Obituaries, June 20th 2012

Narberth

Ruth Owen of the Dingle, Narberth died at Withybush Hospital on April 7th (Easter Saturday) after a short illness aged 89.

Ruth was Pembrokeshire born and was a widely known, loved and respected lady. She led a full and independent life that centred around her family. At the age of 19 during the Second World War, Ruth left her home farm Llwyncelyn, Clunderwen and moved to London to train as an SRN nurse in Paddington Hospital. Here, she nursed many sick and wounded soldiers and experienced blackouts and bombings. Although it was a difficult period, she enjoyed every minute of her time in London, which fuelled her love for the arts. She was an avid reader, a music lover and also a talented painter who over the years produced some beautiful paintings. Ruth was a keen member of the Narberth Cancer Research Charity for many years and enjoyed Merched Y Wawr.

Her ‘hiraeth’ for Wales, the Welsh language and Pembrokeshire led her back to her roots. She married the late Ewart Owen and set up home at the Dingle, Narberth. She worked as a sister at Allensbank hospital, Narberth. She had four children Peter, John, Dafydd and Cathy and they worked hard as a family business farming, milking cows, bottling and supplying milk to the community. The business later developed into a successful caravan park and marquee hire company all of which Ruth was very proud of and remained actively involved with up until recent years. Ruth was the heart of her family and a best friend too, she was a devoted and treasured ‘Nain’ and ‘Great-Nain’ who is going be deeply missed.

The funeral was held on April 16th at Parc Gwyn Crematorium where a large, overwhelming gathering paid their respects. The Rev. Alan Chiplin, past rector of St.Andrews, Narberth officiated and was assisted by Rev. Chris Rees from Bethesda Chapel, Narberth. The bearers were Arwyn Bowen, Peter Phillips, Davey Johns and Jonathan Jones.

The principal mourners are Peter (son); Dafydd and Jill, John and Jayne (sons and daughters in law); Cathy and Huw (daughter and son in law); Ruth’s seven grandchildren Mathew, Luke, Miriam, Julia, Rosie, Carys and Dylan. Nesta James (sister in law); nieces and nephews. Unable to attend were Gerald James (brother) and Kitty James (sister in law).

Donations in lieu of flowers if desired, may be sent to Ken Davies and Sons, Funeral Directors, Clunderwen for The Alzheimer’s Society.

Mr William George Phillips (Billy)

Jameston

Billy was born on April 18th 1927 in Jameston. The eldest son of the late Jack and Doris Phillips. He passed away peacefully on May 20th at Morriston Hospital, he was 85. A much loved husband, dad, granddad and great granddad. Sadly predeceased by sister Nancy, brother Lesley and great granddaughter Dana.

He attended Manorbier School and became a keen footballer and played for Manorbier. His football talents were known throughout the county. Billy made many friends through his football career and continued to be a keen followed of all sports.

In 1945 to 1948 he was called up for military service with the royal engineers as a driver.

For many years Billy worked for Mr Morgan, The Mill, Carew, Lamphey and Manorbier Newton as a driver. On leaving the mill he worked for Walter Simon delivering agricultural supplies to local farms. During this time he met and later married Edna. Billy also worked at Cantel Electris and Harcros in Pembroke Dock.

Billys love was his garden, he had an array of flowers and vegetables all year round. Billy was a well known and respected gentleman far and wide. Many people sort his advice and knowledge, he will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Billy always put others 1st with his kind caring ways, even when he was so ill himself. For the past seven years he attended the dyalisis unit three days a week. The staff on the unit became his 2nd family, he was always so appreciative of all their excellent care and attention.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are Edna (wife); Susie Goodrick and William Rossiter (step-daughter and partner); Janice Gooch (step daughter); Michael and Julie, Richard and Alison (grandsons and partners); Paul and Linda (grandson and wife); Jonathon, Billy, Tyler, Ruby, Jill and Alex (great grandchildren); Tommy Phillips (brother); Winford and Sophie (brother and wife), plus other family and close friends too numerous to mention.

The service was held at St James Church, Manorbier and officiated by Rev Shirley Rayner.

The bearers were Richard Gooch and Paul Goodrick (grandsons); Danny and Derek Richards (nephew); Phillip Kidney and Peter-Lee Taylor (family friends).

There were family flowers only with donations in lieu for the Renal Dyalisis Unit, Withybush Hospital being sent to Graham Thomas, 34 Charles Thomas Avenue, Pembroke Dock.

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

Mrs Irene Davies

Milford Haven

The death occurred at home in Bay View Drive, Milford Haven following a short illness in hospital on May 30th of Mrs Irene Davies.

She was 82.

As a native of Liverpool, Irene working in the Royal Navy as a wren where she met her husband to be Ron. Following discharge from the navy, she has a variety of jobs, ranging from factory work to shop assistant. Eventually he retired at the age of 65 years.

Irene took up golf and enjoyed many matches with the ladies division of Milford Haven Golf Club. She also enjoyed art classes and has produced many watercolour landscapes. She was also an avid Manchester United fan.

She was predeceased by her husband Ron six months earlier.

The principal mourners are June Picton, Carol Salmon and Kay Sizer (daughters); Ken, John and Peter (sons-in-law); Byron Thomas, Louise Rhead, Luke Thomas, Jonathon Salmon, James Salmon, Sarah Jayne Salmon, Kenny Sizer, Chris Sizer and Becky Sizer (grandchildren); Mia, Neeve, Ollie, Alfie and Finley (great grandchildren) plus many other family and friends from Liverpool, Hampshire and Somerset.

The service was held at Parc Gwyn and was officiated by Huw George who read a moving eulogy.

The bearers were Byron, Jonathon, James, Luke, Chris Sizer and Chris Rhead.

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

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

Mr Roy Plummer

Milford Haven

Roy died at home on June 11th, aged 75, after a short illness.

Roy was born in Barry, West Glamorgan and moved to Milford Haven in 1957. He went on to become managing director of the shipping company, General Steam Kelway Ltd. He was also Norwegian Consul and was awarded the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit for Outstanding Services to their Country.

Roy was an active member of his local community. He was Chairman of Round Table in 1978 and organised and took part in many fundraising events for charity.

A keen sportsman throughout his life, he played football in his youth and became an enthusiastic golfer in his later years. He was Seniors Captain for Milford Haven Golf Club.

Roy was a committed family man. He was devoted to his wife, Rose, whom he married 49 years ago, his daughters, Beverley and Alison, and John (Beverley's partner). He was also a loving grandfather to Ethan, aged 5.

After marrying into an Italian family, Roy developed a fondness for all things Italian, the people, the food and the language - in which he became a competent speaker. He enjoyed many happy times there.

Roy will always be remembered with admiration, respect and great affection. He will be greatly missed by his immediate family and Margaret (his sister), Nick and Adrian (his nephews), as well as many relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

The funeral service took place on June 15th at St. Francis' Church, Milford Haven.

There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu for Cancer Research.

Mrs Margaret Ann Phillips

Letterston

The funeral took place on May 23rd of Margaret Ann Phillips at St Giles Church, Letterston. Margaret passed away at Withybush Hospital on May 16th following many years of ill health. Her husband, Bernard preceded her some 13 years ago. Having been born and brought up in Fishguard, upon leaving school Margaret worked some years at D.S.Evans Chemist, Goodwick, before joining R.N.A.D. Trecwn where she met her husband whom she married in 1959.

The family left to mourn are Mrs Rozelle White (sister); Mr and Mrs Julian and Bryhony Morris (nephew and wife); Ms Samantha Morris (niece); Harry, Aled and Thomas (great nephews); Ms Lesley Davies and Mr Frank Gowlett (niece and fiancé), together with cousins too numerous to mention.

Unable to attend due to ill health were Mr and Mrs Eric Davies (brother and sister in law); Mrs Joan Davies (sister in law).

A very large gathering at the funeral showed the respect Margaret was held in the community. Following her own wishes, Margaret received numerous splendid floral tributes. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Paul Jenkins and Sons Funeral Directors, Fishguard.

Mr George Robert Harding

Steynton

Mr George Robert Harding of Castle Pill Road, Steynton passed away at Withybush Hospital after a stay of three months on May 6th. He was 69.

Originally from Milford Haven, his main job was on Milford trawlers for over 30 years. He then moved to Cory Towages where he worked for approximately fourteen years.

His last job was working at the Jolly Sailor until October 2010, when he left due to ill health.

He loved a bet on the horses and watching cricket.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are Fay (wife); Sharon and Paul (daughter and son-in-law); Kyleigh and Matthew (granddaughter and partner); Liam (grandson); Jeanette and Kenny (daughters-in-law); Dylan and Lacie (great grandchildren); Marje (sister); Beryl (cousin); Ann and Mike, Peggy and Philip, Ellen and Paul (nieces and partners); Susan (niece); David (nephew); Brian and Philip (nephews); Beryl and Peter (niece and husband); Ju;lie and Keith (niece and husband); Wayne (nephew); Christine, Paddy and David (cousins); David (nephew); Jimmy and James (nephews). Brenda and Laura (sisters in Australia) and John and Edward (brothers) all unable to attend.

The church was full to capacity, was held at St Peter and St Cewydd Church, Steynton followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn.

The bearers were Liam Coe (grandson); Jimmy Harding, Michael, Oliver and Paul Coaker (nephew).

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