Obituaries, November 12th

Cardiff (formerly of Kilgetty)

The funeral took place at Thornhill Crematorium, Cardiff on Friday of the president of Kilgetty AFC, George Edwards.

George, whose parents owned the village’s Kilgetty Stores, began his footballing career at Kilgetty AFC before playing for Swansea Town, Coventry City, Birmingham City and Cardiff City. But he never lost his passion for his village team, often travelling back from Birmingham to play for Kilgetty whenever City didn’t have a fixture.

While studying at university in Swansea, George was soon picked up by Swansea Town, which led to him winning his first cap as a Welsh amateur international before the Second World War broke out.

During the war, he was stationed in the Midlands with the RAF and played for Coventry City as an amateur.

After the war, Coventry manager, Harry Storer, joined Birmingham City and signed George as a professional, with George gaining a place at Birmingham University to continue his studies.

He later joined Cardiff City in December 1948 for a substantial fee of £12,000, by which time he was a full Wales International.

George stayed with Cardiff for the rest of his playing career, until the end of 1954/55 when he retired at the age of 35, having played in the 1951/52 side that gained promotion to the first division.

He won 12 senior peacetime caps for Wales, and made 222 league and cup appearances for Cardiff, scoring 46 goals.

He went into the oil retail industry towards the end of his career, working for Mobil Oil in south Wales and the west.

After his playing days, George was a football columnist with Sunday newspaper Wales Empire News and also reported on Cardiff City matches for BBC radio and television in their 1950s regional reports on Saturdays.

In May 1957, George was invited to join the Cardiff City board, and he served as a director from 1957 until 1976, and then from December 1981 until June 1986.

He always maintained a close interest in the game, particularly in Cardiff, Birmingham City, and of course, Kilgetty AFC.

He was also a Cardiff magistrate for many years, a member of the Sports Council of Wales, and often sat on tribunals for the Football Association of Wales.

George was predeceased two years ago by his wife Pat, who was a great support to him throughout his career.

George and Pat regularly attended end of season functions at Kilgetty and representatives from the club attended the funeral in Cardiff last week.

Mr P. T. Jenkins

Treffynnon

The funeral of Paul Thomas Jenkins took place on October 18th at Treffynnon C.M. Chapel.

Paul and his wife Paula lived at Ty-Llwyd farm along with their two children Maxine and Byron.

Paul, a dairy farmer, was well liked and respected by the many friends and business associates connected with his lifelong love of farming.

Paul was a loving father and husband.

The funeral was officiated by Rev Canon Geoffrey Gwyther to a small private gathering of close family.

The principal mourners were: Paula (wife); Maxine and Byron (children) and partners; Mr and Mrs John Harries (sister and brother-in-law); Mr and Mrs Graham Yeo (sister and brother-in-law); Brian Davies and Tina Davies (brother-in-law and sister-in-law); nieces and nephews.

The bearers were Glyn Jones, Tony Hughes, Lyndon Richards, Vernon Davies and Idris Thomas.

The organist was Margaret Evans and the funeral arrangements were conducted by David Price, Croesgoch.

Mr N. Taylor and Mrs N. Taylor

BOURNEMOUTH (Formerly of Haverfordwest)

Last week’s obituary should have read that Nanchar Lloyd was Mrs Taylor’s maiden name.

Mrs Taylor died, aged 84, on September 29th.

Mr Taylor died on September 30th, aged 86.

Mrs M. M. B. Griffiths

Letterston

The death occurred of Margaret Mary Bronwen Griffiths, of Court House, Letterston, after a short stay at Withybush Hospital on October 8th. She was 77.

She was born in Letterston and attended Barry College, then went into teaching as a deputy headteacher at Mount Airey Primary School, Haverfordwest.

She was one of the founder members of Letterston short mat bowls club, and also a member of St Giles Church, Letterston.

She was predeceased by her husband Hopkin Griffiths.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners were: David and Shirley Williams (brother and sister-in-law); Kathleen Williams (sister-in-law); Andrew and Liza Williams (nephew); Rachel Heffer, Sarah Hunt, Helen Grieves (nieces); Peter and Boyd Williams (cousins); Denzil Charles (cousin); Priscilla and Gerard Williams (cousins); Gwenda, Bernard and Jessica Rosen (cousins); sister-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Unable at attend were Jim Hunt and Brian Grieves (nephews).

There was a private service at the house followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn, officiated by Rev Roger Griffiths and Rev Geoff Eynon and Rev C. Charles.

Her remains were later interred at St Giles Church cemetery, Letterston.

The bearers were Andrew Williams (nephew); Peter and Boyd Williams (cousins); Philip Jones (friend).

The funeral arrangements were carried out by William Lewis, Wolfscastle.

Mr T. Phillips

Freystrop

The death occurred at Withybush Hospital, on October 12th of Thomas (Mel) Phillips, of New Road, Freystrop.

Mel was born in Hook but lived in Freystrop for 22 years and for 30 years worked as a council labourer.

A service took place in the garden of his home followed by burial at Deerland cemetery, officiated by Rev Martin Evans.

More than 200 friends and family members attended and the bearers were Brian Griffiths, Chris Braithwaite, Chris Davis and George Thomas.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners were: Rita (wife); Belinda (daughter); Brent (son-in-law); Trudi (daughter); Tim (son); Antoinette (daughter-in-law); Ian (son); Susan (daughter-in-law); Ann and Herbert (sister and brother-in-law); Gregory, Jamie, Rebecca, Riki, Jordan, Natasha, Jake, Leah and Tyler-Louise (grandchildren).

There were family flowers only, but donations if desired for the intensive care unit at Withybush Hospital may be sent to Trudi Hooper, 5 Furzy Crest, Hook.

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

Mr G. W. Ballard

(formerly of Hakin)

The death occurred at Ashdale Nursing Home, Pembroke on October 16th, of Graham William ‘Bill’ Ballard.

He was formerly of John Lewis Street, Hakin and was 82.

The family left to mourn were his wife and grown up family.

The service was held at Hamilton Court Funeral Home followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn. Rev Martyn Evans officiated.

There were family flowers only with donations to Ashdale Nursing Home, Golden Lane, Pembroke.

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

Mrs E. Oriel

Kilgetty

The death occurred at Withybush Hospital on October 25th of Eileen Oriel, of James Park, Kilgetty. She was 85.

Originally from Llanteg, she was born and brought up on a farm and studied and taught music (piano) in her younger years. She continued farming before retiring in 1976.

Her main interests were playing the piano and organ (she was formerly a church organist), she enjoyed coach trips and holidays, and was a member of the mother’s union and the Golden Age Club.

She was a member of Crunwere Church for most of her life and Begelly church during her retirement.

She was predeceased by her husband Howell Oriel in 1987.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners were: Alan and Carol Mason (son and daughter-in-law); Barbara and Arthur Howells (daughter and son-in-law); Vaughan and Joy Oriel (son and daughter-in-law); Derek Oriel (son); Andrew Mason (grandson); Roger and Catherine Howells (grandson and wife); Margaret Howells (granddaughter); Richard Oriel (grandson); Stephanie and Deri Phillips (granddaughter and husband); Kimberley Oriel (granddaughter); Ben Oriel (grandson); Sarah and Emma Howells and Ava Phillips (great-granddaughters); Dennis and Annie Mason (brother-in-law and sister-in-law); Mary Mason (sister-in-law); Melgwyn and Diane Neale, Ruth Bevan, Kathleen and Geoff Griffiths (nephews and nieces); Eddie Brown (close friend); plus numerous cousins, friends and acquaintances.

Unable to attend were Joy Oriel (sister-in-law); Delme and Christine Evans, Megan and John (nephews and nieces).

The funeral was held at St Mary’s Church, Begelly, followed by interment at St Elidyr’s Church, Crunwere and was officiated by Rev Sarah Geach and Rev Roger Thomas.

The bearers were Tony Brinsden, John Tonster, Alan Davies and David Vale.

There were family flowers only with donations, if desired, for the coronary care unit, Withybush Hospital to E. C. Thomas and son, funeral directors, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mrs D. Knight

Pembroke Dock

The death occurred at Withybush Hospital on October 7th of Daphne Knight, of Devonshire Road, Pembroke Dock. She was 90.

A native of Bristol, in her early working life she ran a tea shop. During the Second World War she served as a WAF working as a cook at various RAF stations on the east coast of England. During this time she met George, who later became her husband.

After the war she worked part-time as a shop assistant in Bristol while bringing up her family.

Her main interests were looking after her beloved pets Floss and Tig, her family, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, knitting, crosswords and nature.

She was a regular worshipper at Bethel Chapel and took an active part in making cakes for coffee mornings.

She was seen walking her dog Floss every morning at 7am from and was always cheerful.

She was predeceased by her husband George Knight in 1975 when he was 57.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners were: Richard (son); Vicky and Ray (daughter and partner); Mark and Claire (grandson and wife); Craig and Claire (grandson and partner); James and Lisa (grandson and wife); Kirsty (granddaughter); Louise and Robin (granddaughter and partner); Kerry and Steve (granddaughter and partner); Aaron (grandson); Chloe, Brooke, Jacob, Abigail, Alfie, Gabrielle, Cory, Shakeia, Liam and Cally (great-grandchildren).

The funeral was held at Bethany Baptist Chapel, Pembroke Dock, and Parc Gwyn Crematorium. Rev Roger Hart officiated.

The bearers were Mark Newport, Craig Newport, James Newport and Aaron Knight (grandsons).

There were family flowers only with donations for Dogs Trust and Cats Protection to Graham Thomas, 34 Charles Thomas Avenue, Pembroke Dock.

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

Mrs A. P. J. Watkins

Pembroke Dock

The death occurred of Alice Pauline Joan Watkins, of Cross Park, Pembroke Dock, on October 14th at Rickeston Nursing Home.

She had worked the land and with farming stock before the war in Lamphey and used to take in paying guests at Bosherston and Pembroke Dock.

Alice had a very hard life, her mother died when she was three and her father placed her in the care of his family in Carmarthenshire. She was born in Mathry and only spoke Welsh for the first four years of her life.

In 1956 Alice met Michael and they married in 1958. Their joy was complete with the birth of Lorna Ann and they also fostered children for some years which they enjoyed.

Alice loved nature, caring for animals and birds, gardening, house plants and cooking. In former years she was a member of the WI in Lamphey and sewing guild at St Patrick’s.

She worshipped at Stackpole and Bosherston and was confirmed at Monkton Priory, married at St John’s church, Pembroke Dock and was a faithful worshipper. During her later years she was spiritually attended to by her daughter Lorna Ann and also by Fr. Dominic Purakkal.

Alice worked hard throughout her life, her poor health never made her lose her determination or fighting spirit or her love for her family, who visited her every day.

Alice was a devoted wife and mother.

Principal mourners and family left to mourn were: Michael Watkins (husband); Lorna Ann Watkins (daughter); John Mansel Charles, Bethan Charles Davies; Josephine Thomas, Annette Hodges.

Unable to attend were Mr and Mrs Eddie Williams, Mary Pugh, Mr and Mrs Paul Thomas and Mr and Mrs George Thomas.

A requiem mass at St Francis of Assisi church, Milford Haven followed by interment at Stackpole Elidor was officiated by Father Dominic Purakkal, The Ven John Harvey and Rev Roger Jones.

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