Mr G C Thomas

Broadmoor

The funeral took place at Jeffreyston Parish Church on November 21, of Mr Graham Charles Thomas, who died peacefully at his home, Springfield, Broadmoor, on Thursday, November 9.

He was aged 77.

Born in Pembroke Dock, he attended Pennar Junior School and Pembroke Grammar School.

Following his marriage to Eileen, they lived in Tenby for five years, moving to Broadmoor in 1971.

Before their marriage, Graham had worked as a surveyor on the construction of the London Victoria Underground line, followed by work on the Regent and Gulf Refineries with Bechtel International and Tarmac.

He later joined the staff of Pembroke Borough Council, under Col. Davey, and afterwards became contracts manager (building) with West Wales Construction, based in Narberth. From the mid-1980s, he became self-employed as a surveyor, draughtsman and planning consultant. Around this time, he also became a bit of a computer ‘buff’!

He had been a faithful member of Jeffreyston Church over many years, having served as rector’s warden, first to Rev David Faulkner, then to Father Paul Davies. Also, he was licensed to administer the Chalice for much of this time.

Among his hobbies, Graham was a keen golfer for many years, playing in the Rabbits League and other competitions at Tenby Golf Club. He enjoyed video recording, for family weddings, church functions etc. Welsh rugby was another passion and he especially liked to follow the Scarlets’ fortunes, and the Home Internationals.

Graham, the second son of the late Charles and Gwen Thomas, is survived by his sisters, Mary Moore and Pam George, but was predeceased by his brother Michael.

Married to Eileen, he was father of Ian, Clare, Matthew and Anna, and the late Nick, and also leaves 14 grandchildren, Gemma, Sophie and Alice, Eliot, Nia, Megan, Olivia, Gabriel, Arlo and Jasper, Alex and Emma, and Izzy and Olly.

The funeral service was officiated by Father Paul Davies, with a eulogy given by Rev David Faulkner (both good friends and long-serving former Rectors of Jeffreyston Church), also assisted by Rev Canon Michael Lewis.

Bearers were Ian and Matthew (sons), Alex (grandson), Jonathan George, Jonathan Williams and Jacob Williams (nephews), and the organist was Mrs Janice Scourfield.

Donations in memory of Graham, for Jeffreyston Parish Church c/o the funeral directors, E. C. Thomas and Son, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth.

Mrs P I Roach

Haverfordwest

MRS Phyllis Irene Roach of Brynawel, Pelcomb Bridge, Haverfordwest passed away on October 30 at Ward 12, Withybush Hospital with family by her side.

Aged 91, Phyllis grew up on the family farm near Hayscastle. She lived and worked there until she married her husband, Louie in 1952. They first lived together at Pelcomb Cross and later moved to Pelcomb Bridge where she lived happily until her recent illness. Phyllis started a Bed & Breakfast business from Brynawel and had many happy years of welcoming guests old and new to her home.

Her main interests were baking, cooking and sewing. She was an active member of her local community and had supported Camrose Parish Church, Camrose Community Centre, Keyston YFC and Camrose Vintage Working Day over the years.

She leaves to mourn her son Alwyn, daughter-in-law Judith and grand daughter Elen.

The funeral service at St. Ishmael’s Church, Camrose on November 8, which was followed by interment at City Road Cemetery, Haverfordwest it was officiated thoughtfully by Bishop John Saxbee, assisted by Rev. Martin Spain. Bearers were George Davies, Clarence Bowen, Graham Roach and David Bowen (nephews).

Donations for Paul Sartori Foundation were accepted by Mr. Chris Watts, 34 West Lane Close, Keeston, Haverfordwest SA62 6EW.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by F.G.Rees & Sons of Haverfordwest.

Mr J L Hughes

Haverfordwest (formerly of Merlins Bridge)

THERE was a large gathering of people for the funeral on December 5 at St Martin’s Church for John Leslie Hughes, who died at the age of 64.

Originally from Merlin’s Bridge, John would tell people he was a bridge boy, died peacefully after a very short illness at Withybush Hospital.

John attended Mount Airey, Barn Street, and Taskers.

John worked as a postman, until ill health had stopped him, but later went on to work for Collins mini buses. He then went on to work for Pembrokeshire County Council, driving mini buses, for social services adults, then as a driver and escort for Portfield school, where he met Anne and married in 2007.

In John’s early days, he used to breed canines and budgies, and liked to grow chrysanthemums and carnations. He also gave talks to people about flowers and shrubs. John continued to grow these at his home on the Haven Road. John loved all types of music and went to concerts. Also, in John’s younger, days he was a church warden and Sunday school teacher at St Mark’s church, Merlin’s Bridge. When the church closed, John attended St Thomas and Haroldston churches, where John was the last church warden of Haroldston. After closure, he became a faithful member of St Martin’s church until his passing. John loved his rugby, attending many matches with his very close friends, in Cardiff and once in Ireland. In 2005, he went to watch the rugby in New Zealand. John enjoyed going on coach trips and holidays in Britain and Europe with his very close friends. He recently returned from his first ever cruise to the Baltic which he thoroughly enjoyed.

The funeral in St Martin’s church was officiated by Reverend Alun Evans, Bishop John Saxbee, Canon Derek Evans and Reverend Belinda Roberts.

Reverend Alun Evans officiated at the burial in the New cemetery in Tenby.

The bearers were Bryan Hughes (stepson), Raymond, Mel and Steven Wilcox (very close friends of the family).

John was a quiet, gentle, caring, respected gentleman by all who knew him. He will be sadly missed.

Left to mourn Anne (wife), Sarah and Geoff (step daughter and husband), Bryan and Natalie (stepson and partner), David, Ellie, Aimee (step grandchildren), Chris Phillips (brother- in- law), Megan Price (cousin), Delma, Richard and Andrew. Raymond, Eleanor and Meg Wilcox (lifelong friends) and many other friends.

John’s only sister Hilary passed away in 2016. Unable to attend were Iwan and Isla (step grandchildren) Effie and Callie (step great grandchildren).

Donations, if desired may be made payable to Ward 11 (Withybush Hospital) and sent c/o Mr. Bryan Hughes, 21 St. Martins Park, Haverfordwest, SA61 2HP.

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

Mrs E M Thomas

Pembroke Dock

MRS Eileen Marion Thomas of Bush Street, Pembroke Dock passed away at Ashdale Care Home, Pembroke on November 8.

She was 71.

Originally from Pembroke Dock she worked at Pembroke Power Station, Stratfords, Wisebuys, Co-op and Snowdrop Bakery.

Her main interests were her family and fundraising, raising thousands of pounds for several charities, which were Wales Air Ambulance, The Paul Sartori Foundation, Macmillan Nurses, St John Ambulance, Withybush Hospital Baby Unit, Local Scouts Club and Pembrokeshire Ambulance Service that have benefitted.

The family left to mourn are Wendy and Alan Turnbull (daughter and son-in-law); Craig, Chelcie, Daniel and Abigail (grandchildren); Ruth and Winston Owens (sister and brother-in-law); plus numerous cousins and close friends.

The funeral service was held at Parc Gwyn on November 20 where a large gathering of friends and family attended.

It was officiated by Rev Huw Morgan and the bearers were Simon Clarke, Ivor Jordan, Ian Pearce, Keith Owens, Neil and Myles Taylor.

Donations for the Wales Air Ambulance are c/o E C Thomas and Sons, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH.

Mrs L P Vaughan

Hazelbeach

Lilian Phoebe Vaughan (nee) Rees passed away peacefully on October 16 at her home in Hazelbeach.

The funeral took place at St. Ishmaels Church, Rosemarket on October 24 and she was interred in the family grave in Neyland Cemetery.

Lilian was born at Hanging Stone, Sardis in 1923 and lived there with her mother Nell, father Jim, sister Win and brothers Cecil and John until moving to West Street in Rosemarket.

Lil attended Taskers School for Girls and her studies enabled her to take up the role of Assistant Teacher at Dale School, later teaching at Burton School.

Lil met her beloved late husband David at a dance in Neyland and they married in Rosemarket Church. They first lived together in Railway Terrace, Neyland with David's Mum and Dad and later in St. Clements Road, Neyland, where their daughter Janet was born and lived there happily until they decided to embark on a new career as publicans.

In 1964 Lil and David purchased the Ferry House, Hazelbeach, they were a team and worked hard to build their business, but they really enjoyed their life at the Ferry with customers and staff remaining lifelong friends.

Lil and David travelled the world and enjoyed many happy holidays together and with friends.

Lil and David retired in 1985, with Jan and husband Steve taking over the reins at the Inn, and they were able to enjoy the company of their grandchildren Anneka and James for many happy years and also celebrated their Ruby Wedding.

Family meant a great deal to Lil and after David passed away in 1993 at the age of 72, Lil was lucky to be able to spend quality time with her sister Win, brother John and their families.

Lil loved sport and she would watch all the TV Sports channels, her special loves were tennis and Wales winning their rugby games.

In her eighties Lil was delighted to become "Big Nan" to Zachery and Lucas in her nineties, sons of Anneka and Rob.

Lil enjoyed an independent life in her seventies and eighties, always helping out at the Ferry and also spending many happy hours with her nephew Martyn "Ceefax" sadly now departed. It was only in her nineties that she suffered a stroke, but was still great company in the hours spent with her family and carers until her health declined in early October this year.

Lil was 93 years young, always had a smile, fun loving and her laughter was infectious, a wonderful mum, nan and "Big Nan".

The bearers were Mark Arran, Philip Astles, Chris Davies and Neil Evans.

The funeral was officiated by the Reverend Alan Chadwick and the funeral arrangements were carried out by Tom Newing and Sons Ltd of Milford Haven.