Obituaries, July 11th

The funeral of John Allen took place at Narberth Crematorium on Tuesday.

After leaving school in north London, he followed his father and became a landscape gardener.

He spent some time in New York and California, joining the protests against the Vietnam War.

He realised it was time to go home when he was served with his draft papers and back in Britain he put his engineering skills to work in motor racing, graduating from the design team to driving.

He won several races and never lost his love of fast cars or his competitive instincts.

In the 1970s he fell in love with Wales, built a home in Carmarthenshire and, after his parents died, moved permanently across the border to Pembrokeshire.

He added property development to his landscaping business and, in association with colleagues, designed a mini-landscaping machine dubbed the Welsh Rabbit, which ran on wheels rather than tracks to prevent it churning up the ground. It was a substantial technical achievement, if not a commercial success.

His property development was more financially rewarding, moving from single units to larger and larger projects.

A keen windsurfer, he joined the committee of the Saundersfoot Sailing Club and became the Welsh representative on the UK Windsurfing Association.

He loved the outdoors, whether windsurfing, fishing, playing tennis or football.

In Saundersfoot, John made his first foray into politics with the community council.

He was later elected to the county council, the town council, and the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

He was the Liberal Democrat leader on the county council until he died and chairman of the Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire local party until the end of last year.

He stood for the constituency at the last general election, achieving a substantial swing to the Liberal Democrats.

He built bridges across political divides, was not afraid to stand up against authority, and, once he had taken up a cause, was like a dog with a bone. His steely resolution sometimes surprised people who had the impression that he was easy going and laid back.

He was frustrated that he could not achieve more as an elected representative, chafing at arrangements which seemed to disempower people and allow decisions to be made without proper scrutiny.

Increasingly, he focused upon voluntary organisations like Pembroke 21 Community Association which could get things done.

He chaired the trustees for several years and was closely involved in all its projects, including the Pembroke Festival and the purchase of Foundry House.

One scheme close to his heart was the establishment of a town museum.

He was generous, had an infectious sense of humour and was an excellent cook.

After being diagnosed with terminal cancer, he fulfilled a long held ambition to buy a house in Florida, but continued to invest time in political and community activities.

Donations can be made to Cancer Research and flowers to Roberts, at Pembroke Dock. John's friend David Hartshorn helped arrange the funeral and can be contacted on 01834 891329.

Mr R. Moore Pembroke Dock

The funeral took place recently of Mr Raymond Moore of Pembroke Haven, Pembroke Dock, who died at Withybush Hospital, aged 77.

The funeral was held at Parc Gwyn crematorium and the funeral arrangements were carried out by Tom Newing and Son, of Milford Haven.

Mrs B. Russell pembroke

A large gathering attended the funeral at St Petrox Church of Elizabeth Christina (Betty) Russell who died four days before her 83rd birthday.

During her long illness, she was cared for by her husband Pat and carers (especially Danny Henson) and Val Russell.

Tributes were paid by Tony Thomas (best man at her and Pat's wedding) and Dr Greg Morse (son-in-law), followed by a reading by her granddaughter Lucy Geoghegan and a solo of Amazing Grace played on the organ, by grandson Ben Morse.

Betty was brought up in Liverpool, the eldest of four children from a strict Catholic home.

Her lifetime hobbies were reading, dancing and listening to music.

She came to Pembroke during the Second World War. She had volunteered for the WRENS but because her father was Norwegian she joined the Women's Land Army instead.

One day she came with a threshing gang to Yerbeston Farm where she met Pat. So began a romance which lasted almost 60 years.

At that time a Catholic marrying a Protestant was unheard of, yet it was a very happy, lasting relationship.

At the end of the war she was selected to receive a medal on behalf of the Pembrokeshire Branch of the Women's Land Army from the Queen. This was the first of three visits to Buckingham Palace.

She was a past treasurer and president of Pembroke Inner Wheel and for many years did voluntary work at Withybush Hospital.

Above all, she will be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother.

She had eight children but their home was not the same after her 19-year-old son Kerry was killed.

The family left to mourn are: Nicholas Russell (son); Anne and Greg Morse (daughter and son-in-law); Karina and Gordon James (daughter and son-in-law); Gwynne Russell (son); Dr Gareth Russell (son); Rosemary and Ian Geoghegan (daughter and son-in-law); Dan Russell (son); Gloria and Peter Wain (sister and brother-in-law); Ben, Oliver, Natasha, Patrick, Katie, Lucy, Rhodri, Sophie, Flora and Toby (grandchildren).

The service was conducted by Rev Martin Cox (Rector), Rev Roger Jones, Canon Richard Rees, the Venerable John Gale, Ron Gwyther and Anita Howells. The bearers were John Frazer, David Harries, Richard Morris and David Phillips. The organ was played by Susan Bleck.

There were family flowers only. Donations for St Petrox Church and the Alzheimer's Association can be sent to undertaker Neil Roberts, of Bush Street, Pembroke Dock.

Mrs D. S. A. Rees Pembroke

The funeral took place at St Michael's Church, Pembroke, on June 29th, of Doreen Rees. Rev Roger Jones conducted the service.

Doreen was the eldest daughter of Ronald and Gwendoline Thomas.

Doreen and her sisters Joyce and Phyllis, and her brother Harold were brought up by their grandmother, known as Granny Thomas.

Doreen would have been celebrating 65 years of marriage in August, with husband Charles.

She doted upon her grandchildren and enjoyed knitting for them in her spare time.

She and Charles enjoyed active social lives at the Kilgetty Social Club and then at Monkton Swifts. She particularly enjoyed visiting Freshwater West.

The family left to mourn are: Her husband; son and daughter-in-law; grandchildren; her brother and sister in law and many other family members.

Mrs D. E. Hodge St Florence

The funeral took place recently of Daisy Hodge, of Brooklyn, St Florence, who died at Withybush Hospital, aged 77.

The service and interment was held at St Florence Church and was attended by a large gathering of family and friends.

Daisy lived in St Florence all her life and enjoyed tending to her garden.

Daisy leaves to mourn her husband Vincent; son and daughter-in-law Robert and Denise; grandsons Shane and Thomas; nephews, nieces and their partners David and Pam, Ernest and Veronica, Julie and Owen, Gwen and John, Dylan and Sharon, Ronald and Carol, Daphne and Paul, Priscilla and Bob.

The service was conducted by Rev Vic Millgate and the organist was Andrew Cusworth.

Bearers were Gary Richards, Andrew Mason and grandsons Shane and Thomas.

There were family flowers only. Donations made payable to Tenby Health Centre may be sent to Ruth Brace, Ivy Cottage, St Florence, Pembrokeshire.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons, of Tenby.

Mrs F. E. Sanderson Milford Haven

The death occurred on June 20th of Freda Elizabeth Sanderson, of St Peters Road, Milford Haven, who died aged 73 at Withybush Hospital.

Originally from Milford Haven, she worked for Dyfed Laundry, Captain Cook's Delicatessen, as a cleaner at North Road Girls School and at Milford Haven School.

Freda enjoyed knitting, television, bingo and being a member of Hakin Social Club.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Harry Sanderson (husband of 53 years); Kerry and Stephen (daughter and partner); Wendy and Terry (daughter and son-in-law); Jaqui, Matthew, Phillip, Abigail and Shanagh (grandchildren); Nona (sister); Peggy and Gwyn (sister and brother-in-law); Gerald and Rosemary (brother and sister-in-law).

The funeral service was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and was officiated by Rev Martyn Evans.

The bearers were Stephen Light, Terry Hicks, Gerald Simmonds and Peter Walsh.

There were family flowers only. Donations for Withybush Hospital Coronary Care Unit, may be sent to HSBC, Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven.

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

Mr J. L. Smith Sageston

The death occurred on June 20th of John Leonard Smith of Newleigh, Sageston, who died at Withybush Hospital aged 59.

Originally from Boston, Lincolnshire, he worked with a soft drink company moving into senior management with a brewery before retiring in 1999.

He enjoyed golf, walking and gardening and is survived by his wife Judy Smith.

The principal mourners and family left to mourn are: Judy Smith (wife); Jennifer Bolland (sister-in-law); Catherine Richardson (sister); Tony Smith (John's son); Peter Smith (John's brother), and nephews and nieces.

The service was held at St Mary's Church, Carew Cheriton, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn crematorium and was officiated by Rev John Gale. The bearers were Graham Wharton, Don Chandler, Russ Morgan and Paul Griffith.

There were family flowers only. Donations for ward ten, Withybush Hospital may be sent c/o Stewart Treharne of E. C. Thomas and Son, Funeral Directors, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside SA67 8LT, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr W. E. D. Howells Clynderwen

The funeral took place on June 18th at Parc Gwyn Crematorium of William Evans Desmond (Billy) Howells, of 9 Heol-y-Gaer, Clynderwen, who died at his home on June 13th, aged 75, after a short illness.

He was born in Little Egypt, Ludchurch. He started his working life on his grandfather's farm, and later at Whitland Dairies, then Welsh Water, at Haverfordwest, up until his retirement in 1990.

His interests included darts, fishing, gardening, short mat bowls, swimming, line dancing and he also enjoyed playing his guitar. He was always willing to help anyone.

He leaves to mourn: his loving wife Margaret; Mark and Sheena (son and daughter-in-law); Sonya and Meurig (daughter and son-in-law); Christian, Briallen and Catrin (grandchildren); Danny and Veronica (brother and sister-in-law); Derek (brother-in-law); Ian and Annette, Bobby, John and Sandra, Philip and Dee (brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law), many cousins, nephews and nieces too numerous to name and Albert and Margaret Bevan (close friends).

A short private service was held at the family home, conducted by Rev Huw George, with a reading by Rev Hywel Jones prior to the service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium.

The bearers were Brian Thomas, Norman Williams, Geraint Bevan and Bernard Bowen.

There were family flowers only. Donations may be given towards the First Response team, Narberth, and Narberth Health Centre, payable to Donations Account, c/o Ken Davies and Sons, Funeral Directors, Clynderwen, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr K. L. Bennett Tavernspite

Kenvyn Lewis Bennett, of Greenfields, Tavernspite, Whitland, died at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, on June 13th, aged 83.

Born in Llansteffan, Carmarthen, at the home of his maternal grandmother, he was the eldest of Mark and Mary Bennett's four children.

He was brought up in Whitland, where he attended primary and grammar school.

After leaving school he served apprenticeship as an electrician with Robert Young, the proprietor of the Whitland Electric Supply and Gas Works.

In 1942, he was conscripted into the Royal Navy and served in the Fleet Air Arm at various Royal Naval Air Stations in England, Scotland and the Isle of Man, before being posted abroad to Brisbane, Australia.

On his return to the United Kingdom, he secured employment as a fitter with the Wilts United Dairies, Whitland, where he remained until his retirement as a supervisor in the engineering department.

His main interests outside his employment were car mechanics, metal work, attending steam rallies and gardening.

A private service for the family took place at the chapel of rest, Blaenwern, Clynderwen, followed by a public service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium. The officiating minister was Rev Elwyn John assisted by Rev Kingsley Taylor.

The mourners were: Betty Morgan (sister); John Bennett (brother); Avril and George James (sister and brother-in-law); Mark and Alison James (nephew and wife); Anne and Peter Richardson (niece and husband).

There were family flowers only. The order of service leaflets were distributed by Laurie Bowen, Llandissilio. Kenvyn's ashes were interred at the Parc Gwyn crematorium gardens.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Ken Davies, Clynderwen.

Mrs C. M. E. Jones Haverfordwest

The death occurred on May 9th of Cynthia Mary Elizabeth Jones, of Cardigan Road, Haverfordwest, who died at Withybush Hospital, aged 79.

Born and brought up in Caermedris, Solva, Cynthia nursed in a TB hospital in Liverpool and contracted the disease while there. She returned to Haverfordwest to recover.

She founded the ABC school of motoring in the early 60s and then opened the Coffee Tavern, on High Street, Haverfordwest.

She continued to run the driving school from these premises as well as three restaurants and a coffee lounge.

She later opened a designer boutique in the basement and travelled regularly to London fashion shows. Cynthia retired from the Coffee Tavern in May 1985.

Family and friends were very important to her.

The principal mourners were: Noreen and Barrie Rowland (sister and brother-in-law); Jackie Jeffries (niece); Michael and Jackie Hardy, Max and Jacky Hardy (nephews and nieces-in-law); Deborah and David Banner (niece and nephew-in-law); Gordon Hardy (nephew); Rebecca Jeffries, Jake, Ricky, Jazzi and Cassie Hardy, Tom Banner and Sam and Jon Hardy (great nieces and nephews).

The funeral service was held at St Michael's Church, Rudbaxton and was officiated by Canon Geoffrey Gwyther.

The bearers were Michael, Max and Gordon Hardy and David Banner (nephews and nephew-in-law).

There were family flowers only, but if desired donations in lieu of flowers can be sent c/o Deborah Banner, High Meadow, Chapel Road, Crundale, Haverfordwest, SA62 4DL for St Brynachs Day Hospital, Haverfordwest.

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

Mr J. T. Edwards Crundale

The funeral took place on June 13th of James Terance (Terry) Edwards, who died at Withybush Hospital after a short stay, aged 61.

Terry, who lived in Howards Crescent, Crundale, was a farm worker after leaving school and then a heavy plant operator for nearly 40 years.

He retired from this job due to ill health after working with his son's business.

Terry enjoyed his social life, and was very involved with the vintage tractor club.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Rosemary Edwards (wife); Michael and Claire (son and daughter-in-law); Clive Edwards (nephew); Ken and Frances (brother- in-law and sister-in-law); Steven and Tracey (nephew and wife); Gareth and Tracey (nephew and partner); Meurig and Mon (close friends) and family and friends too numerous to mention. Unable to attend were Charlotte Edwards (granddaughter); Brenda Price (mother-in-law); Andrew and Sian Price (nephew and wife); Wendy Eynon (niece).

There was a family service at the house prior to a service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, which was officiated by Rev N. Cale of Wiston. The bearers were Bryan Morgan, Alun Thomas, Paul Rogers and Charlie Jones.

There were family flowers only and donations for Withybush Hospital's Ward 7 Trust Fund may be sent to M. Davies, Man Tawel, Heol-y-Llan, Llandissilio, Clynderwen, Pembroke-shire, SA66 7TG.

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