Obituaries, June 22nd 2011

A native of Maesteg House, Llangain for 28 years, he was the youngest child of the late Dai and Rhuby Bowen.

The funeral took place on May 10th at Springfield, Marros, then to Zoar Chapel funeral home, Llanteg, conducted by Rev Hywel Brwon, who paid a moving tribute to Eirwyn.

The bearers were Ian Howells, Roger Howells, Jamie Howells, Ian Howells, Joe Howeels and Trudy Howells.

The chief mourners were Mrs Jean Bowen (wife); Mrs Rita Morris (daughter); Mr Roy Bowen (sons); Mr Simon Morris (son-in-law); Miss Natasha Morris (granddaughter); Miss Theresa Morris (granddaughter); Master Matthew Morris (grandson); Master Ewan Morris (grandson); Mr and Mrs Ken Bowen (brother and sister-in-law); Mr and Mrs Ian Bowen (brothers- and sister-in-law); Mr and Mrs Sean Murphy (nephew and wife).

The principal mourners were Mr and Mrs A Howells, Miss M Howells, Mr and Mrs R Howells, Mr G Howells, K Howells, Mr Ian Howells, Mr and Mrs M James, Miss K Howells and children, Mrs M Howells and family, Mr T Howells, Mr I Howells, Mr and Mrs I Howells, Miss K Howells, Miss C Howells, Mr J Howells and Miss V Hinman, Miss J Howells and Anthony and children, Mr T Howells and family, Mr B Howells, Mr and Mrs S Murphy, Mr R Murphy, Mr D Murphy, Miss K Murphy, Miss A Murphy, Miss W Jones, Mr and Mrs P Davies, Mr P Bowen, Mrs E ???, Mr D ???, Mr and Mrs R Thomas, Mr and Mrs E Sair, Mrs W Tunster and son, Mr I Harries, Mr and Mrs A Lewis, Mr and Mrs G Morris, Mr H Howells, Mr J Thomas, Mr K Williams, Mr P Evans, Mr and Mrs Leek, Mr A Leefe, Mr A Roderick, Mr R Davies, Alby, Joe and Rachel, Debby Court Matthews, Malcolm, Mal, June and Cheryl, Terry, Jacob.

There were donations in lieu of flowers for Diabetes UK c/o E C Thomas and Son, Funeral Directors, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside SA67 8LT who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr Matthew John Price Cardiff The death occurred in Roath, Cardiff of Mr Matthew John Price formerly of Milford Haven on May 24th. He was 27.

During his working life he worked as a teacher in Fitzalan High School, Cardiff.

He was a former captain of Herbrandston Football Club and played Sunday league for Roath Park Galaxy. He was a graduate in sports management at UWIC, and was beginning his PGCE qualification in September in Hereford.

He always supported promising young footballers at Inspiresport which took youngsters on tour abroad. He was also a coach with Heath Park Rangers under 16's.

He was dedicated to both his home team and clubs in Cardiff. Matthew was a loyal, lovely, infectious character who in an unassuming way touched so people's lives. He was a caring person and was always smiling.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners were Elaine Marshallsay (mother); Gareth Marshallsay (brother); Emma Griffiths (partner); Peter Price (father); Julian Marshallsay (brother); Clive Marshallsey (brother); Natalie Marshallsay (sister); Jodie Griffiths (sister); Eileen Kingston (grandmother); Joyce Price (grandmother); Paul and Babs Kingston (uncle and aunty); Rhian Kingston (cousin); Andrew Kingston (cousin); Christine and Phil Davies (cousin); Jo Marie Davies (cousin); Charles Wind (cousin); Allan and Linda Price (uncle and aunty); Patricia Davies (aunty); Karl and Neil Davies (cousin); Shelley, Lyndsey and Allen (cousins), including also relatives from Swansea, Barry and Cardiff, plus Mr and Mrs M Griffiths.

The service was held at St Francis Church, Milford Haven and was attended by a large gathering of over 700 people including representatives from Cardiff School and football teams from Cardiff and across Pembrokeshire. Tributes were read out at the service by Ollie West (friend), Karl Davies (cousin), Charles Wind (cousin) and Allen Price (uncle). This was followed by internment at Milford Haven Cemetery and was officiated by Father J Bautista.

Donations in lieu of flowers for Heath Park Rangers Under 16's and Disability Sport Wales Pembrokeshire can be sent to Mr M Galdo, 8 Havens Park, Herbrandston, Milford Haven SA73 3SH.

Mr Alreco Howard-Taylor Pembroke Dock The funeral took place recently of Mr Alreco Howard-Taylor of Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock, who passed away at the age of 38 on May 19th.

Originally from Pennar, Pembroke Dock, he was good at painting and building, a general odd-job man.

He loved fishing, listening to music and also had loads of DVDs and also loved watching films.

He loved his family very much and he will be sadly missed by all his family and friends.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are Lilian and Mike Jones (mother and step-dad); Cecile Taylor (father); Dezrean (sister); Zena and Steve (sister and brother-in-law); Andrew and Louise (brother and sister-in-law); John Gorry (uncle); Julie, Anthonia, Acashia, Ciynun, Tylor (Alrecoís children); Heather, Cameron, Jordan, Lee, Mark, Dean, Taylor (cousins); Mischa, Kirsty, Gemma, Lilly, Milly, Jake, Josh, Jazmine, Lisa (nieces and nephews); Teraner (uncle); Margaret (aunty); Declan, (grandson); Darren Taylor (cousin); Aunty Angie, Uncle Dutty, Alison.

The service was held at St Johns Church, Pembroke Dock followed by internment at Llanion Cemtery.

The bearers were Dean Jones, Roger Butland, Sean Spencer, Steve McCleverty, Mark Taylor, Brian.

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

Dennis Tovey Bristol Dennis Tovey, of Bristol, died at the age of 92. Dennis was stationed in Narberth during the early part of the Second World Ward before seeing active service in Dunkirk and was mentioned in dispatches. While stationed in Narberth he met and married Peggy Jones of Pant-y-Gorphwys in 1941 at Bethesda Baptist Chapel, Narberth. Peggy was the daughter of Bill Jones formally of Brynhafod, Llanddewi Velfrey.

After he war Dennis and Peggy moved and settled in Bristol. They would have celebrated 70 years of marriage later this month. They had two sons, Roger, who married Susan and had two daughters and now has three granddaughters. Christopher who married Liz, had one son Andrew who is now 38 years old. Christopher died tragically after a car accident at the age of 25.

Peggy had one brother Cliff Jones who later lived in Saundersfoot and died in 2008. He was married to Gwen and had two children Susan and Phillip, who are now married and have their own families.

Mrs Josephine Braithwaite Milford Haven The death occurred at Withybush Hospital on May 30th of Mrs Jospehine Braithwaite of Robert Street, Milford Haven. She was 77.

She enjoyed socializing with friends at Hanover Court travelled extensively with her first husband who was in the RAF in Egypt and Singapore.

She was predeceased by her first husband Ron Hawkings in 1980 and her second husband Ray Braithwaite in 2005.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners were Ceri and Ebony Hawkings (daughter and granddaughter); Marilyn Allerton (daughter); Gary and Zana Hawkings, Graeme and Christine Hawkings, Laurie and Julie Hawkings, Phillip and Nancy Hawkings (sons and wives); Ron (son), plus numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The service was held at the Chapel of Rest followed by Parc Gwyn and the bearers were Laurie, Graeme, Gary and Phillip (sons).

There were family flowers only with donations to Little Acorns Playgroup, Hubberston, Milford Haven.

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

Mrs Maggie Adams Neyland St Clement’s Church in Neyland was full to capacity on June 9th as the sound of the bagpipes echoed around it to commence the heart-warming, emotional funeral of Mrs Maggie Adams (nee Kerr) of West Lane, Honeyborough who passed away peacefully at home on June 2nd, aged 48.

Maggie was born in Alloa, Scotland but moved to Neyland in 1972 and has resided in Pembrokeshire ever since.

Although Maggie started out nannying and nursery nursing she soon discovered her caring nature and overwhelming urge to help others and moved towards nursing. Maggie spent her entire career in Withybush Hospital. Her latest role was sister of Ward Ten but many work colleagues, friends and patients alike will also remember her from nursing on Ward One, Ward Four, Ward Ten and Bed Managing.

The beautiful service, which was officiated by Rev Alan Chadwick, included a ëletter from Maggieí with touched many hearts, a poem entitled ëIím Freeí which was read out by Maggieís daughter, Sophie and a few personal words and passage from the bible read out by Geoffrey Eynon, the vicar from Withybush Hospital.

The service was followed by internment at Honeyborough Cemetery where Maggie was welcomed with the bagpipes and layed to rest. Sorely missed but remembered with the utmost respect and admiration by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Maggie, leaves to mourn Paul (husband); Sophie (daughter); Angela (mum); Angela, Carol and Lesley (sisters): Jamie (brother); Stuart, Lauren, Georgie, Kara, Liam and Courtney (nieces and nephews); Neil and Robin, Ian and Clarice (aunties and uncles); Agnes (mum-in-law) and many other relatives and friends far too numerous to mention.

The bearers were Jamie Kerr, John-Paul Leaf, Gary Power and Phil Berrill.

There were family flowers only but donations in lieu of Paul Sartori, Ward Ten and The Macmillan Nurses are being received by Miss Lesley Kerr of 50 College Park, Neyland.

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

Mrs Mary Franchesca Husband Pembroke The death occurred at Withybush Hospital on June 2nd of Mrs Mary Franchesca Husband of Ashdale Home, Pembroke. She was 84.

Originally from Tipperey, Ireland, she was a housewife and mother.

Her main interests were her family and her church.

She was a character and loved writing and poetry.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are Brenda, Maureen and Barbara (daughters); David (son) plus grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The funeral service was held at St Johns Church, Pembroke Dock followed by internment at Llanion Cemetery and was officiated by Rev Nigel Thomas.

The bearers were Andrew and Marcus, Seamus and John, Karl and Stephen.

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

Ms Tiny Norman Saundersfoot The death occurred at Withybush Hospital on May 16th of Ms Tiny Norman of Nash Place, Saundersfoot.

Originally from Great Cressingham, Norfolk and was one of ten in the family. She moved to Wales over sixty years ago and enjoyed farming at Little Craig-y-Borion, Amroth, before moving to Saundersfoot.

During her time working in private service, Tiny was often in contact with Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret, when they visited the home of Tiny's employers, the Duke and Duchess of Grafton. Tiny loved to take a trip down memory lane and reminisce with family and friends about this period of her life. She was very proud of her time in service.

During her time at 'Little Craig-y-Borion', Tiny also embraced and took under her loving wing two little girls - Christine and Margaret, whose own mother had sadly passed away. In their primary years she treated them as her own, and became the only mum they knew. She loved them along with her own children. Christine and Margaret always called Tiny auntie and a special bond was formed and remained so throughout Tiny's life.

Tiny was a devoted mum, nannie, and great nannie. She lived for her family. She loved to travel, especially abroad, Cyprus being one of her favourite destinations. She loved listening to her music and very much enjoyed gardening. In her early years she was involved with the Salvation Army. She was a chapel person at heart. Tiny had an infectious and naughty personality. She will be dearly missed by her family and by all who came into contact with her.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners were Richard and Betty (son and daughter-in-law); Roberta (daughter); Keith and Julie (son and daughter-in-law); Andrew Norman (grandson); Tania and Chris (granddaughter and husband) Cara and Ian (granddaughter and partner); Ellie, Ben, Travis (great grandchildren).

Unable to attend Ruby, Rene, Brenda, Rodney (brothers and sisters, Norfolk).

A service of celebration for the life of Tiny was held at Moreton Methodist Chapel followed by internment at St Issell's Cemetery, Saundersfoot and was officiated by Rev Alan Jenkins. The bearers were Richard Norman, Keith Norman, Chris Harris and Peter Potts.

A personal tribute was kindly read by Margaret Willis at the funeral service.

There were family flowers only with donations if so desired for Wales Air Ambulance c/o Mr C Harris, 32 Scandnavian Heights, Saundersfoot SA69 9PE.

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

Mr J. B. Wyndham Eynon Narberth The death occurred at home of John Benjamin Wyndham Eynon , of St James Street , Narberth on June 3rd. He was 91.

Wyndham was born at Middleton Farm, Ludchurch in April 1920. He was pre-deceased by his twin sisters Dorothy and Betty.

He left school at the age of 17 and went to work for Listers an engineering firm in Dursley, Gloucestershire. Whilst there he joined the Territorials and was called up on September 3rd 1939 the day that war broke out. His regiment was the 9th Hussars Gloucestershire Regiment. During the war he served as a radio operator/gunner in a Sherman tank, and was posted to Egypt, Italy , the Middle East and Africa where he was one of the famous’ Desert Rats.

He returned home in 1946 and then took over the farm upon the death of his father. In December 1952 he married Margaret Lewis and they had three children. When he gave up milking he became an employee of the Clynderwen Farmers Co-op until his retirement in 1992. Wyndham and Margaret then moved to St. James Street, Narberth, where they spent 19 happy years.

Wyndham was a keen gardener, an avid reader and he enjoyed listening to music. He was a devoted Dad and Grandad.

The funeral service was held at St. Andrews Church , Narberth on June 10th, officiated by Rev. Peter Lewis, assisted by Rev. Alan Chiplin followed by interment in the church cemetery.

The bearers were Peter Thomas, Phillip Eynon, Stephen Jones, Phillip Davies, Arthur Bates and Paul Hay.

Family left to mourn are Margaret (wife); Dorothy and Richard (daughter and son-in law); Jonathan and Wendy (son and daughter-in-law); Lindy (daughter); Ceri, Phillip, Bethan and Christopher (grandchildren).

There were family flowers only with donations in lieu to ‘Help the Heroes’ c/o E.C. Thomas & Son Funeral Directors, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, Narberth, SA67 8LT who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Gerald George Tudor Thomas of ‘Stoneleigh’, New Road, Fresytrop died at home on May 28th, his 69th birthday. He was known within the family unit and his large circle of friends and acquaintances simply as ‘Gerald’.

Although he had been seriously ill for a couple of months, his passing was unexpected and brought great sadness within the county, not only to his immediate family, but also to his professional colleagues, sporting friends, fellow community councillors and pals. Their affection and happy memories of Gerald were clearly seen by the unusually large numbers at his funeral service, in excess of 500.

Gerald, son of Ivy and Hubert the milk and brother to Edmund was born and nurtured in a loving and secure home at Llangwm Hill. He attended Hook CP School and thereafter was part of the second intake into Haverfordwest County secondary Modern school. From his earliest days he was ‘handy with his hands’ and consequently the more practical aspects of his education had great appeal for him, an appeal and practical application which he was to apply beneficially in his professional career in due course.

Any reflection of Gerald’s life which failed to give due regard for his sporting enthusiasms and prowess would sell him short of the man her truly was. As a schoolboy he played rugby for the Llangwm club, initially at junior level and thereafter graduating to the senior team. His time on the Pill Parks, Llangwm and away from home in all of the county grounds, proudly wearing the wasp colours is fondly remembered by many of that era.

If Gerald’s rugby was important and enjoyable to him, it came no-way close to his love of and devotion to the willow and leather game. Hook Cricket Club has benefitted immeasurably over very many years from Gerald’s involvement as skilled player, empathetic coach of youngsters, knowledgeable grounds man, proud promoter of Hook Ladies Cricket team and worthy president of the club, in which office he continued his most generous sponsorship. This of course says nothing about his having produced from his immediate family male and female cricketers and scorers of no mean ability.

Hook Cricket Club and the adjacent Hook Sport and Social Club with both miss Gerald’s presence, guiding world and immeasurable generosity, for him the hallowed cricket square in Hook was nothing less than holy ground.

In October 1965 Gerald married Susan (nee Holder). October was chosen in the planning for their nuptials as by the month the cricket season for that year would definitely have ended. They ultimately moved to their present home at Freystrop, in the construction of which Gerald played a major part.

Gerald and Susan’s family arrived in due course and they were the joy of his heart. Gerald was never happier than when the immediate family were together. Susan and he with Jayne and her son Gethin Thomas, Gerald’s only grandson. Andrew with his wife Lynn and their daughters Megan and Millie, then Sally with her husband Huw and their daughters Bethan and Menna.

As a young man Gerald worked for the J C Hitt organisation. In this capacity his professional and managerial skills developed and advanced. In 1985 he commenced his own business as the now well known and very respected commercial heating engineers G Thomas and Son.

Such has been his personal trading integrity and caring concern for his customers that his business has grown in success and reputation. Gerald’s company has for many years offered skilled craft apprenticeships for youngsters within the business and also provided continuous employment for over a dozen local hands on men and administrative and secretarial ladies.

Hook and the surrounding areas have benefitted greatly from Gerald’s commitment in his service as a Community Councillor, the builder of the biggest bonfires imaginable in the playing field, the annual installer of a huge and decorated Christmas tree in the village, and at Christmastide exterior light on ‘Stoneleigh; which annually increased in size, complexity and fun.

In the last couple of years Gerald had spent less hands on time in the business, thus giving him greater opportunity to puruse other interests, including three shire horses, a passion he shared with his daughter Jayne. They were showed at different times with measurable success, also all things agricultural were high on his plans, machinery, buildings, land and crops.

Gerald was in very respect a big man, big in body, big in heart and big in generosity. No-one who sought his help and support went away unaided.

Susan, their children and families, even in their sadness, rejoice in being loved and cared for by Gerald, who truly wrapped them in the comforting blanket on his love.

Gerald’s funeral service too place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and was conducted by Rev’d Graham Lloyd, a lifelong close friend of Gerald.

The bearers were Andrew (son); Huw (son-in-law); Gethin (grandson) and Leslie Brick (friend) The principal mourners were Mrs Susan Thomas (widow); Jayne, Andrew with Lynn and Sally with Huw (daughter with son and the spouses); Gethin, Megan, Millie, Bethan and Menna (grandchildren); Edmund and Jaqueline (brother and sister-in-law).

There were family flowers only with donations in lieu for Cancer research UK to Mrs Hilary Hitchings of 66 New Road, Hook, Haverfordwest.

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

Mr Henry Dyke Dennis Saundersfoot It was reported earlier the sad death of Henry Dyke Dennis of Pennant Avenue, Saundersfoot. He died on May 28th in Withybush General Hospital, Haverfordwest after a short stay.

He was born in Ruabon near Wrexham in 1934. After school he came to Pembrokeshire and lived in Tenby with sister Ann. In 1952 he was signed up to for National Service in the Royal Army Service Corps. He was stationed in Germany and served as part of the United Nations force in the Korean War. After demob he married his beloved Vera. He started work in farming, first at Minwear Farm then at Nash.

He moved to England to further his interest in horses, which had already been a big part of his life. He was a fine horseman either show jumping or with Welsh Mountain ponies or hunters. In later years his interest turned to heavy horses.

He was drawn back to Pembrokeshire in the early 70s and switched back to work for local hauliers. He started travelling the UK and into Europe with his precious cargoes.

He always enjoyed time either sea fishing or taking visitors to sea to share his love and knowledge with them. He made some record catches at sea landing a 12’ basking shark one day and a World War II unexploded mine another day.

As a younger man, along with horses he enjoyed the speed of riding a scramble bike complete with sidecar around the Clayford Road track. Later in life he mellowed into the freedom of caravanning all over the UK.

He also came to love rugby and was a season ticket holder at Narberth where nothing would give him greater delight that watching his grandsons play for the Otters. He squandered time and love on all his grandchildren. Pop, as he was known, was immensely proud and loved every one of them dearly. He was looking forward to being home from hospital so that he could celebrate his 55th wedding anniversary with Vera on 9th June but sadly that was not to happen.

He was a good father, a kind and caring husband, grandfather and great grandfather. He was an enormously generous man who could not do enough for his family and friends. He was a very special man who touched many hearts with his wit, his kindness and his love for life.

A large gathering attended a moving service which was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium on June 8th where several fellow Korean War veterans honoured his passing.

Along with Vera he left sons and daughters-in-law, Victor and Linnia, Myrddin and Hayley, Berwyn and Linzi; grandchildren, Ellen, Thomas, Andrew, Joe, Kaylie, Kristy, Natalie and their partners; great grandchildren Ella, Josh and Albie. Bearers were Andrew, Tom and Joe Dennis, Tom Davies, Geraint James and Billy Boy Jones.

There were family flowers only with donations in lieu, if so desired, for Wales Air Ambulance c/o E.C. Thomas & Son, Funeral Directors, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, Narberth SA67 8LT who conducted the funeral arrangements.

Mr Melbourne John Lawrence of Vineyard Vale, saundersfoot, passed away on June 4th at Withybush Hospital at the age of 79.

As a native of Saundersfoot he worked in ironmongery, Kilgetty Co-op, the RAF and retired in 1987 as a police officer in Newport, Gwent.

His main interests were his family, he enjoyed bowling and watched all sports.

The family left to mourn and principle mourners were Beryl Anne Lawrence (wife); Jayne, Paula and Alison (daughters); Martin and Stephen (son-in-law); Jason, Sarah, Gareth, David, Alex, Daniel and Lauren (grandchildren); Cemlyn, Courtney and Kyle (great grandchildren); Jean, Mary, Vi, Joyce (sisters-in-law); Theresa, Norma, Glenys, Lynne, Andrea Marie and Claire (nieces); David, Trevor, Walter and Karl (nephew).

The funeral service was held at St Issells Church followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and was officiated by Canon Michael Butler.

The bearers were Jason, Gareth, David, Alex and Daniel (grandsons), Karl (nephew).

There were family flowers only with donations if so desired for C.R.Y c/o E C Thomas and Son, Funeral Directors, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside SA67 8LT who also carried out the funeral arrangements.