Obituaries, October 13th 2010

Haverfordwest

The death occurred of Roderick Peter Hywel Thomas, of Cardigan Road, Haverfordwest on September 18th. He was 68.

A native of Haverfordwest, he started work in Barclays Bank in various branches, and then worked for Pritchard Read accountants. He was working in the oil accounts section in Texaco when he retired in 1994.

He was an excellent golfer, and was a past captain of Haverfordwest golf club. He was a Trustee of the Gild of Freeman, and past president of Probus 2. In later years he successfully played bowls, both indoors and outdoors.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Carole (wife); Rachel and Andy (daughter and son-in-law); Elizabeth (daughter); Howie (grandson); Malcolm and Barbara, Neil and Marcelle (brothers and sisters-in-law); Janet and Frank, Susan and Colin (sisters and brothers-in-law).

The funeral service was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and was officiated by Canon Geoffrey Gwyther. Tributes were paid by Rachel and Elizabeth (daughters) and the bearers were Alun Wills, Barry Absalom, Trevor Harries and Tony Wilkes.

There were family flowers only and the funeral arrangements were carried out by Roy Folland and Son, Haverfordwest.

Mrs M. Evans

Llangolman

Gyda thristwch y cofnodir marwolaeth Martha Ann Evans, Plascwrt, Llangolman a fu farw yn ysbyty Llwynhelyg, Hwlffordd, yng nghwmni ei theulu ar Fai 23ain yn 80 oed.

Gwraig o’r filltir sgwâr oedd Martha a ganwyd yn ardal Rhydwilym. Priododd Dewi yn 1958 ac ymgartrefon yn Felin Llangolman cyn symud i Plascwrt. Cafon ddau o blant Janet a Malcolm. Buodd Martha digon anlwcus gyda’i iechyd yn ystod y blynyddoedd diwethaf a chafodd ergyd mawr pan gollodd ei merch Janet yn 2008.

Cynhaliwyd angladd gyhoeddus yng nghapel Llandeilo ar ddydd Sadwrn, Mai 29ain, yn dilyn gwasanaeth i’r teulu ar yr aelwyd ym Mhlascwrt. Roedd y gwasanaeth yng nghofal ei gweinidog y Parchedig Ddr Cerwyn Davies ac fe’i cynorthwywyd gan y Parchedigion Wynford Thomas, Llinos Gordon, Emyr Evans, Llinos Edwards ac Eric John. Derbyniwyd ymddiheuriadau oddiwrth y Parchedigion Eirian Wyn Lewis ac Anthony Bailey. Yr archgludwyr oedd Hywel Vaughan, Denley Absalom, Huw Absalom, Wyn Williams, Leighton Bryan a Bazil Phillips. Dosabrthwyd y taflenni gan Alun Davies ac Eifion Evans. Yr organydd oedd Hywel Phillips.

Y prif alarwyr oedd Dewi Evans (gwr), Malcolm a Sharon Evans (mab a merch yng nghyfraith), Robert Walbyoff (mab yng nghyfraith), Geraint , Catrin, Tim, Lisa, Gareth ac Ella (wyrion ac wyresau), Ewan Tomos (gor-wyr), Mona Lewis (chwaer), John a Mary Llewellyn, Brian Llewellyn a Hilary Davies, Emrys Llewellyn (brodyr a chwiorydd yng ngyfraith) Towyn a Mari Evans a Ieuan a Jess Evans. Roedd nifer o berthnasau eraill yn bresennol yn rhy niferus i’w henwi. Methodd Gareth Llewellyn (brawd) fod yn bresennol.

Cyflwynwyd plethdorchau gan y teulu yn unig. Rhoddwyd blodau yn y capel gan Towyn a Mari Evans. Derbyniwyd rhoddion yn lle blodau tuag at Meddygfa Rhiannon, Arberth. Gwnaethwyd trefniadau’r angladd yn urddasol gan Dennis a Jean Jones, Trefnwyr Angladdau, Efailwen.

Mr E. L. Harries

Letterston

The funeral service took place on September 29th of Eric Lynne Harries (Eric the Co-op), of 82 Station Road, Letterston, who died at Parc-y-Llyn nursing home at the age of 84. He had been a resident at the nursing home for the last six months.

He was the loving husband of Lon, devoted dad of Ian, Lynne and Angela, a special grampi to Richard, Mathew, Bethan, Charlotte, Niamh and Becci (Richard’s wife).

The funeral service was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and was officiated by Rev Gwyn Rogers, Rev Dr Cerwyn Davies and Rev Carl Williams.

The bearers were Mathew Harries, Aneurin Lewis, Alan Owens, Roger King, Des Thomas and Robert Harries.

The principal mourners are: Lon (wife); Ian and Lynne (sons); Angela (daughter-in-law); Mathew, Bethan and Charlotte (grandchildren), sisters-in-law Matty and Joan; brother-in-law Emrys, Delme and Donald; nieces Tegwen, Sian, Heather, Lindsay and Kay; nephews Joe and Peggie, and many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

Unable to attend were Niamh, Richard and Becci (grandchildren).

There were flowers only, but donations for the Motor Neurone Disease and the Paul Sartori Foundation may be sent to Arwel Rowlands, Dolwerdd, 165 St Davids Road, Letterston, SA62 5SS.

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

Mrs V. G. Richards

Fishguard

The funeral of Vivian Gwenda Richards was held on October 4th at St Mary’s Church, Fishguard. She was 80.

Born in Pembroke Dock, she was the daughter of Lionel and Gwenda Luly and wife of the late John Devonald Richards.

The principal mourners are: Gail, Andrew, Carol and Philippa (children); Joshua, Kate, Emma, Joely, Jessica and Owen (grandchildren) and Patricia (sister).

There were family flowers only, with donations being made to Fishguard and district Stroke Club.

Mr W. F. Nicholas

Haverfordwest

William Frederick Nicholas (Bill) died at Withybush Hospital on September 29th. He was 86.

A native of Haverfordwest, he was educated at Haverfordwest Grammar School, leaving in 1940 to join the staff of the Midland Bank in Bristol, Hereford and Ferndale.

After the war he joined the family retail tobacco and confectionery business in Upper Market Street. He soon established a successful wholesale business, F. C. Nicholas and Son, trading throughout west Wales, from the Old Corn Market in Hill Street. He retired in 1985.

In 1942 he volunteered for aircrew training and joined the RAFVA becoming a Flight/Sgt air gunner with bomber command, serving in the Middle East and the UK.

After the war, Bill became a fine jazz pianist and was a member of a quartet formed by Joffre Swales and other well-known musical characters Bill Hewitt, Reg Havard and Jack Holt. He served the local RAF Association 592 branch as life vice-president for many years, retiring from office in 1987 as president. He was president of the Haverfordwest and district Magic Circle, providing the inspiration for amateur magicians all over west Wales. He became a master practitioner of close focus card techniques. He was honoured when elected as a full member of the Magic Circle.

In 1953, Bill formed the Haverfordwest Camera Club and was renowned as a keen and talented photographer.

In his youth his passion was playing rugby. He was a life member of Haverfordwest golf club and will be remembered as a great sporting character.

Bill was a member of an old and well known Haverfordwest family, the son of Freddy Nicholas, a great local character of the town.

Bill was a true Haverfordian and will be remembered as a solidly honest man, with enormous warmth and generosity. He was a member of Probus and supported a large number of local and national charities.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Sheila Nicholas (wife); Michael Nicholas and Kate (son and daughter-in-law); Philip Nicholas and Theresa (son and partner); James Nicholas and Daniel Nicholas (grandsons), plus other mourners Gwyneth Thompson, Paul Wainwright, representatives of RAFA 592 Branch, and many family friends and neighbours.

The service was held at St Davids Church, Prender-gast and was officiated by Canon Geoffrey Gwyther. The eulogy was given by Philip Nicholas and the musical tribute on the piano was given by Michael Nicholas.

There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu for the stroke unit, Withybush Hospital, to The Manager, Withybush Hospital, Fishguard Road, Haverfordwest, SA61 2PZ.

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

Mr J. F. P. Smith

Pembroke

The funeral took place on September 27th of Jason F P Smith, who died at Withybush Hospital on September 15th. He was 76.

Originally from Killay, Swansea, Jason settled in Pembroke following his marriage to Glenda. He was a retired car salesman and his main interests included gardening and sea fishing.

Family left to mourn are: Glenda (wife); Christopher and Karen (son and daughter-in-law); Joanne (daughter); Corissa, Jemma, Ethan, Jacob, Grace and Elliot (grandchildren); Joe and Margaret (brother and sister-in-law); Betty (sister); Mark, Janine and Barrie (stepchildren); Alex, Nathan, Laura, Tristan, Sophie, Chloe, Max and Charlie (step grandchildren); together with nephews and nieces and countless friends.

The funeral service was held at St Michael’s Church, Pembroke with Rev Roger Jones officiating. This was followed by a short service at Park Gwyn Crematorium.

There were family flowers only, with donations for the Paul Sartori Foundation, 31 Haven Road, Haverfordwest.

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

Mr J. B. Davies

Newport

In the obituary of John Beynon Davies (Western Telegraph, October 6th), the address should have read Blaenpant not Bleanporth.

Mr L. Devonald

(formerly of Rosemarket)

The death occurred on September 30th of Leslie Devonald. He was a retired veterinary surgeon, and the son of the late Mr and Mrs Tom Devonald, of Alma House, Rosemarket. He was 84.

On finishing his training at the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, London, Leslie joined the staff of Messrs Nisbet and Co, Haverfordwest, moving later to become a ministry vet in England.

He finally made his home in Northumberland where he was the county vet.

Leslie never lost his love of Rosemarket by keeping in touch with old school friends.

He leaves to mourn his wife Rosemary; son Robert; daughters Ann and Susan; son-in-law Michael; daughter-in-law Lorraine; and grandchildren James and Sophie.

The funeral took place at Bedlington Church, followed by cremation.

Mrs N. E. M. HOWELL

Clynderwen

The funeral of Norma Elizabeth Monica Howell, of Cae Gwyn, Clynderwen, took place on September 27th at the Parc Gwyn Crematorium. There had been a short service at Minwear Church for family members.

Norma was born in Narberth, the only daughter of Dr Price and his wife Eira, in 1930. They later lived near Wolfscastle. She was educated at Neaudd Fawr near Llandovery, then at Westcliff in Weston- Super-Mare.

She followed her mother to become an excellent horsewoman, winning many events at gymkhanas with her fearless style.

Training as a nurse at the Bristol Royal Infirmary was a natural progression for one so steeped in medicine, and Norma was a truly caring person.

Shortly after qualification, she met and married Lieutenant Commander Michael Darlington, a fighter pilot in the Royal Naval Fleet Air Arm.

Norma spent a number of years in Singapore, Malta and Italy, where she became fluent in Italian.

After her marriage ended in divorce, Norma returned to Pembrokeshire and resumed her nursing career at Withybush Hospital.

An extraordinary entrepreneur, she left hospital nursing, to start a heath care company, which was a great success.

At around this time, she met and married Pembrokeshire vet, George Balls. They set up home at Brynawel and later at Parsons Lodge in Clynderwen, and Norma helped George in his practice. She also successfully marketed her husband’s board game (Formal Retort) from its production base in their garden shed.

Norma nursed George through the illness he died from in 2001.

She then moved from their large house a few dozen yards down the road to Cae Gwyn.

In 2006 she married Owain Howell, formerly of Narberth, with whom she had been childhood friends, and they spent four happy years together. She successfully conquered cancer, and during her illness she never allowed the disease to change her life, even writing her first novel, The Coolibah Tree, which was published by Gomer Press in 2008.

She became ill just before Christmas 2009, but despite her illness, she never complained. She had periods in hospital in Carmarthen, but was happy to be at home for the last few months of her long and successful life.

She supported many charitable causes, had a love of animals, art and literature, and was a wonderful hostess. Very much a ‘people person’, she had many friends, as her well attended funeral proved.

The services were officiated by Rev Robin Webley (a close family friend). Her son Peter Darlington read from the Bible and Rev Eli Jenkins read from Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood. The eulogy was delivered by her godson Simon Mumford.

Bearers were family friends Peter and Joss Griffiths, Owain’s sons-in-law, Chris Hallam, Roger Drew and Neil Richards, and Norma’s step-son-in-law Peter Morgan.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Ken and Linnis Davies, of Clynderwen, both good friends of Norma and Owain.

She leaves to mourn her husband; son and daughter-in-law (Sally); grandchildren Charlotte and Christopher; step-daughter Caroline and her husband; step-son Roger Balls, and step-grandson, James Morgan.

Miss R. M. Bailey

Haverfordwest

The death occurred at Park House Court Nursing Home, Tenby, on October 3rd of Rosie Margaret Bailey, of Prendergast, Haverford-west. She was 91.

She lived in the same house in Prendergast all her life and worked as a domestic service, a railway porter during the war and the in Prendergast fish and chip shop with her sister Nell. She then went on to work for F. W. Woolworth and after several years became a supervisor along with her sister Elsie.

Her main interests were her family, whist drives, knitting and crochet, watching football and snooker. She also enjoyed entertaining with church and family groups.

She was a regular worshipper at St David’s Church, Prendergast, a former member of parochial church council and a founder member of open group along with her sister the late Elvira Williams.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Jane and Ron Barry, Myrna McCanch, Suzanne and Dennis Weedon, Elizabeth and Michael Mortimer, Glenys and Reg Randall, Sheila Elsmore (nieces and spouses); Peter and Karen Bailey (nephew and spouse); Iris and John Thirkettle (great niece and spouse); Simon and Nikki Barry, Stuart and Tess Barry (great nephews) and Mr and Mrs Bernard Walford (nephew-in-law and spouse).

The service was held at St David’s Church, Prendergast, followed by interment at Prendergast Cemetery. It was officiated by Canon Geoffrey Gwyther.

There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu for St Davids Church, Prendergast, to David Griffiths, Northfield Lodge, Crundale, SA62 4DA.

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

Mr D. Clarke

Haverfordwest

The death occurred on September 20th at Withybush Hospital of Dennis Clarke, of Lindsway Park, Haverfordwest. He was 89.

Originally from Coventry, he was an electronic engineer for guided missiles for British Aerospace and worked at Coventry, Aberporth, Hatfield and Filton.

He retired in 1985 and moved to Haverfordwest.

He did not serve in the war due to being in a reserved occupation building aircraft. However, he served with St John’s Ambulance and was busy during the time of the Coventry blitz, when not working on aircraft.

His interests included fishing, gardening and DIY. He was a good footballer in his youth and in later years enjoyed the company of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was made a freeman of the city of Coventry in 1942.

He was predeceased by his wife Iris in 1998.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Linda and Dai Davies (daughter and son-in-law); Richard and Amelia Davies (son and wife); Sian Mills (granddaughter); Will and Ollie Davies, Evie and Elsie Mills, Mr and Mrs Charlie Morris, Mr and Mrs John Richards at Coventry and their families and Mr and Mrs Malcolm Hoyle and family.

The funeral service was held at St David’s Church, Prendergast followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn, and was officiated by Rev Canon Geoffrey Gwyther. This was followed by a service in the parish church in Bedworth, Warwickshire, which was officiated by Rev Richard Hare.

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

Mr G. L. Bryant

Rosemarket

The funeral took place on October 4th of Gwilym Lloyd (Jack) Bryant, who died at Withybush Hospital on September 25th. He was 92.

Interment took place at Rosemarket Church and the bearers were his grandsons, Tristan, Rupert, Adam and Ross. The service was led by Rev Alan Chadwick.

A native of Newport, Gwent, he met and married Nan during the Second World War. Nan predeceased him four years ago. At the time of Nan’s death, they had been married for 63 years and they had lived in Rosemarket all their lives.

Jack worked in the construction industry all his working life. His interests centered on his family, sport and gardening.

The family left to mourn are: Ron and Cassie (son and daughter-in-law); Helen, Maureen and Tom (daughters and son-in-law); Julie and Stuart, Ann and Rhodri (granddaughters and husbands); Tristan (grandson); Ross and Rachael (grandson and wife); Adam and Katie, Rupert and Hayley (grandsons and partners); Daphne and Andrew (granddaughter and parter); great grandchildren Antonia, Jessica, Zoe, Harry, Sophie and Noah.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to Barbara Summons, 17 West Street, Rosemarket, Milford Haven, in aid of Rosemarket Church.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Glyn Thomas and Son, Freystrop.

Mr W. Cheetham

Maenclochog

After residing at Ridgeway Nursing Home for the last two years, the death of Wycliffe (Cliff) Cheetham, formerly of 3 Heol Fair, Maenclochog, occurred at Withybush Hospital on September 9th.

He was a devoted husband of the late Gwen and leaves to mourn Marilyn and Judith (daughters); Derek and James (sons-in-law); Sasha, Fallon and Wayne (grandchildren); Gweni (great grand daughter) and Sue and John (close friends).

The funeral took place on September 15th at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and was officiated by Rt Rev Dr Cerwyn Davies, assisted by Rev Becky Davies, Rev G. Eynon, Rev E. Gwyn Evans and Rev Eirian Wyn Lewis.

There were family flowers only, but donations to the British Heart Foundation are being sent to Mrs S. Scheffler, Maenclochog Post Office or W. J. Kenneth Davies and Sons, Clynderwen, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mrs E. E. Nicholas

Martletwy and Narberth

The death occurred on September 26th at Woodland Lodge Nursing Home, Gumfreston, of Elfreda Elizabeth Nicholas. She formerly lived at Whitlow Farm, Martletwy and Bramble Lodge Stepaside, and was 84.

When she left school she helped on Castle Farm, Reynalton with her father Howard and brother Wyndham Merriman. She drove tractors and helped with the threshing machine around the local farms until her marriage to Colin Nicholas, of Eweton Farm, Martletwy.

In 1962, Freda and Colin, with Colin’s mother Lizzie and their son Brian, moved to Whitlow Farm, Martletwy where they farmed until they retired to The Swallows, Landship-ping in 1990. Colin died in 1995. Freda then moved to Templeton and then to Bramble Lodge, Stepaside in 2001.

Freda had a wonderful soprano voice and was a member of Templeton ladies choir for a number of years. At the funeral service the ladies of Templeton choir formed a guard of honour as the cortege entered the church.

Freda was an accomplished pianist and had the gift to play by ear. During the early years of the couple’s married life they had played around the local village halls for dances and concerts. Freda had played the organ in St Marcellus Church for 60 years.

Family left to mourn are: Brian Nicholas (son); Suzanne Nicholas (daughter-in-law); Jayne and Mark Ogden (granddaughter and husband); Julian and Libby Nicholas (grandson and wife); Nicholas Ogden (great grandson); Emma Nicholas (great-granddaughter); Mabel Merriman (sister-in-law); Isobel Merriman (niece); Iona Merriman and Mark (niece and fiance); Eva, Mohamed and Sami Bouazza, Claire, Geoff and Ewan Brett (nieces, husbands and great nephews); Philip and Sheila Lewis (great nephew and niece); Rhys and Olive Lawrence and Noele Davies (cousins); plus other cousins and relatives too numerous to mention; Alan and Caroline Atherton, Iwan and Josephine Evans, Vincent Owen (family connections).

Unable to attend were: Mark (Iona’s fiance); Eva, Mohamed and Sami Bouazza; Claire Geoff and Ewan Breet (nieces and nephews and great nephews); Ruth Owen and Olive Henderson (Australia); Mr and Mrs Norman, Brenda Ogden, Kaye, Steve, Gary and Billy, Bolton.

The service was held at St Marcellus Church and officiated by Father Paul Davies and assisted by Rev Sylvia Temple, Rev Robin Webley and Rev Paul Nash.

The bearers were Phillip Lewis, Phillip Eynon, Nicholas Roache, Derek Hughes, John Williams and Geoff Sinclaire. The organist was Eileen Thomas.

Donations for the Alzheimer’s Society can be sent to E. C. Thomas and Son, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, SA67 8LT.

Mrs G. M. Thomas

Haverfordwest

Gwyneth Margaret Thomas, beloved wife of the late Frank Venmore Thomas and mother to David and Tot Thomas, died on September 21st at Lynnefield Residential Home, Merlins Bridge. She formerly resided at Ivy Cottage, Merlins Hill, Haverfordwest.

Gwyneth, originally of Swansea, was born in 1918 and moved with Frank to Haverfordwest in 1946 to open Thomas Electrical’s, in Bridge Street. She then supported Frank as landlord and landlady of the Castle Hotel, Castle Square, and was finally a partner in Venmore wholesale flowers, Merlins Bridge.

Gwyneth was an active member of the Townswomen’s Guild, WI and WVS.

She also supported Frank and the boys by serving for many years on the ladies committees for Haverfordwest’s rugby, golf, cricket and tennis clubs and was an active supporter of the Little Theatre, Haverfordwest.

Gwyneth leaves to mourn: Dorothy Armour (sister) and Dorothy Morgan (sister-in-law, Australia); daughters-in-law, Irene and Tann; grandchildren Kate, Gemma, Charles, Henry and Clara; with step grandchildren Nicky and Rachel and spouses; great grandchildren Daniel, Amelia, Beatrice, Tulsie, Jago and step great-grandchildren Meg, Jack and Neya; plus nephews and nieces Wynford, Alec, Janet, Margaret, Susan, Elizabeth and Megan.

The funeral service took place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium on September 25th with a large gathering of close family and friends.

She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Mrs J. Morris

Kilgetty and Narberth

The death of Jessie Morris occurred at Blaenmarlais Care Home, Narberth on August 29th. She is survived by her brother and sister-in-law David and Thelma Richards, and nieces and nephews.

The service and burial was held on September 4th at St Issells Church, Saundersfoot, and was officiated by Canon Michael Butler.

The bearers were Gareth and Anthony Richards (nephews), Richard Parry and Michael Thomas.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Kevin Davies, Clynderwen.