Obituaries, July 4th 2012 (From Western Telegraph)

Obituaries, July 4th 2012

9:54am Wednesday 4th July 2012 in Obituaries

DANIEL RICHARD ‘JOHN’ LEWIS

KILGETTY

He died peacefully at his home, Swn y Deryn, James Park, Kilgetty on June 1st. A large gathering of family and friends, neighbours and acquaintances attended the funeral on June 11th at Bethel Chapel, Loveston. It showed what a well liked and respected man he was. He touched the hearts of everyone that knew him.

He was born in Laugharne and was one of 11 children. After leaving school at 14 years of age, he became an apprentice carpenter but this was not for him.

At 18, he joined the army and did his two years of National Service. In 1951, he married Edwina and worked on his mother-in-law and father-in-law’s farm in St. Clears for four years before moving to Captain Style, Narberth in 1955.

Whilst living there and building up their own business, he worked at Highgate Farm for Mr and Mrs Wilfred Griffiths who became like a second mum and dad to them.

In 1964, he, Edwina and the three children moved to Yerbeston Gate where they remained farming for 31 years. In 1995 they retired to Sycamore Lodge, Cold Blow before finally moving to Kilgetty in 2003. They made many friends in their retirement years whilst out on their daily walks. John and Edwina were faithful members at Bethel Chapel, Loveston until his health deteriorated and was unable to attend. John was renowned for his wit and was always ready with a joke or a witty comment that would make everyone smile even when he was extremely unwell. His passion was farming and in retirement gardening. He loved seeing things grow. He lived for his family and was always proud of their achievements. John and Edwina celebrated their diamond anniversary in April 2011 and was very happy to receive a card from the Queen. This year was their 61st anniversary and even though he was not feeling very well he was determined to celebrate what he knew would be their last anniversary together and took Edwina out for lunch.

Left to mourn are Edwina (wife); Anthony and Carolyn, Michael and Dale (sons and daughter-in-laws); Vera and Talfan (daughter and son-in-law); Mark and Nicola, Andrew and Angharad, Anna and Ian, Llewellyn and Julia, Ryan, Tim, Sioned and Gavin, and Dylan, Claire, Duncan, Dean, Kelly and Craig (grandchildren and partners). Also brothers and sisters and nephews and nieces too numerous to mention.

Rev. Hywel Brown officiated at the funeral with the assistance of Rev. Alwyn Evans who both knew John very well and they gave a moving tribute of his life. The bearers were Richard Lewis, Paul Lewis, David Thomas, Lloyd Morris, Alan Morris, Hugh James (nephews).

There were family flowers only with donations to Paul Sartori Foundation and Meddygfa Rhiannon, Narberth. Donations are being accepted by E.C Thomas and Son Funeral Directors, Archways Green Plains, Stepaside, SA67 8LT.

Mrs Phyllis Myatt

Pembroke Dock

The death occurred recently of an old Pembroke Dock character, Mrs Phyllis Myatt, a resident of Bush House Nursing Home in Pembroke who was 98 years old. She was the one of five children born to Alfred and Beatrice Woodward at Whitford Bridge near Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, but she always loved Pembrokeshire and eventually made her home in Pembroke Dock. Before she entered the nursing home she was lovingly cared for by her son Sam, his wife Sheena and their family.

During the Second World War she served in Scotland as a driver with the WAAF and never lost her love of service life, spending many a happy holiday with her son Sam and his family at his various army postings. Her husband George who predeceased her was a toolmaker at the Austin Motor Company in Longbridge, Birmingham and after the war they emigrated to Canada, but the lure of the old country and family was too much for her, although she regularly returned to Canada on visits.

Phyllis was a very strong minded character, and a lively conversationalist. A lot of people were grateful for her many kind acts towards them. She was an excellent cook and worked at Butlins Holiday Camp where she made lifelong friends, and for a number of years ran a popular guesthouse in Pembroke.

She was pre-deceased by her daughter Jill in 1947, who died of meningitis and by her son Sam in 2011, both of which deeply affected her.

She was buried in St Michael's Cemetery in Pembroke in the grave of her partner. She leaves to mourn a son and daughter-in-law Christopher and Shahza Myatt in the USA; daughter-in-law Mrs Sheena Myatt of Cosheston; grandchildren Stewart and Carrie Myatt of Thirsk, Tanya and Darren Brackenberry of Felixstow ; great-grandchildren Chloe and John, Bronty, and Elijah. In addition she leaves nieces and nephews Greta and Cliff Hedges of Whitford Bridge; Mick and Maureen Ormonde of Plymouth; John Woodward, Lords Meadows; Carol and John Jenkins of Pembroke and Mary, Geoff and Bruce Sinclair of Martletwy and friends of long standing.

Mrs Pamela Joyce Raymond

Narberth

The death occurred on May 9th of Mrs Pamela Joyce Raymond, of Cold Blow, Narberth. She passed away at Withybush Hospital at the age of 60.

As a native of Narberth she completed her nursing training in Llanelli Hospital, then went on to become a senior doctors receptionist in Narberth Health Centre.

Her interests included her family, socialising and holiday abroad.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are Trevor Raymond (husband); Amanda and Hugh Davies (daughter and son-in-law); Andrew and Lindsey Raymond (son and daughter-in-law); Teresa and Neil Jones (daughter and son-in-law); Joyce Cole (mother); Raymond and Angela Cole (brother and sister-in-law); Janet Griffiths (sister); Peter and Jackie Cole (brother and sister-in-law); Steven, Sam, Dylan, Elen, Kirsty, William and Jessica (grandchildren).

The service was held at St Andrews Church, Narberth followed by internment at Templeton Chapel and was officiated by Rev Peter Lewis.

The bearers were Malcolm Raymond, Michael Raymond, Daniel Griffiths and Austin Price.

Donations in lieu of flowers will be donated to Ward 10, Withybush Hospital and Narberth Health Centre c/o E C Thomas and Son, Funeral Directors, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr John Volk Francis

Blaenffos

The death of John Volk Francis ‘Rhyd Ddu’, Blaenffos occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest on May 7th aged 89 years.

Born at Sio Fach, Brynberian, he attended the local school.

He was a faithful member of Cana Chapel, felindre Farchog, a deacon and secretary for 40 years and wrote a book on the history of Capel Cana 1887 – 2007.

After leaving school he worked at Dyffryn, Pontcynon and Cwmeog farms, Cwmgloyne and Dinas Island farms owner by R J Lockley, also at Awenfryn and Croft. He was also an LDV with the Home Guard during the war. Later he became a salesman at the Sales Centre, Vale of Tivy, Cardigan and with Mansel Davies and Son, Llanfyrnach where he was presented with a gold watch by Kaye Davies upon his retirement.

The funeral took place at Blaenffod Baptist Chapel with the following ministers officiating Rev Emry Gwyn Evans, B D Bethesda, Tumble, Rev Roger T Morgan, Blaenffos and Rev Islwyn Selby, Crymych.

Letters of condolence were received from the Rev Dr Cerwyn Davies, BA, BD, PhD, Canada and Mansel Davies and Son, Llanfyrnach.

The organist was Mrs Wendy Lewis. Leaflets were distributed by Dilwyn Thomas and Gwyndaf Tomos. The bearers were Mel Davies, Alwyn Evans, John Vaughan and Emrys Thomas.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners Evangeline (wife); Sulwyn and Gill Jones, Tricia, Matthew and Ben Penny (nephew and family); Iris Radcliffe, Phil and Gethin Davies, Berian Griffiths, Basil and Carol Spencer, Peter Morgan, Wyn davies, Lal Thomas, Mella Jenkins, Amelia and Janet Wood, Wyn Jenkins. Dilys Davies, Mair and Teifryn Davies, Doreen Davies, Ivy Edwards, Meilyr Hedd Tomos, Carol and Aled Vaughan, Bethan Vaughan, Geraint James, Giacomo Maraguillo, Ken Rees, Hywel Lewis, Lynn John, Wyn Jones, Gwyn Rees, Dave and Glenys Edwards, WP Reed (family and friends).

Unable to attend were Julie, Rhys and Anna Dvies, Elfyn and Hefina Morris, Geraint Davies, Myfanwy Thomas, Victor Owen, Emyr Williams, Barbara James, Gareth Griffiths, Jennifer Jenkins, Barabra Brookfield, Lon Vaughan, Dailwen vaughan, Steven Ladd, Gwyneth Oram and Michael White.

Donations in lieu of flowers for M S Cardigan and Ward 10 Withybush Hospital were kindly received by Mr Windsor Thomas, Min-y-Mynydd, Crymych.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Hywel Bowen and Dewi Davies, Llys Gwyddon, Newcastle Emlyn.

Mr R J Harries

Llangwm

The funeral service of Robert Joseph Harries took place at Parc Gwyn on June 18th. He died suddenly at home on June 1st. He was 56.

Robert was born in Westminster, London in 1955. He grew up at Summerhill Farm, Freystrop and attended Freystrop and Haverfordwest Grammar schools.

Robert married and moved to Llangwm in 1977 where he devoted his life to bringing up his three children and remained for the rest of his life. Rob loved the outdoors and all that Llangwm and Pembrokeshire offered maintaining many hobbies and interests during his life.

He played cricket for Hook and Llangwm helping for many years with the preparation of the pitch at Pill Parks. He was an accurate bowler and solid with the bat too. Fishing with rod and reel, on the river in his boat or from the bank he was talented fisherman. He organised many events for the fishing club in Llangwm, won many competitions and had held a fishing license since he was a small boy. Rob was a keen gardener, a talented photographer and music enthusiast. Rob loved animals and had a special talent in training and managing them. He loved his dogs and had always had at least one by his side all his life.

Rob had a distinguished career and was an outstanding public servant. After school, Rob joined the NHS and worked for many years as a hospital administrator at Withybush. He then became a Safety Advisor at Pembrokeshire council and has been instrumental in securing improvements at many organisations in this role. Rob was a very effective and capable officer, and this was never better demonstrated than by the work he did during the Sea Empress oil spill emergency when he took control of sourcing and deploying plant and equipment during the clean-up operation.

Robert is survived by his three children Andrew, Linda and Michael; brother Christopher and son-in-law Jim.

There were family flowers only, but donations to The Friends of Withybush Hospital are being received by Mr J Byers, 64 Greenhill Crescent, Merlins Bridge, Haverfordwest. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Roy Folland and Son, Haverfordwest MR J.HURLOW

TENBY

The funeral took place on June 9th, at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, of Mr John Hurlow, Tudor Way, Tenby.

John passed away peacefully on May 29th at Morriston Hospital, Swansea. He was 73.

Born in Saundersfoot, John later moved to Tenby. After leaving school, he learned his trade as a motor mechanic with the late Mr Saunders of Penally. When he qualified, John went on to work at TP Hughes and then Silcox Coaches of Pembroke Dock, where he became a popular driver. He drove many local organisations for many years. On leaving Silcox Coaches, John went to work for Pembrokeshire County Council, firstly as the caretaker of the Avenue Centre, Tenby. He then became a minibus driver and gained promotion to be senior driver for Social Services. He held the position until his retirement in 2003.

John was also keen to help coach drivers who were staying in Tenby, with his vast knowledge of the local area. Many coach drivers that John assisted became firm friends.

John loved to sing and became a member of Whitland Male Voice Choir before joining Tenby Male Voice Choir in 1975. He was one of the founder members and also served on the Committee for many years. John was a brilliant tour organiser and organised many day tours and holidays for the choir and St Johns Church, Tenby. He also loved driving and was always willing to help family and friends when called upon to plan routes or assist them with their driving. John was also a member of St Johns Church.

John was a family man, very much a gentleman, and a gentle man. He loved people and was always willing to help anyone. His two grandsons Joseph and Louie were the apple of his eye. He was a very popular man and well known throughout Pembrokeshire. This was reflected in the large gathering of family and friends who attended his funeral.

He leaves to mourn Sonia (wife); Gareth and Verity (son and partner); David and Nicole (son and daughter in law); Joseph and Louie (grandsons) Principal mourners were Sonia (wife); Gareth and Verity (son and partner); David (son); Joseph (grandson); Val, Clive and Ian John, Bryn and Sylvia Evans, Dennis and Rita Evans, Ron and Bron Hurlow, Pauline and Greg Grist, Christopher and Marina John, Mark and Kieran John, Carol and Rebecca James, Sian Evans, Maldwyn, Maureen and Jayne Protheroe.

The funeral service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium was officiated by Rev Nanette Lewis Head who also carried out an informal service of thanksgiving afterwards at St Johns Church schoolroom.

The bearers were Mr Roger Sheldon, Mr Peter Neate, Mr John Jones and Mr Arthur Evans.

There were family flowers only and donations in lieu of flowers to Tenby Friends of the Community c/o E C Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, Narberth SA67 8LT who conducted the funeral arrangements.