Obituaries

A large congregation met at Pisgah Baptist Chapel on Saturday, March 3rd to bid farewell to Rev Donald John Davies, a much loved and respected former pastor.

He died on February 22nd, five days after his 76th birthday. He lived at 6 Kilvelgy Park, Kilgetty, with his wife, Betty, to whom he had been married for nearly 50 years.

Born in Pencoed, Glamorgan, he was one of triplets and is survived by his twin sister, Betty. A choir boy at the local church, he had a passion for acting and public speaking.

Leaving school at 14, he completed his apprenticeship as a builder. Following a calling to the ministry he studied at Trefecca College, Brecon, but was called up for national service in 1951 and posted to the Middle East where he served as a nurse in the Royal Army Medical Corps, a time he often related to with fond memories.

On his arrival home he joined the South Wales Baptist College, Cardiff as a student minister and following a successful student pastorate, took charge of Mount Zion, Blaengarw.

During this time he married his childhood sweetheart, Betty and together spent five years in this ministry, where their daughter, Elizabeth was also born.

Following ten happy years in their second pastorate at Mount Zion, Pyle, Rev Davies went to Pisgah, Cresswell Quay and Bethel, Loveston and latterly Martletwy Baptist Chapel and it was in Pembrokeshire that he settled for the next 35 years, marrying his daughter and son-in-law, Stewart at Pisgah in 1983 and being blessed with two grandchildren, Daniel and Charlotte.

He was the longest serving minister with 24 years at Pisgah. Following retirement in March 1996 he and his wife moved to Kilgetty, where he shared fellowship in many of the local churches, chapels and organisations in community life.

A gentle man, he had a great love for his work and for the people he met in all walks of life. His family meant a great deal to him, especially his grandchildren with whom who he spent many happy hours.

Following a stroke in April 2006 and a long stay in hospital, he fought with courage to adapt to a different way of life. He died at home and was laid to rest at Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg.

A service of thanksgiving was held at Pisgah, when Rev Brian Evans of Cardiff, a friend of over 50 years, officiated and was assisted by the Revs Aled Jenkins, Phylip Rees, Paul Davies, Roger Hart, Hywel Brown and Elwyn John. Many of Donald's ministerial colleagues were also present.

Principal mourners were Betty Davies (wife), Elizabeth and Stewart Treharne (daughter and son-in-law); Daniel and Charlotte (grandchildren); Betty Harry (sister); Pat Davies (sister-in-law), plus nieces and nephews and close friends Ann Evans, Clyde Thomas, Margaret Thomas, Louise Evans, Jayne Calvert, Rachel and Adam Calvert. The bearers were Daniel Treharne (grandson), Paul Hay, Michael Calvert, Graham Thomas (family friends) Maurice Cole and Philip Thomas (friends and deacons of Pisgah).

There were family flowers only. Donations in lieu can be sent for Pisgah Baptist Chapel and Diabetes Research c/o Stewart and Elizabeth Treharne (daughter and son-in-law) of E. C. Thomas and Son Funeral Directors, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, Narberth SA67 8LT. Stewart also arranged the funeral.

MR K. A. BLOCKWELL Milford Haven

The death occurred on March 1st at his home, 2 Marine Gardens, Milford Haven, of Kenneth Albert Blockwell, aged 72.

A native of Milford Haven, Mr Blockwell began his career as an apprentice with James Parry County Motors, Haverfordwest, before serving two years' national service in the REME with 17/21 Lancers in Germany.

He was then employed with Fred Rees Garage at Neyland, before starting his own car repair business in Edward Street, Milford Haven in 1964, where he remained until his retirement in 1995.

Mr Blockwell loved swimming, walking (he walked the Pembrokeshire coastal path with family in 1991), boating, gardening and DIY. He was also a member of Milford Haven URC.

Mr Blockwell leaves to mourn Wendy Ann Blockwell (neé Cleevely, wife); Donald and Mary (brother and sister-in-law); Lyn Sizer, Christopher Blockwell, Amanda Breen, Jan Greenroyd (nephew and nieces); Doreen Beaumont, Arthur High, Herbert, Robert and George Blockwell, Maureen Coe and Richard Blockwell (cousins); Mr and Mrs Gerald Cleevely (brother and sister-in-law).

The funeral took place on March 12th at Tabernacle URC, Milford Haven, and was followed by interment at Milford Haven Cemetery. The officiating clergy were Rev Colin Foreman and Rev Martyn Evans.

Principal mourners were: Wendy (wife); Donald and Mary (brother and sister-in-law); Lyn Sizer, Christopher Blockwell, Amanda Breen, Jan Greenroyd (nephew and nieces); Jonathan Blockwell, Rachel Sizer, Ben Breen, Christopher Breen (great niece and nephews); Doreen Beaumont, Herbert and Robert Blockwell, Mr and Mrs Richard Blockwell, David Blockwell, Mr and Mrs John Blockwell, Chris Blockwell, Jean Morse (cousins); Mr and Mrs G. Cleevely (brother and sister-in-law); Mr and Mrs S. Jones, Mr and Mrs I. Miller, Mrs M. Murton, Billy Cleevely, Mr and Mrs Jim Smith and numerous other relatives.

Donations for the Chemotherapy Day Unit, Withybush Hospital (cheques only, made payable to the Chemotherapy Day Unit) may be sent to Tom Newing and Sons, Hamilton Court Funeral Home, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven SA73 2AN, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

MRS V. H. EVANS Haverfordwest

Veronica Hazel Evans, of Haven Park Avenue, Haven Road, Haverfordwest, died on March 3rd at Singleton Hospital, Swansea. She was 53.

Originally from Narberth, she worked in Portfield Special School and her main interests revolved around her family and home life.

She will be remembered for her smile and as someone who enjoyed every aspect of a full and busy life.

The principal mourners and family left to mourn are Nigel (husband); Chris and Jolene (son and partner); Elaine and Mike (daughter and son-in-law); Zoe (granddaughter); Evelyn (mother-in-law); Gareth, Merial, Terence, Andrea, Carol, Mike, Jill and Phillip (brothers, sisters and partners); Brian and Jeffrey (brother-in-laws); Paul, Lee, Carl and Kara, Richard, Hannah, Ryan, Alison and Gary (nephews and nieces), plus numerous family and friends.

The funeral took place at Parc Gwyn and was officiated by Rev Dennis Wight.

The bearers were Alun Wills, Martyn Davies, Richard O'Leary, David Evans and Berian Lavis.

There were family flowers only. Donations in lieu for Portfield Special School can be sent c/o Aileen Sudbury, 38 Furzy Park, Haverford-west, SA61 1HG.

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

MRS D. J. SCOURFIELD Pembroke Dock

The funeral took place on Friday, March 9th, of Dorothy Joan Scourfield, of Pembroke Dock, who died at Withybush Hospital aged 86.

Originally from Begelly, she was a shop assistant in Tenby and Pembroke Dock Woolworths for many years and also the Hardware Centre. She retired in 1980 from Woolworths, Pembroke Dock.

During the war she worked in the munitions factory at Trecwn.

Dorothy's interests centred mainly around her family and she took great pleasure in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking for the family, knitting and was an avid reader.

Her husband Victor Scourfield died 14 years ago.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are Liz and Dave Rossant (daughter and son-in-law); Marilyn and Dave Shelton (daughter and son-in-law); Richard Scourfield (son); Sandra and Lothar Jarvshewski (daughter and son-in-law); Julie and Tim James (granddaughter and husband); Joanne and Andrew Shelton (grandchildren); Simon, Scott and Leanne James (great-grandchildren); Valerie Webb and Pauline Henwood (nieces); Liz Lloyd (sister-in-law but unable to attend); Pansy Shelton (close friend); Mary Griffiths, Joan Owens, Queenie Williams, Margaret Stokes, Diane Beynon (friends); Olwen Beasley (friend but unable to attend); Rose Atcherley and June Muston (good neighbours) and many other family and close friends too numerous to mention.

The funeral at Parc Gwyn was officiated by Rev Roger Hart. Her grandchildren Julie and Joanne read a poem and eulogies were given by her son-in-laws David Rossant and David Shelton. The bearers were Richard Scourfield (son); Lothar Jarvshewski (son-in-law); Tim James (grandson-in-law) and Andrew Shelton (grandson).

There were family flowers only. Donations in lieu for South Pembrokeshire Hospital and Kidney Research can be sent to Graham Thomas, 34 Charles Thomas Avenue, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6UR. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Graham Thomas and Stewart Treharne.

MR D. G. ROBERTS Merlins Bridge The death occurred on March 3rd of David Gwyan Roberts, of Pembroke Road, Merlins Bridge. He died aged 77 at Brooklands Nursing Home, Saundersfoot.

Originally from Thornton, Milford Haven he worked for Esso as a road tanker driver and retired in 1988.

His main interests were his family, garden and car and he was a life-long supporter of Milford United FC.

His wife Olive Erene Roberts died in 1999.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners were Nigel Roberts and Jean Roberts (son and daughter-in-law); Christine and Jeffrey Whelton (daughter and son-in-law); Gareth, Michael, Billy, Tom and Danielle (grandchildren).

The funeral was held at Thornton Baptist Chapel followed by Parc Gwyn crematorium. The officiating clergy was Martyn Evans and the bearers were Gareth Roberts, Michael Roberts, Billy Whelton and Tom Whelton (grandsons).

Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent for St Non's Unit, Withybush Hospital c/o Claire Jones, 7 Haylett Lane, Merlins Bridge, Haverfordwest, SA61 1JP.

Tom Newing and Sons, of Milford Haven arranged the funeral.

MRS E. M. COOMBES Haverfordwest

The funeral took place at St Thomas Church, Haverford-west, on Tuesday, February 27th of Enid Margaret Coombes, of 142 Portfield, Haverfordwest. She died on February 15th at the age of 79 at Withybush Hospital.

Enid was born in Haverfordwest, the daughter of John Evans, of Glenworth House, Glaster Terrace.

She worked for the late Ivor Rowlands, Clarbeston Road, as a secretary from 1944-1952, then for the National Assistance from 1952-1960 and Greens Motors from 1960-1970. She retired with failing eyesight.

Her husband George died in 1996.

A woman of independent nature, she was supported by many friends and was held in high esteem, evidenced by the large number of friends and neighbours who attended her funeral, which was conducted by Canon Derek Evans.

The bearers were close friends Raymond Wilcox, Paul Rogers, Des Griffiths and Guy Banikel.

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

DR G. G. NOOTT Haverfordwest

The funeral took place on February 17th of Dr Gerald Guy Noott, of Scarrowscant Lane, Haverfordwest, who died aged 76 at Withybush Hospital.

Gerald was born in July 1930 at the home of his parents Hilda and Guy Noott, master printers, of Bridge Street, Haverfordwest. He had two brothers, Peter and Ronald.

His parents were instrumental in bringing cinema to the town, initially at Jubilee Gardens and the Liberal Club, Dark Street and later opening the Palace Cinema in Market Street.

In his youth the family lived at Trecwn mansion then Glenafon mansion, Haverfordwest, until the war, then at The Glen, Little Haven. He always retained a great love for the Havens.

Gerald attended Prend-ergast Junior School before boarding at Taunton and then returning to Milford Haven Grammar School. He then studied medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, qualifying in June 1955. The same year he married Olive Shaw, a midwife at Rotunda Hospital, Dublin.

Gerald started his medical career as a junior houseman at the county hospital, before his national service as a medical officer at RAF Locking, Weston-Super-Mare. By now Gerald and Olive had two sons, Paul and Michael and the pull of Pembrokeshire was being felt.

Posts as an assistant doctor followed in Swansea, then Narberth before he secured a partnership with the medical practice of Drs George, Mc Geoch, Perry and Gibson at Chalfont House, Salutation Square.

When a road layout forced the demolition of Chalfont House the practice relocated to a purpose-built surgery was at Winch Lane. Another new arrival was their daughter Shelagh in 1962.

Gerald took early retirement in 1986 to enjoy his family and hobbies and undertake some part-time advisory work with Government agencies and boards. He also worked for the Civil Aviation Authority.

He will be greatly missed for his local knowledge and community involvement and he will be remembered as a kind gentleman with a great sense of humour and depth of spirit.

He enjoyed fly fishing, golf and in later years was very active in the bowls club. He was a past captain of the Haverfordwest Golf Club and Bowls Club.

He enjoyed painting and playing the piano. He was a keen collector of coins and stamps and researched the family tree and history in Pembrokeshire back to the 11th century. He worshipped at St David's and St Patrick's Catholic Church and enjoyed the company of those in the Probus 1 club.

The principal mourners and family left to mourn are Olive (wife); Paul Noott and Shelagh Sawyer (children); Sara Noott, Caroline Noott (daughters-in-law); Richard Sawyer (son-in-law); Rebecca Haggar and Timothy (grandchild and husband); Simon Noot, Chloe Noott, Laura Noott, Guy Noott, James Sawyer, Henry Sawyer (grandchildren); Isabelle, Jack and Olivia Haggar (great-grandchildren); Doreen Noott, Dorrie Rayner, Nuala Doyle, Mona Shaw (sisters-in-law); Tom Shaw, Frank Shaw, David Shaw, Aiden Shaw (brothers-in-law); Gareth Noott and Ann (nephew and wife); Julian Noott.

The funeral was at St David's and St Patrick's Catholic Church, conducted by Canon Lawrence Pelosi. Tom Shaw (brother-in-law) and Dympna Cambell (sister-in-law) gave readings. Gerald was laid to rest at City Road Cemetery. The bearers were Paul and Michael (sons), Simon (grandsons) and Richard (son-in-law).

There were family flowers only. Donations in lieu can be sent for Ward 10 Trust Fund c/o the manager, Withybush General Hospital, Haverfordwest.

Roy Folland and Son, Haverfordwest, arranged the funeral.

MRS R. E. DAVIES Little Haven

Rowena Elizabeth Davies died at her home on March 1st, at Burnside Howleston Farm, Little Haven, after a long illness, aged 68.

Originally from Steynton she was a housewife and partner in the family farm.

Her main interests were sewing, gardening and spending time with her grandchildren. She was also involved in numerous local organisations.

The funeral was held at St Mary's Church, Talbenny, on March 8th.

Rev Andrew Johnson officiated assisted by Rev Rhiannon Johnson, Rev Derek Davies and the Ven Graham Davies.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners were: Forrest Davies (husband); Nicky Davies (daughter); Carole and Martyn Jenkins (daughter and son-in-law); Hannah and Gareth Jenkins (grandchildren); Mrs Barbara Thorne (mother); George and Ionwy Thorne (brother and sister-in-law); Anne and Colin Cummings (sister and brother-in-law); Gill Thorne, Margaret Davies, Tricia Davies (sisters-in-law); Adam, Richard and Louise, Helen and John, Non, Andrew, Edna, Katie (nephews and nieces); Rosalie, John and Georgina, Leslie and Eirwen, Jeanette and Wynne and Marie (cousins) together with numerous relatives, friends and neighbours.

Unable to attend were Gareth Jenkins (grandson); Louise and Non Thorne (nieces) and Mrs Cynthia Thorne (aunt).

The bearers were David James, Josh George, Winston Price and Alun Thomas.

There were family flowers only with donations in lieu of the Chemotherapy Day Unit, Withybush Hospital, may be sent to Liz Price, Meadowside, Portfield Gate, Haverfordwest.

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

MRS E. E. THOMAS Haverfordwest

Elsie Elizabeth Thomas, of Pembroke Road, Haverfordwest died at Withybush Hospital recently where she had been a patient for three weeks, aged 86.

She lived for 20 years in Pembroke Road where she and her late husband Cliff retired.

Cliff died in June 2004, after which Elsie's health gradually deteriorated.

Elsie was a faithful member of Sutton Baptist chapel and regularly attended service until her declining health prevented her from doing so.

The funeral took place on March 2nd, with a service at Sutton chapel.

Rev Ann Rendell officiated, assisted by Rev Malcolm Shapland.

This was followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn.

Chief mourners were: Robert Thomas (son) and Anthony Thomas (son and daughter-in-law); Laura, Natalie and Adam (grandchildren); Mr and Mrs Emrhys Davies (brother and sister-in-law); Dorothy Davies (sister-in-law).

Her ashes were later placed alongside those of her late husband and baby daughter, Ruth, in Sutton cemetery.

The bearers were Glyn Roberts, Wilfred Richards, Peter Cousins and Timothy John.

There were family flowers only with donations if desired for Withybush Hospital League of Friends, c/o David Marr, Westhill Fold, Sutton, Haverfordwest, SA62 3LP.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by F. G. Rees and Son.

MRS E. WILCOX Haverfordwest

The funeral took place recently of Elizabeth Wilcox, of Hanover Quay, Haverfordwest, who died at home aged 87.

She was originally from Swansea and was evacuated to Haverfordwest at the beginning of the Second World War.

She worked as a conductress on green buses during the war and was a cook at the county hospital when she retired.

She married her husband Noel in 1942 and they had three children Marian, David and Andrew.

Her main interests were knitting and reading, and she was a member of Derby and Joan and Good Companions clubs.

She was predeceased by her husband Noel.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners were: Marian and David Chislett (daughter and son-in-law); David and Cynthia Wilcox (son and daughter-in-law); Andrew and Jean Wilcox (son and daughter-in-law); Neil and Lisa, Richard, Debra and Richard, Alan and Ceri, Louise and Richard (grandchildren); Bethan and Caitlin, Conagh and Jessica, Niall and Oliver (great-grandchildren, with nephews and nieces and friends and neighbours.

The funeral service was held at St Thomas Church, Haverfordwest, and was officiated by Canon D. Evans.

There were family flowers only with donations in lieu to the CCU, c/o the manager, Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest.

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

MR P. J. N. PARRY Maenclochog

Philip James Novello Parry (Phil), of Bromebyd, Maenclochog, died on Wednesday, October 11th, at Withybush Hospital where he had been a patient for two days.

Phil aged 78 was born in Gwaun Valley and was the son of the late Robert and Annie Parry, of Dolhaidd.

After he left school he spent some years working on different farms in the locality.

In 1957 he set up his own farm with his wife Manw, at Cefnos, Maenclochog, which they managed until their retirement in 1991 and moved to Bromebyd.

His main interests were his family, gardening, fishing and supporting his son and daughter in their sporting activities.

The funeral was held on Wednesday, October 17th, with private service at the house followed by a public service, at Rhydwilym Chapel, where a large congregation attended.

The Rev Alwyn Daniels officiated at the service and paid tribute to a wonderful life.

Also taking part was the Rev E. Wyn Lewis and the Rev Islwyn Selby.

Katrina Jenkins was the organist.

Phil was interred at the chapel's cemetery, with his wife, who predeceased him as did his brothers Willie and Evan and sister May.

Principal mourners were: Novello and Mari (son and partner); Ann and Stephen (daughter and son-in-law); Lisa (granddaughter); Betty Alf, June, Sal and Henry (sisters and brothers); Ronald (brother-in-law); and Mattie, Owen, Beia, John, Eirianwen and Ken (sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law). There were many other family, friends and neighbours, too numerous to mention.

Unable to attend were June Lloyd (sister); Lil and Lena Parry (sisters-in-law); and Mattie Selby (family friend).

The bearers at the house were Stephen (son-in-law) Alun, Gareth, Graham (nephews) and John (family friend). At Rhydwilym the bearers were Keri, Evan, Glyn, Dennis, Tom and Leslie (friends and neighbours).

There were family flowers only but donations in lieu for Narberth Health Centre and Coronary Care Unit, Withybush Hospital.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Dennis Jones, of Efailwen.

MR T. WHITE Fishguard

IN the obituary report of Terry White, of Wallis Crescent, Fishguard, published in last week's edition of the Western Telegraph, the name of Mr White's stepson was incorrect.

The correct name should have read Julian Morris and Bryony (stepson and partner). The Western Telegraph apologises for the error.

MR H. DAVIES Llandissilio

IN the obituary of Hugh Davies, of Llandissilio, printed in last week's Western Telegraph, the name of Dona, Mr Davies' granddaughter was inadvertently omitted.

The Western Telegraph apologises for the error.