adams

Milford Haven

Elizabeth Jean Adams (nee Hicks), of Haven Drive died on September 3rd on ward ten of Withybush Hospital. She was 49.

Known to her loved ones as Jean, she was the much loved daughter of Norman (deceased) and Eileen Hicks, doting mother of Sian, Gareth, Thomas and stepmother of Laura-Sian Adams, loving grandmother of Leon Dyson and Ethan Griffiths and beloved sister to Lilian Griffiths, Linda Tattersal and Barry Hicks.

Jean had a large family, who will always remember her with great affection and love.

The funeral took place at Parc Gwyn on September 10th and was officiated by Father Jeff Gwyther.

There were family flowers only. Donations in aid of the Paul Sartori Foundation and Macmillan Cancer Support, who provided Jean with care during her last few weeks. These can be sent to Denis and Lilian Griffiths, of 5 Seaview Terrace, Herbrandston.

Capt R. W. D. Kenyon

Nolton Haven

CAPT Rodney Walker Dixon Kenyon lost his battle with lung cancer on September 6th. He died at home surrounded by his family.

Born in Bolton, Lancashire, in 1928, Rodney spent all his life at sea. He started his education at Bolton School, moved on to Gordonstoun and then to the training ship, HMS Conway. He joined the British and Commonwealth Line and served on a wide variety of vessels from tankers, reefers and cargo vessels to staff commander on the Union Castle passenger ships.

In 1970 he was seconded to Cape Town for 18 months to supervise the introduction of a new system of loading, and in 1975 he came ashore as director of T. T. Pasco in Milford Haven. However, his love of the sea proved too strong and in 1981 he joined a German shipping company where he served until his retirement in 1994.

From this rich and varied experience Rodney amassed a vast fund of stories and was often asked to talk to local organisations about his adventures. He decided to settle in Nolton Haven 40 years ago. His garden, children and grandchildren were very important to him. He was a member of Nolton and Roch parish council for many years, and a member of the U3A.

On retirement he used to get itchy feet several times a year and loved touring the continent by car. He was a passenger on the last voyage of the QE2 to Dubai, which was a memorable experience.

Rodney was a man who lived life to the full. He was a happy man and often said that there was very little he would have liked to change.

Mrs E. V. Coombe

Milford Haven

The funeral took place on August 26th at St David’s Church, Hubberston, of Edna Violet Coombe. She died at Fairfield Residential Nursing Home on August 18th, aged 100.

Edna was predeceased by her husband Ernest in 1967 and daughters Jean in 1990 and Kathleen in 2006.

Rev Alan Chadwick and Rev Bill Lewis officiated and the bearers were grandchildren Stephen, Jamie, Timothy and Christian.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Dorothy and Vic, Eddie and Heather, David and Margaret, Alan and Susan, Dennis and Jeanette, Philip and Gwyneth (sons and daughters-in-law); Colin and Russ (sons-in-law); Ruth, Vincent, Sharon, Poppy, Simon and Michelle, Stephen and Louise, James and Rachel, Catherine, James and Archie, Karen, Gemima, Rowan and Cherry, Beverley, Sarah and Libby, Tim and Nicky, Christian, Susan and Christopher, Jamie and Joseph, Gareth and Pam, Sian and Matthew, Nicholas, Paul, Sarah, Findlay and Nattie, Heath and Laura (grandchildren, wives and partners also great grandchildren); Sandra and Frank, Mike and Glesni, Jenny, Sylvia and John, Peggy, Peter and Janet, Cheryl and Jonnie, Clive and Gillian (nephews and nieces), plus numerous friends and neighbours.

Donations in lieu of flowers are for the Alzheimer’s Society, Havens Head Business Park, Milford Haven.

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

Mrs R. M. Jones

Milford Haven

The death occurred at Withybush Hospital on August 22nd of Rahel Matilda Jones (Tila), of Upper Thornton, Milford Haven. She was 91.

Originally from Mydroilyn, Ceredigion, she left school at 14 and worked on a farm, and during the war years she lived on the family farm. The family settled in Milford Haven when they moved to Gellyswick Farm in 1955.

Tila became an active member of the women’s committee at the rugby club, joining her husband Dai and sons Cal and Elfed with their love of rugby.

She enjoyed knitting and baking, and spent many hours in her garden, which she continued to tend well into her 80s.

After the death of her husband Dai, she took solace in spending time with her family. In March 2008, she lost her younger son Elfed after a long illness.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Calvert and Joan (son and daughter-in-law); Hayden and Gwyneth (brother and sister-in-law); Jean (daughter-in-law); Gareth and Kathy, Terry and Karen (grandsons and wives); Glyn (grandson); Sue and Andrew, Sian and Rod, Wendy and Dafydd (granddaughters and husbands); Jennie, Jason, Jamie, Ellie, David, Oliver, Harriet, Alice, Bethan and Rhys (great grandchildren).

The funeral service was held at Parc Gwyn and was officiated by Rev G. Ronald Price.

Bearers were Gareth Jones, Terry Jones, Glyn Jones (grandsons); Jason Clarke, Jamie Reid, David Jones (great grandsons).

Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to Crossroads, Pembrokeshire.

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

Mrs J. Cerri

Roch

The death occurred on August 31st at Withybush Hospital of Jean Cerri, of St Brides View, Roch (formerly of The Cambrian Inn, Solva).

Originally from Nottinghamshire, Jean moved to Haverfordwest 30 years ago with her husband Piero, and both worked for a number of years at the Pembroke House Hotel, Haverfordwest.

In 1982, Jean and Piero took over The Cambrian Inn, Solva, where they soon built up a reputation for excellent food and a warm welcome.

Piero died in 1994 but Jean continued at ‘The Cam’ with the support of her staff until she retired in 2002. She moved to Roch to be near her eldest daughter Jane, and grandsons Jamie and Richard.

Jean loved living in Pembrokeshire and liked nothing more than walking along the local beaches on blustery days. She also looked forward to visits from England by her youngest daughter Luisa, son-in-law Damian and spending time with her grandchildren Kieran and Julia.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Jane (daughter); Luisa and Damian (daughter and son-in-law); Jamie and Richard, Kieran and Julia (grandchildren); Gill (sister); Joe and Pauline, Eric and Margaret, Cec and Sylvia (brothers and sisters-in-law); Christopher, Donna and Charles (nephews and nieces); plus other family members too numerous to mention.

Bearers were Chris Taylor, Mike Davies, Peter Richards and Terry Richards.

The service was held at St David’s Church, Whitchurch, Solva, and was officiated by Rev Gareth Reid.

Donations in lieu of flowers for Cancer Research and ward ten Withybush Hospital may be sent to Bernard Mathias, 62 New Street, St Davids, SA62 6SU, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr J. G. Campbell

Haverfordwest

The death occurred at Withybush Hospital on September 1st of John Glen Campbell, of Hawthorn Rise, Haverfordwest. He was 76.

Originally from Glasgow, he spent 11 years in the Fleet Air Arm and Royal Navy attaining the rank of leading hand (aircraft handler II) between 1950 and 1961. He served on HMS Gannett, Eagle, Bulwark, Theseus and many other ships. He finished his service at RNAS Brawdy.

He then worked in the construction industry as a steel fixer for 25 years and worked on local projects within the oil industry. He was then a caretaker and administrative assistant at Hawthorn Rise Welsh Water Authority before retiring.

His interests included playing as a senior at the Haverfordwest golf club, and being on the committee of the Haverfordwest Royal Naval Association.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Hilda Campbell (wife); John (son); Yvonne and Janet (daughters).

Mrs S. E. Owens

Haverfordwest

The funeral took place recently of Shirley Elizabeth Owens, of Cherry Grove, Haverfordwest who died on August 25th. She was 65.

Originally from Sardis, Rosemarket, she was a seamstress in her younger days with T. P. Hughes and in latter years as a healthcare worker until retirement due to ill-health.

Her interests were her grandchildren and gardening.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Don Owens (husband); Mark Rhys-Owens (son); Gareth, Gwili, Geraint and Alys (grandchildren).

The service was held at Prendergast Church followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and was officiated by Cannon G. Gwyther.

Bearers at the church were Paul Lucas, Ian Davies, Richard Pullin and Jim Roberts and at the crematorium were Ian Davies, Richard Pullin, Andrew Wood and Mal Edwards.

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

Mrs M. C. Evans

Neyland

The death occurred at West Lane, Honeyborough, Neyland, of Mary Corinne Evans, on September 6th. She was 69, and was originally from Haverfordwest.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Ted (husband); Jayne and Andrea (daughters); Matthew (grandson); Simon (son-in-law); Michelle (family friend); Melanie, Brian and Clare (niece and family).

The service was held at St Tudwal’s Church, Llanstadwell, followed by interment at Honeyborough Cemetery, Neyland, and was officiated by Rev Alan Chadwick.

The bearers were Simon Berry, Matthew Berry, Brian Reynolds, Richard Haymon, Fred Jones and Clive Rowe.

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

Mrs W. Richards

Maidenwells

The funeral took place on August 17th of Winifred Richards (née Williams) of Rose Cottage, Maidenwells, Pembroke.

She died at Ashdale Nursing Home, Pembroke where she had spent the last nine years. She was 95.

Win was born and lived all her life at Rose Cottage. She married her husband Bill in 1947 but he predeceased her 16 years ago. They had one daughter. Her main interests were caring for her family and Gilead Chapel.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Margaret (daughter); George and Glenys (nephew and wife); Chris (great-nephew); Beryl Hay, Meredydd Thomas, May Esmond and Margaret and John Randall (cousins). Unable to attend was Gail Richards.

The funeral service took place at Gilead Chapel, Maidenwells and was followed by interment in the chapel cemetery. The service was led by Rev Martyn Evans with Joan Lewis on the organ.

Bearers were David Lloyd, Martin Lewis, Philip Lloyd and Glyn Smith.

There were family flowers only, but donations in lieu to be shared between Ashdale Residential Home and Gilead Chapel may be sent to John Roberts and Son, 51 Bush Street, Pembroke Dock SA72 6AN, who also carried out the arrangements.

Mr C. P. GRIFFITHS

HAVERFORDWEST

Phil Griffiths, who died aged 89 at Withybush Hospital on September 4th, brought practical talent to his career as a local telephone engineer with the GPO and British Telecom, his active service in Europe and the Middle East during the Second World War and his leisure pursuits in retirement.

He was a member of an old Haverfordwest family and was educated at Barn Street School and the Grammar School before following his father into the engineering division of the GPO in 1938. In a career spanning 45 years, he became the technical officer responsible for the telephone exchanges built in Tenby and Saundersfoot in the 1950s, overseeing the extension of direct trunk dialling to the area, before transferring to Haverford-west in 1966 as assistant executive engineer with a county-wide remit.

His career was interrupted by war time service in the Army. Radio and wireless building had been hobbies since his boyhood and these interests meant that he was ideally suited to serve with the Royal Corps of Signals in France, Belgium, Italy and Palestine. He was mentioned in despatches for distinguished service in the Mediterranean.

In 1949 he married Edna Davies, of Hook, and the couple lived first at Cold Blow and then for 15 years at Saundersfoot, where they were communicants at St Issell’s Church. Phil was among the scout leaders who helped revive the parish troop while his wife was an active supporter of the troop’s community activities. After moving to Haverfordwest, they settled at Priory Park where, since 1983, Phil had enjoyed a happy retirement tending his garden, developing his interest in photography and getting to grips with modern technology. Quiet and unassuming by nature, he also cherished family life, particularly visits from his granddaughter Helen and great-nieces Meggie and Beth.

In recent times he was nursed by his wife and last year the couple celebrated their diamond wedding.

He is survived by his wife and son, who were the principal mourners with his daughter-in-law and grand-daughter among family, friends and former Telecom colleagues who attended his funeral at St Thomas’ Church on September 14th.

The services at the church and Parc Gwyn Crematorium were led by Rev Father Graham Lloyd. Helen Griffiths read her grandfather’s favourite poem, Leisure by W. H. Davies.

There were family flowers only. Donations in lieu for St Thomas’ Surgery may be made to Mrs L. Buttle, practice manager, St Thomas Surgery, Rifleman Lane, St Thomas Green, Haverford-west, SA61 1QX. Roy Folland and Son carried out the funeral arrangements.