A Haverfordwest firefighter described as a “gentle giant” by his colleagues was given a hero's farewell today (Tuesday).

Gwynfor Howells died suddenly from a heart attack last Tuesday morning while out walking with his wife, Helen.

The 50-year-old father of two had been a firefighter for more than 30 years.

Gwynfor had recently moved to Haverfordwest fire station where he was the watch manager for fire safety. He had previously worked at fire HQ, Carmarthen, in operational risk management. He was also a retained firefighter at Haverfordwest and a full time member of the UK urban search and rescue unit.

Haverfordwest station manager, Andrew Lloyd, said Gwynfor was “very helpful”.

“He was tall and stocky, quite an imposing presence but very gentle, a gentle giant.” he said.

Pembrokeshire county commander, Nick Webley, added his death was a great loss to his family, the fire service and the community.

“He was an exceptionally professional, highly respected, firefighter,” he said. “He was extremely diligent in his duties; always neat, always tidy, always polite and courteous.”

Gwynfor's funeral took place at 11am today at Ebeneezer Chapel, Haverfordwest.

His coffin was placed on a turntable ladder fire appliance and accompanied by six bearers. A ceremonial colour party, including his brother Gerwyn, walked alongside the appliance which was followed from the fire station to the chapel by family cars, three more fire engines and firefighters from Pembroke Dock, Milford Haven and Haverfordwest on foot.

The cortege was accompanied by an escort of police motorbikes and cars.

Hundreds of people turned up to the funeral service, spilling out of Ebeneezer Chapel and into the surrounding streets.

Loudspeakers broadcast the service to the crowds outside and the sound of Welsh hymns could be heard throughout Haverfordwest as friends, family and colleagues paid their final farewell to a popular fire fighter, who was also well-known throughout the rugby and farming community.

Gwynfor was buried at Mill Inn, Uzmaston, during a private family ceremony. There were no flowers, but donations to the national fire service benevolent fund, these can be made via Nick Webley at Haverfordwest fire station.

One of nine children, Gwynfor worked with his brother, Gerwyn, on Blue Watch, Haverfordwest for several years. They worked together on the big fire at Amoco in the early 80s and the Pointsman explosion.

“He had a very happy go lucky, bubbly personality,” said Gerwyn. “He'd always got a wicked smile or grin and liked a good laugh. He was always playing tricks or joking. One winter we were snowed in at the fire station and went sledging down the hill on toilet seats.

“However he was very competent when it came to work. He was a very popular, much loved member of the fire service.”

He added that the family was grateful to the fire service, from the chief fire officer to support staff, for their support during a difficult time.