Mr W F Richards

Simpson Cross

Formerly of Lamber Hall

Portfield Gate

Seldom has Parc Gwyn crematorium seen a larger number of mourners than those who paid their last respects at the funeral of Mr Wilfred Freeman Richards of Cuffern View, Simpson Cross and formerly of Lamber Hall, Portfield Gate, on September 7.

Wilfred, who passed away on August 24, four days after his 73rd birthday and after a long and courageous battle with cancer, was loved and respected by people of all sectors of the community in Pembrokeshire and beyond.

A cheerful, friendly and unassuming man with a keen sense of humour, Wilfred was a farmer and champion ploughman who also enjoyed choral singing and entertaining - a true gentleman, proud of his family and held in high regard by a host of friends.

Wilfred, from Clarbeston Road, married Rhona in 1966, moving to her family home Lamber Hall.

There they ran a dairy farm, raising their two children Sarah and Peter.

He was devastated at the loss of Rhona in 1997, but survived this dreadful blow by pursuing his many interests with vigour: his ploughing, his steward’s duties at the County Show, his strong association with the Camrose Vintage Day and his love of singing and performing with the Music Hall Players and Friends in Harmony mixed choir, of which he served a term as chairman.

Wilfred was best known as a ploughman, and enjoyed great success, winning the South Wales championship for many years, the All Wales Ploughing Championship in 1986, as well as competing successfully in the British and European championships and coaching with the Wales team in Canada.

He remarried in 2011 to a family friend, Mrs Iris Bevan, but misfortune overtook them both when he fell victim to cancer and she was stricken by Parkinson’s Disease. He bravely withstood the drastic treatments of his own condition, continuing the care of his wife with characteristic courage and devotion until his illness made it impossible to carry on.

His daughter and son-in-law, Sarah and Jon Sharpe, with the unstinting support of the Paul Sartori nurses and Care at Home team were able to fulfil his wish to return to the family home Lamber Hall, and saw him through his final weeks until he passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family.

Left to mourn are Iris (wife); Sarah and Jon Sharpe (daughter and son-in-law); Peter and Julie Richards (son and daughter-in-law); Alexander, Benjamin, Oliver and Poppy (grandchildren); Elmore and Margaret Richards (brother and sister-in-law); Carl (nephew) and cousins, together with Iris’s children and grandchildren.

Parc Gwyn crematorium was packed with mourners from all walks of life, with crowds more outside.

The funeral was officiated by Revd. Andrew Johnson assisted by Revd. Canon Dr. Rhiannon Johnson and Revd. Diana Hoare.

With characteristic modesty Wilfred had vetoed the idea of a eulogy, but the minute’s silence he had requested had greater impact than any verbal tribute.

There were family flowers only but donations in lieu for the Paul Sartori Foundation or Macmillan Cancer Support may be sent to Mrs Sarah Sharpe, Lamber Hall, Portfield Gate, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire. SA62 3LU.

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

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