Mr RF Ashton

Haverfordwest

Western Telegraph:

Robert Fletcher Ashton, known to most as Bob, passed away peacefully at Highgrove Residential Home, Haverfordwest on Tuesday, February 12, at the age of 94.

He was born in Cheshire from a long line of ancestors living to the west of Manchester, with a family history of farming and food distribution.

He served as a RAF pilot flying Halifax planes during the Second World War, completing his service in India.

The whole of his working life was spent in food importing, production and distribution through the UK until retirement from the Union International Company in the late eighties.

Bob, and his wife Mona, happily married then for nearly 50 years, moved to Pembrokeshire to be close to their daughter, eldest son and grandchildren, who all resided near Haverfordwest. Their younger son is married and lives in Brazil.

He had been an active Freemason for over 50 years, first as a provincial officer in East Lancashire, then joining Cambrian Lodge in Haverfordwest in 1989, where he served as treasurer for ten years. Bob was also delighted to receive the honour of becoming a past provincial officer in South West Wales.

He treasured and enjoyed the beautiful coast and countryside of Pembrokeshire and served as treasurer and, on the committee of the Friends of the National Park for eight years. He was later made an honorary member.

Bob was also happy to be welcomed as a member of Haverfordwest Probus Club No.1.

He maintained his lifelong interest in aviation and was a member of the Aircrew Association and the Pembrokeshire Aviation Group.

Bob’s funeral took place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth on Friday, February 22, at 12.15pm followed by light refreshments at Haverfordwest Golf Club. The service was conducted by Rev Fr Graham Lloyd.

The principal mourners were Lynne and Stephen (daughter and son-in-law), Rob and Sheila (son and daughter-in-law), David (son), Lindsey, Sarah, Christopher and Kathryn (grandchildren).

There were immediate family flowers only with donations, in lieu of flowers, to the Air ambulance Wales and sent c/o Ty Elusen, Bay Studios Business Park, Fabian Way, Swansea. SA1 8QB

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

A L Rees

Letterston

THE funeral of the late Mr Arthur Lloyd Rees took place on Saturday March 2 at Llangloffan Chapel which was followed by interment at Llangloffan Cemetery.

The service was officiated by Rev Huw George, assisted by Rev John Roberts.

The organist was Mrs Valerie Llewhelin.

The family left to mourn are: Orpah (partner), Ann (sister), David, Susan & John, Jayne & Rob, Sian & Dave (nieces & nephews), Tom and Melissa (great nephew & niece), Eirwyn Johnson (brother in law), Arwel & Jane (stepson & partner), Chris, Gareth & Natalie (step grandsons & partner), Harri (great grandson). Unable to attend, due to being in New Zealand were Julie & Steve (step daughter & partner), Rhodri & Owain (grandsons). The bearers were: Gareth & Chris (grandsons), John & Rob (nephews). There were family flowers only with donations, if desired made payable to 'Wintern Day Centre' being received by Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Fishguard who carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr D R Harries

Dinas Cross

DAVID Harries was born in Dinas Cross on 31 October 1926, the third of four brothers.

Shortly thereafter the family moved first to Mumbles and then to Burry Port, where he started school.

During the 1930s depression, the family moved to London to sell milk.

After spending the first year of the Second World War in London during which he received limited schooling, as the local schools had closed, he and his younger brother went to stay with two great aunts back in Dinas Cross.

His mother and older brothers soon joined them, whilst his father stayed behind to help keep the Thames clear for shipping.

After getting his school certificate in 1943 David returned to London.

Called up for National Service, he was assigned to the Medical Corps, with postings including Southampton, Cairo and Cyprus.

Throughout this time, he travelled with his law books and even sat exams whilst stationed in Cyprus.

Following National Service, he returned to London where he completed his articles of clerkship, and then worked as a solicitor for seven years.

In 1957 he married Eluned Mary Owen of Dinas Cross, whom he had first met as a teenager whilst attending Tabor Baptist Chapel, when an evacuee.

Having only once previously been to Cardigan, he joined Morgan & Richardson, solicitors in 1957 and took over the practice in 1959.

Mentally still astute, he worked on until well into his 80s and was recognized by the Law Society of England & Wales for being a solicitor for over 60 years.

In his mid and late 70s he started to travel, and visited family in the USA, Australia and New Zealand. Aged 80, he received a quadruple by-pass and for several years thereafter, was an avid attendee of the Fishguard Healthy Hearts exercise group.

He is survived by his three children and six grandchildren. His dear and very much loved wife Eluned, predeceased him, passing away in 1985 aged just 59.

His funeral was held at Tabor Baptist Chapel. Chief mourners were his children Paul, Ian and Jane Harries; Ian’s partner Llinos Morgan; his two eldest grandchildren Gethin and Llion Harries; and his sister-in-law Elfair Harries. Numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, former colleagues and clients were also there to remember him. Unable to attend were his daughter in law Kelli Harries; his younger grandchildren Rachel, Megan, Lauren and Enlli; and his ailing (now deceased) brother John.

The service was officiated by the Reverend Alwyn Daniels. The bearers were John Lewis, Richard Morgan, Arwyn Reed, Arwyn Rees, Gerwyn Howells and Gareth Howells.

There were family flowers only, with interment being next to his dear wife, at Machpelah cemetery Dinas Cross.

The funeral arrangements were made by Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB.