Obituaries May 22nd 2013

NEWPORT

THE death of Ailsa Hopper (nee John) occurred on April 17th at Withybush Hospital.

She was 37, and was the wife of Chris Hopper and proud mum to Finlay.

Originally from Newport (Pembs), she was the daughter of Barry and Diane John and a sister to Stuart.

She was educated at Newport CP School, Fishguard High School and Pembrokeshire College. She then went on to a business studies course at U.C.E.

Birmingham before, eventually fulfilling her dream to train as a nurse at John Moores University Liverpool.

Once qualified, she returned to Pembrokeshire, settling in Haverfordwest and working as a staff nurse at Withybush Hospital on ward 10. It was at this time that she met her husband and married in 2009. She spent more than a year as a specialist nurse consultant in Continuing Health Care at Withybush, returning later to her first love of practical nursing back on ward 10.

During her pregnancy, Ailsa was diagnosed with a chronic lung condition but she remained cheerful and optimistic as she had always been from a small child. She battled bravely with her difficulties but found that there was a lack of advice and help for her age group in the area.

With the involvement of a close friend she set up a support group to fill this gap. In 2011, CWTCH (Care and Wellbeing Through Chronic Health) Pembrokeshire was born, and this forward-thinking group will be her legacy.

Her death came as a great shock to many people as her constantly positive attitude concealed her true state of health. The affection and esteem in which she was held was evident by the large number of people attending the church of St David in Prendergast on April 30th, where the funeral service was officiated by Canon Geoff Gwyther, with whom she had had close links throughout her career.

The principal mourners were Chris Hopper (husband); Finlay Hopper (son); Barry and Diane John (parents); Stuart John (brother); John and Elaine Hopper (parentsin- law). Unable to attend were Ben and Karen Hopper (brother and sister-in-law).

The bearers were Stuart John (brother) together with Tim Jones, Steven Couzens and Oliver Cooper, school friends of Ailsa and Stuart.

Also in attendance were a large number of family and friends too numerous to mention, some of whom had travelled many miles.

There were family flowers only with donations for Cwtch (Pembrokeshire) to Y Gorlan, 33 St Davids Road, Letterston, Haverfordwest, SA62 5SF.

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

 

MR H. E. WRIGHT

REDBERTH

HAROLD Edgar Wright, of Redberth, died at Withybush Hospital on April 5th. He was 88.

Harold was a very caring and loving man, a wonderful father and husband, and will be sorely missed.

During his working career he was a structural engineer for major construction companies including Boulton and Paul, Mowlems, Taylor Woodrow and Intep of Pembroke Dock.

When he retired he had been involved in major London projects, including the New London Bridge and the St Catherine’s Dock development.

He was self-employed for the last years before retirement, working on local contracts.

He served with the Navy and was a wireless operator and telegrapher. He also served in the Second World War and was involved in the D-Day landings, serving on HMS Crane.

His interests included being a freemason and he was a member of the British Legion.

He had a life-long interest in the boy scout movement, he loved history (particularly war related) and also had a passion for steam trains. He was a man of great faith and a member of the local church.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Patricia Wright (wife of 62 years); Sheila (daughter); Martin and Linda (son and daughter-in-law); Maggie (sister- in-law); Ray (brother-inlaw); Phil, Paul, Elizabeth and Christine (nephews and nieces); Max and Williams (great nephews); Jimmy and Neil Blackburn (cousins).

Donations in lieu of flowers to St Mary’s Church, Redberth, or Crossroads Mid and West Wales, Pembroke, may be sent to E. C. Thomas and Son, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth, SA67 8QH, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

 

MR W. B. COLLEY

FRESHWATER EAST

THE death of William Bryan Colley occurred on April 23rd.

Bryan was the eldest son of Algy and Margery Colley and he had four sisters, two brothers and six children.

He attended East End Boys’ school, where he met many of his longstanding Pembroke friends. He went on to Taunton School in Somerset.

His summer holidays were spent at Freshwater East and one of his most vivid memories was being on the beach and seeing the aircraft that bombed the oil tanks in Pennar go over.

Bryan left school in 1947 and went on to Meggit and Jones in Cardiff to learn his trade in the timber business.

Following this he did his National Service, where he applied to go overseas but ended up in Southampton. He enjoyed his time in the Army, playing both hockey and rugby for the services. He would have stayed on, but his father asked for him to come home and work for the family business, T. W. Colley and Sons.

He then went to Kilmarnock, on the Massey Harris factory and training scheme, followed by field training and combine harvesting before qualifying as an Agricultural Service Engineer. T. W. Colley became agents for Massey Ferguson which resulted in him travelling the breadth of Pembrokeshire.

He played for Pembroke RFC for many years and was captain on two occasions. He became President of the Ladies’ Committee in 1965 and was also President of the Club until retirement from ill health.

In later years, he became landlord, with his wife Betty, of The Kilwendeage Inn in Pennar. In the 24 years there they organised many charity events and rugby trips for the locals to Ireland. At the same time he ran Pembroke Glass.

He retired from the pub in 1994, moving to Freshwater East, and was asked by Lars Knutsen and Clode to drive for them to help out. He stayed in this job until his heart attack in 2004, after which, he ended up on dialysis in Morriston Hospital.

Bryan always seemed to bounce back and at home his grandsons Harry and Zac kept him going. He also had a keen interest in growing tomatoes and runner beans. He spent hours browsing through magazines of model railways, planning his layout in a rekindled interest. His last trip with his brothers was to a model railway exhibition at his old school in Taunton.

The funeral service was held in the Tabernacle United Reformed Church in Pembroke on May 2nd, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn. The bearers were Adrian and Clive Rowlands, Lee Smith, James Colley, Tom Colley and Philip Davies.

There were family flowers only, but if desired, donations in lieu for The Paul Sartori Foundation or Morriston Hospital renal unit may be sent to John Roberts and Son, 51 Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, who carried out the funeral arrangements.

 

MR D. W. GOODRIDGE

TENBY

AFTER a long spell in hospital, Derek William Goodridge died suddenly but peacefully at his home in Hanover Court, Tenby, on April 24th. He was 75.

Brought up in Tenby by mum Ada and dad William, Derek had two sisters, Eileen and Christine, and a brother, Victor. Derek was predeceased by his first wife Simone in June of 1995 after 40 years of marriage.

Derek moved back to Pembroke and while trying his hand at gardening met his second wife Hazel. They were married for 12 years.

He was a kind, honest and proud man, and was well respected as a carpenter, golfer and a bowler.

He will be very much missed by his wife Hazel; Giselle and Bob (daughter and son-in-law), Christine and Ian (sister and brother-in-law); Jennifer, Lyn, Cheryl (Hazel’s daughters) Dawn and Mark (Hazel’s daughter and husband).

The remainder of the family (too numerous to mention) are spread far and wide over Belgium, USA, Wales and England.

There was a large attendance at the funeral held at Parc Gwyn, which was officiated by Rev Roger Jones.

There were family flowers only, with donations for the British Heart Foundation to John Roberts and Son, Pembroke Dock, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

 

MR J. YOUNG

TRECWN

THE death of John Young occurred at Withybush Hospital on April 15th following a short illness. He was 63.

John was born and brought up at Millfield in Manorowen, on a small family farm. He was a keen farmer from a young age and on leaving school, he commenced employment at Home Farm in Manorowen, where he worked for 20 years.

Following some time spent in the building trade, he then went on to work for Pembrokeshire County Council, which he thoroughly enjoyed, and was a committed council work, John continued with his passion for his farm work.

In 1978 John married Dorothy and raised a family, of whom he was proud.

The esteem in which John was held was shown in the large attendance at the funeral on April 20th at St Peter’s Church, Goodwick, followed by interment at Llanfair cemetery, Trecwn. Canon Roger Griffiths presided and was assisted by Rev Geoffrey Eynon.

Family left to mourn are: Dorothy (wife); Alison and Shane (daughter and son-in-law); Samantha and Alan (daughter and partner); Morfydd and Waldo (sister and brother-in-law); Robert and Janet (brother and sister-in- law); Adam, Paul, Timmy, Nigel and Christopher (nephews); Emma, Katie, Michaela and Michelle (nieces); Graham and Beverley (brother-in-law and partner); Glenda and Malcolm, Linda and Chris (sisters-in-law and husbands), plus many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

Unable to attend David (son); Kurt (grandson); Jane and June (sisters); Steven (nephew).

The bearers were Macky Hart, Richard Reynolds, William Morse, Dilwyn Lawrence, Gerwyn and Teifion Owen.

There were family flowers only, with donations for ward 10 trust fund to Paul Jenkins and Sons, Feidr Castell, Fishguard SA65 9BB.

MR J. W. DRING

KILGETTY

THE death occurred at home in Mayfield Acres, Kilgetty of Joseph William Dring (Joe) on February 17th. He was 95.

Originally from Tamworth, Warwickshire, he had worked in mining, farming and at Hams Hall power station, Warwickshire, as a stores person.

He retired and moved to Kilgetty in 1983.

His main interests were cricket, football, pigeons, gardening and reading. He also attended Begelly Church.

He was predeceased by Viv (daughter) and Dai (son-inlaw).

Left to mourn are: Rita (wife); Christian (grandson); Joy (granddaughter); Dylan, Isha, Phoenix (great grandchildren) and May (sister).

The service was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and was officiated by Rev Sarah J.

Geach. The bearers were John Phillips, Graham Jenkins, Kelly Rossiter and Peter Nichols.

There were family flowers only. Donations for St Mary’s Church, Begelly, and Macmillan Cancer Support (local branch) may be sent to E. C. Thomas and Son, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, SA67 8QH, who carried out the funeral arrangements.

MR M. H. W. REES

CANADA

MORRISS Henry Watts Rees, formerly of Haverfordwest, died on May 3rd, aged 80, in British Columbia, Canada.

Morriss was the eldest son of Basil and Ronnie Rees, of Merlins Bridge. At Haverfordwest Grammar School he excelled at athletics and rugby, later becoming a Welsh Rugby Union coach and a Canadian national coach.

During national service from 1951 to 1953, he served as a Royal Artillery gunner in Egypt, and after demobilisation embarked on a teacher-training course at Trinity College Carmarthen, specialising in geography and sports.

Morriss first taught in Richmond, Surrey, where he played for Rosslyn Park Rugby Club, before embarking in 1960 on an extended working world-tour.

After returning to the UK and a teaching appointment in London’s Notting Hill, Morriss decided to pursue his teaching career in Canada where, in 1965 at Hazelton, British Columbia, he married Beverley, a hereditary chief of the indigenous Gitxsan people.

A graduate of Simon Fraser University, Morriss created and coached the university’s first ever rugby team. In 1966 he also helped to found and then coach The Scribes rugby club in Vancouver, leading the team in 1969 on their first UK tour and playing in their game against Haverfordwest Rugby Club.

Back in Canada, Morriss developed a fervent interest in the education and wellbeing of the First Nation peoples of British Columbia, and was the first school principal appointed by them in Canada.

In 1981, and divorced, he retired to his two-acre property on his beloved Galiano Island between mainland British Columbia and Vancouver Island..

Morriss remained resolutely proud of his Welsh roots and never lost his pronounced Pembrokeshire accent. The sign Brynheulog prominently displayed outside his home was a permanent reminder of the bungalow in Merlins Bridge where he had spent his early years.

His whimsically-appointed island dwelling at one time featured in the Canadian TV documentary ‘Weird Homes’.

Morriss took an active part in Galiano Island social and artistic life, producing plays and directing choirs.

He was passionate about the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas.

As a popular member of the island’s diverse community, just a month previously friends had celebrated his 80th birthday with a gala dinner.

Morriss was a larger-thanlife personality, living an adventurous existence to the full. Sociable, energetic, loud and talkative by nature, he would rail about the world’s injustices at the drop of a hat. He remained robust in constitution until afflicted by diabetes in later life.

Morriss is survived by two sons, Timothy, a UK university lecturer, and Matthew, who lives in Canada. Also left to grieve are his younger brother Dr Alun Rees and his wife Ekuko.

The funeral service and interment will take place on Galiano Island.

MRS D. JAMES

BEGELLY

THE death occurred on April 27th at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, of Diana James (nee Jordan) of Windberry Top Farm, Begelly. She was 65.

Diana was born in Chapel House, and spent a happy time in Pentlepoir Primary School, Saundersfoot School and Greenhill School in Tenby. When she left school she worked in Handicott’s and the Beauchef Hotel in Tenby.

She then met and married Derrick James, of Begelly, and they had three daughters, Debbie, Helen and Tanya, in quick succession.

Diana began a part-time job in the Co-op in Kilgetty, followed by a home-help job. It was while she was caring for Dorothy Scourfield that she met her beloved David.

David was trying to look after his mother and run a busy dairy farm. Diana and David’s love blossomed and the farm become Diana’s home. The couple holidayed together in Scotland and Ireland and had some wonderful times together.

Unfortunately, David’s health deteriorated and he had to give up his dairy herd in November 2008. A sad day for the farm, but it gave them a chance to enjoy what little time they had left together. Diana lovingly cared for David until his death in 2010. She was truly heartbroken but found support from her own and David’s family. Sadly in that same year Diana became unwell with leukaemia.

Diana fought her illness, receiving treatment in the chemotherapy day unit at Withybush Hospital and also the Heath Hospital in Cardiff where she died with her three daughters at her side.

Her funeral took place on May 8th at Parc Gwyn and was officiated by Mr Hywel Brown. The bearers were her eldest grandsons Callum and Nathan Lowe, David’s nephew Huw Scourfield and a life-long friend of David and Diana, Peter John.

Diana leaves to mourn her three daughters, Debbie, Helen and Tanya; sons-inlaw Robert, Adrian and Bill; and her grandchildren Callum, Nathan, Frankie, Max, Kaylee, Luke, Elliot and Lola. She also leaves her sisters Mildred, Thelma, Doreen, Enid and Trudy and their families, and David’s brothers Gwyn and Gareth Scourfield and their families.

Also left to mourn is Derrick James and his family.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Wales Air Ambulance or the chemotherapy day unit, Withybush Hospital, and are being received by E. C.

Thomas and Son, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

MRS H. PATTERSON

JOHNSTON

THE funeral has taken place of Helen Patterson (nee Thomas) of The Close, Johnston, who died at the age of 55.

The service took place on May 8th at St Peter’s Church, Johnston. It was officiated by Rev Jane Guipillon.

The bearers were Malcolm and Andrew Thomas (brothers); Richard and Christopher (nephews); Jamie and Chrissie (daughters’ partners). A poem by Helen’s granddaughter Bethan was read out by Rev Guipillon.

She was the wife of Norman Patterson; mother to Denise and Jolene; and nanny to Scott, Bethan, Shaun, Hannah, Chloe and Logan.

Left to mourn are: Norman Patterson (hus-band); Denise and Jamie, Jolene and Chrissie (daughters and partners); May Thomas (mother); Malcolm and Helen, Andrew and Suzanne (brothers and sisters- in-law); Margaret and Neil (sister-in-law and husband); Alan and Nicky (brother-in-law and partner); Jill Edwards (friend); Rachael and Emma (nieces); Betty and Gwillym, Margaret and Clifford (aunts and uncles) plus numerous cousins and friends too numerous to mention.

Unable to attend were Margaret Patterson (mother- in-law) and Aunty Grace.

There were family flowers only, with donations to Greenacres Animal Rescue, being sent to Miss Denise Patterson, 20 The Close, Johnston.

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

 

MRS G WILLIAMS 

PEMBROKE DOCK

THE death occurred at South Pembs Hospital on March 23rd of Gwyneth Williams.

She was 93.

Gwyneth had been a resident of Pembroke Haven Residential Home, but her family home had been at Church Street, Pembroke Dock.

Gwyneth was born and raised in Pembroke Dock where she attended Pembroke Dock County School. On leaving school she took a post in the social services office in Victoria Road. This was to form a large part of her working life as she went on to work in other offices around Pembrokeshire and as far afield as Bristol.

In 1939 Gwyneth married John Williams and after a spell living with family in Pennar, they settled in Church Street, where they had four sons. The couple were well known in the town as they spent some years as steward and stewardess of the RAFA Club in Commercial Row, and then the Cricket Club in Imble Lane.

Gwyneth was predeceased by John and her son Clive in 1987.

The funeral was held in St John’s Church on April 5th and the coffin was carried by her eight grandchildren.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Michael and Maureen, David and Susan (sons and daughters- in-law); Steven (son); Janice Williams and Pam Williams (daughters-in-law); Jenifer and Charlie Blunsden (sister and brother- in-law); Simon and Caroline (grandson and partner); Oliver and Natasha, Johnathan and Olivia (grandsons and wives); Marcus, Kate, Gwyn, Owen and Richard (grandchildren); Angel, Harrison, Tylor, Sophia, Aimee (great grandchildren).

There were family flowers only, with donations for St John’s Church and Cancer Research Wales being sent to John Roberts and Son, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, who carried out all the funeral arrangements.

 

MRS S. M. EADE

HAVERFORDWEST

SUSAN Margaret Eade of Millward Close, Haverfordwest, died on April 24th at her home with her son by her side. She was 50.

She was a single mum, a doting grandmother and also enjoyed reading and sun bathing.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Glenys Bryant (mother); Mark Eade (son); Michelle Williams (daughter); Mikey, Amy-Louise, Cora, Rhys and Alfie (grandchildren); along with Richard Bryant, Denise Byrnes, Deborah Pritchard.

The service was held at Tabernacle Church, Haverfordwest, followed by interment at City Road Cemetery, and was officiated by Rev Chris Gillham.

The bearers were Jimmy Phill, Guy Riddiford, Steven Pritchard and Phillip Narbett.

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