Obituaries published June 22nd, 2005

Miss J. P. HYNES SAUNDERSFOOT Children and parents from Pembrokeshire and beyond, whose lives had been touched by the inspired Irish dancing teaching of Julie Hynes, were among the large congregation at her funeral on Saturday. Julie, who was 39, lost her 16-month battle against cancer on June 12th, when she died at her home, 66 Incline Way, Saundersfoot. During the past ten years, she had introduced the magical art of Irish dancing to scores of youngsters, and through this, she has left a legacy, which will never be forgotten. As a young girl in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, Julie learned Irish dancing alongside her sister Colleen, and, ten years ago, they decided to set up their own class in Tenby when they moved to the area. Colleen later returned to Mansfield where she continued her dance teaching, with Julie carrying on the Hynes School of Irish Dancing in Tenby, and later Saundersfoot. From its small beginnings, the school developed and matured - through Julie's patient and meticulous teaching - into a group which not only gained great success at competitions, but gave huge pleasure to many people by its performances at a variety of venues in Pembrokeshire and beyond. In its early days, Julie's dancers had the honour of dancing in front of The Princess Royal at the Celtic Watersports Festival in Cornwall. Latterly, they had made regular appearances at carnivals, shows, fetes and spectaculars in Pembrokeshire, appeared alongside Cor Meibion De Cymru in both the county and Bournemouth International Arena and had been invited to perform at the National Eisteddfod of Wales. Although Julie was of a modest nature and not blessed with huge amounts of personal confidence, she was a natural teacher who instilled in her pupils the ability to compete with skill and maturity at the highest levels. One of her proudest moments came when her own daughter, Jennifer, achieved an Irish championship at the 2001 Irish Open contest organised by CRN (Cumann Rince Naisiunta) - one of the 'big three' Irish dancing organisations. It was the first time that the school had attended the competition. Through study, workshops with Irish experts and sheer perseverance, Julie built up a vast knowledge of Irish dance techniques, and this was rewarded time and time again as her pupils competed and won against the Irish, with their successes including a further number of all-Ireland and regional titles, as well as notable victories in competitions in Wales and Ireland. She had put a tremendous amount of work into studying for her CRN Irish dance teacher's qualification, passing the first part of the exam with high marks, and it had been her goal, so tragically denied, to take the second and final part this month. Julie will be remembered with respect and affection by all who came into contact with her. She was a friend and mentor to so many young dancers, and would work as hard with her 'babies' as she did with her older champions. Quick-witted, with an impish sense of humour and the love of 'the craic' inherited from her Irish ancestry, Julie was a lively companion and a good friend, too, to many of her dancers' parents. But above all, she was a dearly-loved and loving mother to 18-year-old Jenny and seven-year-old Connor. Joining Jenny as the chief mourners at the funeral service at St Bride's Roman Catholic Church, Saundersfoot, were Julie's father Pat, mother Sandra, sister Colleen, brother John and other family members. CRN was represented by the president, Kay Keeley of Wexford, together with other Irish dancing teachers and pupils from Ireland and Wales. The service was conducted by the parish priest, Canon Brian Kinrade, and included an Irish Lament played on the flute by Jenny Hynes, accompanied by flutes played by dancers Sam Davies, Rebecca Hills, Siobhan O'Sullivan and Cheryl John. Lessons were read by dancer Tess Burke and friend Julie O'Sullivan, with a poem and prayer in tribute to her best friend being read by Valerie Burke. Dancer Kirsty Keane carried the floral tribute from the dancing school to lead the dancers, in costume, as they followed the coffin as it left the church. Interment followed at St Issells' Cemetery, Saundersfoot. The bearers were John Hynes, Stephen Martin, Owain Harrison and Francis Burke. There were family flowers only, with donation in lieu being made to Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Nurses Fund and The Julie Hynes Memorial Fund, c/o the funeral directors, E. C. Thomas and Son, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, Narberth SA67 8LT.

MR J. LEWIS ROCH The funeral took place on June 10th, of Mr John (Jack) Lewis, who died at his home, 47 St Brides View, Roch, on June 5th, after a long period of ill health. Jack was born at Crowhill Bridge, Camrose in 1920. He was the youngest of five children, predeceased by his brothers Sydney and Jimmy and sisters Mabel Yung and Gwen Luke. Jack and his brother Sydney worked for the Pembrokeshire Hunt for many years. Jack first joined Sir Thomas Meyrick MFH in 1935, where his brother Sydney was already whipping-in. Apart from the war years, they continued to be employed by the Pembrokeshire Hunt until they both finally retired in April 1970. Jack joined the Army in 1938 (at the age of 18) and spent seven years overseas seeing active service in France, Italy, Greece and finally Germany. He spoke little of the war years but, very occasionally, might recall his time at Dunkirk. On his return to Pembrokeshire he was happy to return to the Hunt. During the 1950/60s when the traffic was light, Jack could be seen out on horseback exercising hounds from the kennels in Slade Lane onto and along the St Davids Road. He would recall the many changes during his years with the Pembrokeshire Hunt and spoke happily of the many friends made during this time, particularly within the farming community, where he was a popular figure and much respected. In 1971, Jack married Jennie and they were happily married for 34 years, living most of the time in Haverfordwest, where their three daughters were born and educated. From 1972 until 1985, Jack was a caretaker for the county council and for seven years he and his family, lived in the house attached to the Pembrokeshire County Council offices on St Thomas' Green. He enjoyed the time spent there and once again made many friends. After his retirement, Jack moved with his family, to a bungalow on the Beacon in Rosemarket, where they lived happily for almost 15 years. After his daughters graduated from university, Jack and Jennie moved to a smaller bungalow in St Brides View, Roch, where once again they made many good friends, who supported him particularly during the last few months. He was also supported by Solva district nurses, Pembrokeshire Care and Crossroads. Jack was a man of few words but a good listener with a warm and caring heart. A joker, 'Jack the Lad' was also a peacemaker, who avoided confrontation. His main interest, apart from his children and grandchildren, was always anything to do with horses and particularly the Hunt. Until he was unable to do so, he really enjoyed, and hardly ever missed, attending local point-to-points and the County Show. His two daughters Catherine and Elizabeth and his granddaughter Sophie all share his love and interest in horses and Jack gained great pleasure from helping and watching them, and he enjoyed seeing Elizabeth participate successfully in equestrian events. A service was held at Ebenezer Presbyterian church, Haverfordwest, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn. The officiating ministers were Rev Martyn Evans and Rev T. A. Thomas. Jack's daughter Helen wrote a tribute to her father, which was read out by Rev Martyn Evans. Jack was a husband, a father of Catherine, Helen and Elizabeth and father-in-law to Gary. Also a granddad to Sophie and Joe. The principal mourners were: Jennie (wife); Catherine and Elizabeth (daughters); Helen and Gary (daughter and son-in-law); James and Wendy Lewis; Anthony Lewis; Nigel and Angela Wilson; Sandra Wilson; Lyn and Iris Jenkins; Blethin James; Francis Voyle and David Voyle. Unable to attend were: Tim and Cherry Wilson and, due to ill health, cousins from Skyfog, Solva, Ruthie, Jennie, Ella and Emrys James. Joining the immediate family were many extended family members and a great number of close friends and neighbours, together with representations from various organisations including the Pembrokeshire Hunt. The bearers were James Lewis, Nigel Wilson, Gary Phillips and Colin Phillips. There were family flowers only. Donations in lieu may be made payable to: Pembrokeshire Crossroads and sent c/o Lloyds TSB, Victoria Place, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA61 2JX. Roy Folland and Son, Haverfordwest, carried out the funeral arrangements.

MajoR W. LEE TIERS CROSS The funeral took place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium on June 14th, of Major William Lee (known as Bill), of 1 Redberth View, Tiers Cross, Haverfordwest. He died at Withybush Hospital, where he had had intermittent spells over the last three months, on June 7th at the age of 70. Mr Lee was a native of Fulham, London, and during his working life was a Leading Hand with the Royal Navy on the Ark Royal and Hermes for 13 years; a training advisor for YT students with Pembrokeshire County Council and a self-employed painter and decorator on building sites in Pembrokeshire. He retired as a painter and decorator. His interests were playing pool and snooker, gardening, dancing and socialising with his family. He was also secretary of Haverfordwest Pool League. He leaves to mourn his wife Elizabeth Irvine (Betty); sons David, Allan and Mathew; grandchildren Kirstyn and Charlie and daughters-in-law Kerry, Maria and Sarah. Rev Dennis White officiated at the service and the bearers were his sons David, Allan and Mathew and family friend Terry Lane. The principal mourners were Betty Lee (wife) and sons David, Allan and Mathew Lee. Roy Folland and Son, funeral directors, carried out the funeral arrangements.

MRS M. T. JAMES llangwm The funeral took place on June 9th at Mount Zion chapel, Hook, of Melvin Trevithick James, of Kirkdale, Llangwm Hill, Llangwm. She died on June 3rd, at Withybush Hospital, where she had been a patient for three days. She was 89. She was a member of the Trevithick family which included Richard, a fact of which she was justly proud. She and her husband Josiah had been married for over 70 years. Only a few months ago she attended the christening of a great-great-grandson. She was very proud of her family and home. She loved gardening, cooking and helped her husband with his business. She is survived by Josiah (husband); Lorraine and Albert (daughter and son-in-law); Ann (daughter-in-law) whose husband Jon (son) died two years ago; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. There were family flowers only, but donations for Cancer Research may be sent to Mrs C. Richards, Turning Leaf, Deerland Road, Llangwm, Haverfordwest. The service was conducted by Rev Colin Foreman and the funeral arrangements were conducted by Glyn Thomas of Freystrop.

MRS M. JONES MERLINS BRIDGE Mrs Margaret (Peggy) Jones, of 80 Glenview, Merlins Bridge, died on Monday of last week at Montrose Nursing Home. Predeceased by her husband George and son Brian, she leaves to mourn: Gloria and Brian (daughter and son-in-law); Robert (son); Pam and Mike, Sonia and Gary (daughters and sons-in-law); Andrew, Nicola, Neil, Amanda, Christopher, Michael, Mark, Louise, Jamie, Michaela and Sean (grandchildren). The funeral service at St Martin's church was followed by interment at City Road Cemetery. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Roy Folland and Son, Haverfordwest.

MR H. M. LEWIS LLANDISSILIO Mr Howard Milton Lewis, of Erwlas, of Llandissilio, died at home after a long and trying illness, on May 26th. Mr Lewis was a native of Gwaun Valley, Fishguard, and worked as a salesman at Clynderwen Farmers Co-op for 36 years. His main interests were farming and preparing his show cattle. He was also a deacon and former treasurer of Calfaria Baptist chapel. Family left to mourn are: Eirianydd (wife); Ann and Russell, Janet and John (daughters and sons-in-law); Faith and Simon, Kelly and Aled, Charissa and Phil (granddaughters and grandsons-in-law); Simon (grandson); Dafydd, Carys, Rhys, Ifan, Chloe and Ellie (great-grandchildren); Mairwen (sister); and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. The funeral took place on May 31st, at Calfaria Baptist chapel, Login, and was conducted by Rev Eirian Wyn Lewis, assisted by Tecwyn Ifan, Elwyn Williams, Carl Williams, Huw George, Iwan Lewis, Llinos Ann Edwards and Howell Mudd. Apologies were received from Rev Hywel Jones, Geoffrey Eynon and Alwyn Daniels. Bearers at the house were: Simon James, Simon Wright, Aled Vaughan and Phil Harris (grandsons); and at the chapel, fellow deacons, Aerwyn Jones, John Williams, Russell Davies and Tudor Lewis. Principal mourners were: Eirianydd (wife); Ann and Russell, Janet and John (daughters and sons-in-law); Faith and Simon, Kelly and Aled, Charissa and Phil (granddaughters and grandsons-in-law); Simon (grandson); Dafydd, Carys, Rhys, Ifan, Chloe and Ellie (great-grandchildren); Mairwen (sister); and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins. The organist was Mrs Ceirios Jenner, the precentor was Mr Tyrrel Griffiths and the leaflets were distributed by Alun Jones and John Williams. The funeral arrangements were carried out by W. J. Kenneth Davies, Blaenwaen, Clynderwen.

MRS E. M. DUFFIELD HAVERFORDWEST (formerly of Dale) The funeral took place at Marloes Baptist Church on Friday, with interment at Dale Cemetery, of Mrs Eunice May Duffield (Pat Duffield), of Montrose Residential Home, Haverfordwest. She was formerly of Dale and had died at Withybush Hospital on June 10th, aged 80. The minister Paul Bartlett officiated at the service. She had worked for ten years as a care worker at Scarrowscant House, Haverfordwest, but had been retired for over 20 years. Mrs Duffield was a member of Marloes Baptist Church. She was predeceased by her husband William Stanley Duffield. She leaves to mourn sons Geoffrey, David Glyn, Timothy; grandchildren Liam, Stacey, Amie, Jason, Adam, Nathan and Gareth; daughters-in-law Tania and Glenys. There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu for Marloes Baptist Church. Tom Newing and Sons, Ltd, Milford Haven, carried out the funeral arrangements.

MRS B. A. ROGERS HAVERFORDWEST The funeral took place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, on June 10th, of Mrs Beryl Ann Rogers, of 15 Hermitage Grove, Haverfordwest, who died on June 3rd, after a short stay at Withybush Hospital. Aged 67, Mrs Rogers, who was a native of Spittal, worked at Watts The Chemist in Market Street, after leaving school. When the business closed in 1959, she joined the staff of B. H. Munt and Sons, the jewellers in High Street where she remained until her illness. Educated at Spittal primary school and Taskers School for Girls, she devoted her life to her family, especially her grandson Jacob, with whom she spent many happy times. A lifelong member of Zions Hill United Reformed Chapel, Spittal, she was an active member of the Ladies Guild. She and her husband Glyn, whom she married at Zion's Hill in 1960, spent most of their married life in Spittal, moving to their present address in 1996. A kind and pleasant person who was always ready to help her family and friends, her popularity was shown by the large attendance at her funeral. She leaves to mourn her husband Glyn, daughter and son-in-law Debbie and Brennan Lay, grandson Jacob Lay, sister and partner Bronwen Rogers and Hywel Vittle, sister and brother-in-law Veronica and Ernest Nicholas, sister-in-law Mary Griffiths. She was predeceased by her brother Bryn Griffiths 14 months ago. The funeral service at Parc Gwyn was conducted by Rev Dr David Owen, Rev Tom Owen and Rev M. Shapland and the bearers were Gary Rogers, Chris Hine, Steven Rogers and Martin Thomas. The principal mourners were: Glyn Rogers (husband); Debbie and Brennan Lay (daughter and son-in-law); Bronwen Rogers and Hywel Vittle (sister and partner); Veronica and Ernest Nicholas (sister and brother-in-law); Mary Griffiths (sister-in-law); Elaine and John Evans (niece and husband); Gary Rogers (nephew); Peg Rogers (sister-in-law); Reg and Dilys Rogers (brother-in-law and wife); Rose and George Williams (sister-in-law and husband); Mary and Derrick Thomas (sister-in-law and husband); Betty Rogers (sister-in-law); Roy and Murlene Rogers (brother-in-law and wife); Leslie Rogers (brother-in-law); Alistair and Jean Rogers (brother-in-law and wife); Norman and Chris Rogers (brother-in-law and wife), along with nephews and nieces and cousins too numerous to mention. There were family flowers only, but donations in lieu for The Paul Sartori Foundation, may be sent c/o to Mr E. Nicholas, 29, Castle High, Haverfordwest. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Roy Folland and Son, Haverfordwest.

MRS M. F. STEWARD MILFORD HAVEN The funeral took place on June 11th, at St Katharine and Peter's Church, Milford Haven, and then at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, of Mrs Mary Florence (Maisie) Steward, of 1 Richmond House, Great North Road, Milford Haven. She had died on June 6th, at the age of 92. Canon John Davies officiated. Her working life was spent with her parents in Neyland Post office, then at Pembroke Post office, travelling by bicycle and ferry, then at the head office in Hamilton Terrace, sending the first 6d telegram in 1935. Here she met her future husband, Wally, of 63 years. They went on to buy and run North Road Post Office for many years. It was here that they became well known and touched the lives of many generations. She retired from North Road Post Office at the age of 72. Her main interests were her family and friends, and she was a devote worshipper at St Katharine and Peter's Church and a faithful and entertaining member of the Mothers Union. Family left to mourn are Wally (husband); Vivienne and David Barrat (daughter and son-in-law); Jonathan Davies (grandson); Matthew and Claire Davies (grandson and wife); Alex, Lianna Maisie and Arron (great-grandchildren). The bearers were Jonathan and Matthew Davies (grandsons), David Rowland (friend), Shane Morgan, Frank Newing. Principal mourners were Wally (husband); Vivienne and David Barrat (daughter and son-in-law); Jonathan and Matthew Davies (grandsons); Chloris and Bill Lewis (niece and husband); Laurence and Jenny Campfield (nephew and wife); Joan and Robbie Robson (cousin and husband). The church was filled to capacity with relatives and friends too numerous to mention. Tom Newing and Sons, Ltd, Milford Haven, carried out the funeral arrangements.

MR D. A. SWAYNE GOODWICK Mr Desmond Swayne, of Llwynon, Dyffryn, Goodwick, who died recently aged 82, is fondly remembered by his many friends as a skilled craftsman and a generous and energetic worker for the community. Desi was a lifelong and faithful worker for St Peter's Church, and his contribution went back to the late '30s when he first used his considerable skills to help with church activities. As a young carpenter in 1939, when a play was held in St Peter's Hall, he made a stage in the chancel with timber on loan from Mr Jack Bishop, of The Brodog Timber Works. He was given strict instructions not to use any nails. Undaunted, he worked wonders with ropes to hold it together. Miss Morris of New Road ran an excellent dancing class in the church, which toured the county raising money for charity, and Des was the life and soul of that group. To mark St Peter's 50th anniversary, Des made an altar and communion rail for the Lady Chapel and went with another church stalwart, Mr Dennis Gronow, to Laugharne to fetch a painting by artist Cyril Lewis to hang above the chapel altar. He also made the cross at the rear of the church, one outside and a magniificent one inside. He made a ramp for the disabled. fitted kitchen units in the old hall and the new. and also used his craftsman's skill to fit doors to the tower of Llanwnda Church. Another labour of love, in reponse to a request by Bishop George Noakes, was to restore the church's two altars and repair the pews, which were transported to Des's workshop. He made a new top for the font, a new stand for books at the High Altar and a new incumbent board. His most recent work was a book stand with a glass top to hold the Old Bible, which allows visitors to view it without disturbing it. These are only a few examples of Des's work in the churches and as a tribute, his friends have made a collection and bought a vase to put on his grave. Des Swayne was a popular and useful member of the community, which he loved. He will be remembered for his many acts of kindness and generosity and his days playing rugby for Fishguard after the revival of the club in the '50s.

MRS R. M. BRAWN PEMBROKE DOCK THE funeral took place on June 9th, of Mrs Rosalind Mary Brawn, of 52 Park Street, Pembroke Dock, who died on May 31st. She was 82. Rose, as her family and friends knew her, was the eldest daughter of the late Mr and Mrs William Barrett and was brought up in Orange Gardens, Pembroke. During the war she worked in the ticket office at Pembroke Dock Railway Station. She married Ronald Brawn in 1941 and after the war they started their own bakery business in Bush Street to carry on the family tradition, which began more than 100 years ago and lasted until their retirement in the 1980s. From the early 1950s Rose was a valued member of the local YMCA, where she was chairman, and also chairman of the Old People's Welfare and founder member of the Pembroke Haven Yacht Club when its base was in the Old Dockyard. Rose also helped to establish the new premises at Hobbs Point and was one of the first lifetime members of the yacht club. Rose was an active member of St John's Church and a regular helper at coffee mornings. She was a kind and generous person who enjoyed her life. In her spare time she enjoyed knitting embroidery and tapestry work. The funeral service was conducted by Rev Andrew Davies and took place at St John's Church followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn. The bearers were Matthew Smith-Wrench, Darren and Cerith and Catriona Brawn (grandchildren). She was predeceased by her husband Ron and her youngest son Ronald. She leaves to mourn Rosanna Smith-Wrench (daughter); Richard and Julie Brawn (son and daughter-in-law); Simon and Matthew Smith-Wrench, Darren, Cerith and Catriona Brawn (grandchildren); Max Smith-Wrench (great grandson); Frances Stephens (sister); Roger and Rosemarie Brawn (nephew and wife); Fred and Joan (cousins); Terry and Margaret Brace (close friends) and numerous other relatives and friends. There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu going to St John's Church and the Paul Satori Foundation c/o John Roberts and Son funeral directors, 51 Bush Street, Pembroke Dock.