Obituaries, June 2nd 2010

Tewkesbury (formerly of Haverfordwest)

The death of Zoë Margaret Josephine Morgan occurred on February 19th in Tewkesbury. The funeral service took place on February 26th at St David’s Church, Prendergast, Haverfordwest and was followed by cremation at Park Gwyn Crematorium.

The family held Zoë’s funeral in Pembrokeshire, knowing it would have been her wish.

Canon Geoffrey Gwyther led both services, and the ashes were interred in her grandfather’s grave in Whitland.

Zoë was born in 1926 in a farming family in Whitland headed by her grandfather Joseph Howells. Educated in Whitland Grammar School, she worked in London, where she took part in the activities of the London Welsh Association.

Zoë returned to Whitland in 1949 to marry Bill. The marriage was to last more than 60 years and produce a happy and close-knit family.

In 1961 they moved to Haverfordwest. She was active in the women’s institute, was a past president of the Rotary Inner Wheel Club, was a founder member of the Anglo-French Association, and chaired the Dyfed Association for the Disabled.

In 1981 she accompanied Bill to the Queen’s garden party at Buckingham Palace.

Zoë loved travelling and visited Malaysia, Australia and America. Her happiest memories were of touring Ireland with David and the late Meriel, and holidays with her friend Mollie in Madeira.

She was always of a happy disposition, and made many friends in the community.

She remained friends with Betty and Rita, school friends from primary school 70 years ago. She also had a close friendship with her cousin Gina.

In 2007, failing health made her to move nearer to her family, Christopher and Philippa in Bristol, and Timothy and Frances in Gloucester, and granddaughters Rhiannon, Lucy and Bethan.

There were family flowers only, but donations to Prendergast Church can be sent to David Redd, 30 Bulford Road, Johnston. SA62 3EU.

Roy Folland and Son, Haverfordwest carried out the funeral arrangements.

Miss E. Francis

Little Newcastle

Eiry Francis of Ael-y-Felin, Little Newcastle, died at the University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, on April 23rd, after a short illness. She was 35.

She was the daughter of Gledhill and the late Margaret. Eiry had a kidney transplant 13 years ago.

She made the most of her life by doing things she enjoyed.

She loved reading books, painting and doing cross stitch which won her many prizes at local shows. She also supported the Scarlets rugby team and Liverpool football club.

The funeral service was officiated by Rev David Rees, Rev Huw George and Rev Geoffrey Eynon. A tribute was read by Richard Davies, and You’ll Never Walk Alone was played during the service.

Principal mourners were:- Gledhill Francis (father); Bethan, Bob and Rhian (sister, brother-in-law and niece); Jean Francis, Gwyn Francis, Erith and Mair Francis, Joyce and Cledwyn Vaughan, Colin Henton, Bronwen and Brian Hamilton, Nan and John George, Eirlys Borde, Len and Brenda John, David and Angela John (uncles and aunts); Kevin and Julie, Dyfrig and Mererid, Doreen, Darren, Dylan, Sandra, Hilary and Meurig, Delyth, Andrea and Gareth, Adrian and Melani, Dilwen and Graham, Helen and Grant, Lorraine, Richard, Huw, Mair, Gwenda and Clive, Helen (cousins); and many more relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

The bearers were Kevin Francis, Dyfrig Francis, Dylan Vaughan and Adrian Vaughan.

There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu for the renal and transplant ward B5, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, being received by Mr Richard Davies, Northgate, Little Newcastle, Haverfordwest, SA62 5TD.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Paul Jenkins and Sons, Fishguard.

Mr F. Philbin

Pembroke Dock (formerly of St Florence)

The death of Felix Philbin occurred at Crosspark, Pennar, on May 10th. He was 60.

He started work at Pembroke Power Station in 1971 and worked his way up to a shift foreman. In March 1981, he emigrated to South Africa with his family where he worked in the power industry for 20 years. In September 2000, Felix moved back to Pembrokeshire, where he retired due to ill health.

He enjoyed a variety of interests in life that ranged from fishing, archery and electronics and he was exceptionally artistic.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Ginette (daughter); Nick (son); Yolly (daughter-in-law); Gareth, Grant and James (grandsons); Jean, Betty, Catherine and Mary (sisters); Alec, David and Michael (brothers-in-law); nephews and nieces and Heather (Ginette and Nick’s mum); Shirley and Rocky (best friends).

The service was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and was officiated by Rev Elwyn J John.

The bearers were Nick, James, Alec, James, David and Peter.

There were family flowers only with donations or Help The Heroes c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside SA67 8LT, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mrs D. M. James

Tenby

The death occurred on May 11th of Delsea Margaret James, of New Hedges, Tenby at Morriston Hospital. She was 88.

Originally from Llawhaden, she went to Llawhaden School and then Narberth Grammar. She later became a nursing sister in South Pembrokeshire Hospital, Pembroke Dock.

During the war she was in the ATS in London.

Her interests included gardening and she was an avid reader. Along with her late husband David James, who predeceased her 11 years ago, they were enthusiastic members of the Saundersfoot and district Vintage Motor Cycle Club of whom many members attended the funeral.

She was a member of Goshen Chapel for many years and was a respected and popular member of the community.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Julie and Alan Delwyn, Ioan and Mervyn Llewelyn, Elizabeth Williams, Raydene Morgan, Bernard Llewelyn, Sarah McLuckie, Terry and Malcolm Johns, Shirley Griffiths, Elaine and Spiro Jovic, Carole and Philip Langston and Joanne Rossiter.

The service was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and was officiated by Rev Hywel Brown.

The bearers were Alan Llewelyn, Delwyn Llewelyn, Terry Johns, Malcolm Johns and Jim Codd.

The eulogy was by Terry Johns (cousin) and Johnny Thomas (long term friend).

Donations in lieu of flowers for Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice can be sent to E. C. Thomas and Son, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, SA67 8LT, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr G. H. Davies

Letterston

In the obituary for Gordon Hywel Davies, of Letterston, (Western Telegraph, May 19th) it should have read his sister Lorna was deceased.

Mr J. V. Wade

Haverfordwest

The death of John Vaughan Wade, of Elliotts Hill Farm, Haverfordwest, occurred on May 4th at Withybush Hospital. He was 75.

Jack, as he was known by everyone, was born at Elliotts Hill Farm, the third of four sons to the late William and Ellen Wade.

He was predeceased by his brothers Fred and Brinley.

He farmed with his brothers until his retirement. He loved football and cricket.

The funeral took place on May 13th at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and was officiated by Rev Geoffrey Eynon.

The bearers were David Reynolds, Doug Stewart, Mark Griffiths and Malcolm Davies.

Family mourners are: Richard and Mair Wade (brother and sister-in-law); Doreen Wade (sister-in-law); Ceinwen Rees and Carlos (niece and partner); Gerwyn Wade and Fiona Daly (nephew and partner); Barry Wade (nephew); Jeffrey James (cousin).

Unable to attend were Betty Woods, Hazel James and Naomi Jones (cousins).

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

Mr R. Slimmon

Haverfordwest

The death of Robert Slimmon, of Jockey Fields, Haverfordwest, occurred at Withybush Hospital on May 7th. He was 74.

Born in Kilmarnock, Scotland, he served in the Royal Navy in Singapore and Borneo.

In 1966, Bob joined George Davies, the builders merchants in Prendergast, then after some time he purchased the Horse and Groom public house in Prendergast, which he ran for seven years with his wife Edna (Tot).

He retired from Graham Reeves builders merchants in 1997.

His interests were his family and grandchildren.

He played at Haverfordwest golf club, enjoyed dominoes and quizzes. He was also a member of Mensa.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Edna Slimmon (wife); Julie and Derek John, Beverley and Gary Raymond (daughters and sons-in-law); Allison Slimmon and Mike Quigley (daughter and partner); Katy Richardson, Jacob Arnold, Jordan Raymond, Jasmine Raymond (grandchildren); Saffron and Rene Richardson, Aiden Collins (great grandchildren); Megan and Robert Salmon (sister-in-law and husband); Steven Richardson (granddaughter’s partner).

The service was held at St David’s Church, Prender-gast, and Canon Geoffrey Gwyther officiated.

The bearers were Mike Quigley, Jacob Arnold, Gary Raymond, Derek John, Steven Richardson and Jordan Raymond.

There were family flowers only, with donations for ward three, Withybush Hospital c/o Mr R. Salmon, Ty Rhonnda, Church Road, Goodwick.

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

Mrs C. A. Evans

Croesgoch

Carol Evans, of Penysgwarn Farm, Croesgoch, died at home on May 12th, aged 52.

Carol was originally from St Davids and attended the Church in Wales School and Ysgol Dewi Sant.

After leaving school she trained as an SRN in Glangwilli Hospital, Carmarthen. She then went on to do her midwifery training in Swansea.

Having gained her RM qualification, Carol returned to Withybush Hospital.

She married Tom in 1983 and moved to Croesgoch. They had three sons, Eirian, Gareth and Rhys.

Carol took up the post of community midwife in St Davids and Solva. She loved her work and was a midwife for 28 years.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Tom (husband); Eirian and Bethan (son and partner); Gareth and Rhys (sons); Meira Preece and the late Alan Preece (parents); Susan and Jonathan Bennet, Teresa Francis, Helen and Mark Harries (sisters and brothers-in-law); Peggy and Ivor (parents-in-law); Mary and Martin Wilson, Ruth and Gwilym Evans (sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law); Elin Gilderdale, Mathew Bennett, Callum, Charlotte and Luke Harries, Holly Wilson, Owen and Rhodri Evans (nieces and nephews), also aunts, uncles and cousins too numerous to mention.

Unable to attend were Hefin Francis (Vietnam); Charlie, Sam and Jack Wilson (France).

A large gathering of family and friends attended the funeral at St Davids Cathedral on May 19th followed by burial at St Davids Cemetery.

The service was officiated by Rev John Bennett and Rev Canon Dorian Davies.

A tribute to was made by Delma Thomas (midwife and close friend).

The bearers were Gareth Price, Ruth Evans, Wyn Evans and William Miles.

There were family flowers only with donations for Pancreatic Cancer Research c/o W. G. Mathias, Nun Street, St Davids, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.