Obituaries, December 14th 2011

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Donald Thomas John

Haverfordwest

The death of Donald Thomas John of Wendover, Tan Bank, Prendergast occurred at Withybush Hospital on October 29th. He was 77 years old. Donald was an employee of Gulf Oil Refinery for many years up until his retirement. He enjoyed following local sport especially cricket and was a very fit and active man up until his stroke in 2009. He was brought up at Cutty Bridge, Camrose by his aunts Patsy and Beattie. The principal mourners are Stephen and Angela (son and daughter-in-law); Nicky and Jean (son and daughter-in-law); Rachel and David (daughter and son-in-law); Andrew and Sarah (son and daughter-in-law); Melissa, Daniela, Matthew, Eleanor, Tommy, Lauren, Elen, Bethan, Gareth, Alex and Carys (grandchildren) as well as relatives, friends and neighbours.

There were family flowers only with donations to The Stoke Association c/o Mrs G Reason-Jones, 8 The Green, Tenby.

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

MRS M E A THOMAS

MATHRY

Mary Elizabeth Anne Thomas passed away suddenly on Monday October 17th, at the age of 69. Mary was the daughter of Jack and Winifred Harries, Trefgarn Owen Farm, Pen Y Cwm and went to school at Trefgarn Owen and later at Pentre, Boncath.

She married Glyn in 1964 and together they farmed at Church View, Mathry for many years. She opened a tearoom and bed and breakfast for nine years, which she really enjoyed, meeting and making new friends who still kept in touch over the years. Mary was part of Mathry community twinning committee, Mathry WI, Age Concern and many other activities that went on in Mathry Community Hall and also helped out at the local school.

A large gathering of family and friends attended the funeral clearly showing how much she will be missed within the community.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are Glyn Thomas (husband), Gerald and Stephanie Thomas (son and daughter-in-law), Jennifer and Richard Twose (daughter and son-in-law), Samantha and Ryan Thomas, Angharad and Iwan Twose (grandchildren), Owen and Mair Harries (brother and sister-in-law); Ken Evans (brother-in-law), Vincent and Lorna Thomas (brother-in-law and sister-in-law), Mrs Brenda Llewellin (aunt), Meurig and Grace Harries, Paul Evans, Sarah Harries and Simon Thornton, Sandra and Ieuan Jenkins, Bethan and Brinley Morris, Susan and Ian James (nephews and nieces and partners) and many more family and friends too numerous to mention. Unable to attendMrs Beryl Lloyd (aunt).

The bearers were Paul Evans, Meurig Harries, Ieuan Jenkins, Brinley Morris, Ian James and Simon Thornton.

The funeral was held at Mathry Church where the service was officiated by Rev Alan Salmon and Rev Paul Davies.

There were family flowers only but donations in memory of Mary if desired made payable to "Fishguard and Goodwick Stroke Club’ or ‘Paul Sartori Foundation’ to Paul Jenkins and Sons, Feidr Castell, Fishgaurd who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr Alan Ward

Pembroke

The death occurred on November 9th of Mr Alan Ward of St Davids Road, Pembroke at Withybush Hospital. He was 75.

Originally from Nottingham he worked at Texaco for many years in maintenance until retirement due to ill health.

He loved dancing and playing the organ, but was most comfortable at home sharing the local and laughter with his family.

His other interests included gardening, especially his rose bushes, trees and decorating his home.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are Jan (devoted wife of 50 years); Julie and David Broadbent (daughter and son-in-law); Noreen and Peter Ras (daughter and son-in-law); Nigel Ward (son); Jonathan, Eleanor, Benjamin (grandchildren, who knew him as 'Granty Ward'; Doreen and Philip (sister and brother-in-law); Jack and Eve and family (brother and sister-in-law); Mary and family (sister); nieces and nephews too numerous to mention from Nottingham; Jacqui Evans, Kim Lambert (close family friends); Barbara and Peter (cousins); Becky and Gary.

The service was held at his home followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth and was officiated by Rev Robert James. His ashes were interred at St Michaels, Pembroke.

The bearers were Peter Rasmussen, David Broadbent, Derek Oldershaw, Graham Shepperd and Jonathan Broadbent.

There were family flowers only with donations in lieu for Ward 3 and HDU Withybush Hospital may be sent to Mr Graham Thomas, 34 Charles Thomas Avenue, Pembroke Dock.

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

Mr Colin O'Dare

Haverfordwest

The funeral took place recently of Colin O'Dare who died aged 85 at Withybush Hospital on Sunday November 20th.

Colin, who was born in Westcliffe on Sea, moved to Haverfordwest with his parents and brothers as a child. He was educated at Haverfordwest Grammar School and on leaving school he worked as an articled clerk in an accounts office. At the age of 18 he was called up for National Service in the RAF. During this time he met, fell in love with and subsequently married Eleanor, the mother of Michael and Martyn. Sadly Eleanor died in 1970.

On return to civilian life in 1948 he joined his parents in the family restaurant and greengrocery business in Bridge Street. He continued to run the business until it was sold in the 1960s. The vision he brought to his work and the catering skills he acquired were recognized when he was charged to provide a reception for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth when she visited the town.

When the catering business was sold he moved into an entirely different style of work, that of boat building under the title of "Viken Boats"and when that was disposed of he ran a kitchen / bathroom / bedroom fitting agency.

Despite this very busy professional life, Colin found time to commit himself to the Haverfordwest Chamber of Commerce, serving at least one year's presidential term. His concern for people and the community encouraged him to serve on the old Haverfordwest Borough Council, proudly becoming sheriff and subsequently mayor of the Town and County in 1962/3.

Colin's life was again made complete on marrying Pam in 1979. Their 32 year marriage was happy and fulfilled, and his family was extended by the addition of Pam's sons Robert, Steven and Malcolm, who were much more than stepsons to Colin.

He was a loving and proud husband to Pam and a caring and supportive father to the boys, taking great interest in their lives and achievements and those of their families.

Colin was initiated into Cambrian Lodge of Freemasons in 1954 and installed as Master in 1965.

For Colin, Freemasonry added a whole new dimension to his life of care and concern for others, which he cherished and in which he blossomed. For many years he served as Director of Ceremonies at his beloved Cambrian Lodge, aiming always for the highest standards.

The whole Masonic Province of West Wales rejoiced greatly on Colin's appointment as Provincial Grand Master and Grand Superintendent in 1996 a position he held until 2001.

There was a large gathering at the funeral at Parc Gwyn Crematorium where the service was conducted by the Rev'd Keith Davies and the Rev'd Graham Lloyd.

There were family flowers only with donations in lieu being received by Ryland James, Cartref, Bethlehem Road, Pwlltrap, St Clears, Carmarthen for Diabetic U.K. (Cymru) Research and the West Wales Masonic Charity. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Paul Jenkins & Sons, Fishguard Mrs Joan Edley

Haverfordwest

Mrs Joan Edley passed away at Lynnefield Residential Home, Haverfordwest on November 28th. She was 95.

Originally from Sheffield she moved to Roch and was a company secretary and retired in the mid 60's.

Her main interests were reading, crosswords and previously travel, walking, tennis and golf and she was still a car driver at the age of 90.

Joan was a regular churchgoer to Roch Church until the age of 90 when she moved to Lynnefield. Also she was a members of Roch Ladies Circle, Roch Lunch Club and the Townswomen's Guild.

She was predeceased by her husband Thomas Hutton Edley in 1976.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners were Richard Peter Edlery (son); Alan Roy Fussey; Mrs E Humphries (Betty), friend and ex next door neighbour in Roch for 25 years.

The service was held in Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth and was officiated by Rev David Faulkner.

Donations in lieu of flowers to Withybush Hospital Nurses Fund in recognition of the wonderful care she received on several occasions in Withybush Hospital c/o Mr Graham Thomas, 34 Charles Thomas Avenue, Pembroke Dock.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by E C Thomas and Sons, Stepaside Mrs Gwyneth Hughes

Pembroke

The death occurred at Bush House Care Home, Pembroke on November 28th of Mrs Gwyneth Hughes. She was 88.

She was a nurse at Riverside Hospital before her marriage to John Hughes, a former editor of the Western Telegraph.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are Elaine (daughter); Robin (grandson); Sarah (Robin's wife) plus two great grandsons and a great granddaughter.

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

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

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