Obituaries, September 24th

Pembroke

The death occurred at Withybush Hospital on August 15th of Chancellor Anthony Riley Williams BA.

He was former vicar of Ludchurch, Lamphey and Llanelli and current chaplain to Castlemartin Camp.

A Requiem Mass took place at St. Michael’s Church, Pembroke, officiated by Bishop David Thomas, Bishop Ivor Rees, Rev Roger Jones, Rev Geoffrey Gwyther, Rev David Faulkner, who gave the homily, Rev David Humphries and Father Patrick Fitzgerald Lombard.

The principal mourners were: Sheila (wife); Joanna (daughter); Matthew and Delyth (son and daughter-in-law); Osian (grandson); Robin and Susan (brother and sister-in-law); David and Barbara (brother-in-law and sister-in-law); Michael and Hazel (nephew and niece); Kenneth and Natalie, Anne and Stuart (cousins), together with close friends.

There were family flowers only but donations in lieu, for the intensive care unit at Withybush Hospital and Corporation of the Sons of the Clergy, may be sent to John Roberts and Son, 51, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, who carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr B. A.H. Smailes

Johnston

The death occurred of Bernard (Bernie) Arthur Henry Smailes on August 7th at his home in Johnston. He was 76.

Originally from Bristol, he spent 28 years in the RAF, based in Melksham, Iraq, Bicester, Nottinghamshire, Cyprus, Iran, Chivenor and Brawdy. He then worked at Milford Haven refinery, retiring in 1996.

He was president of the Royal Air Force Association branch and area groups. He was executive member of the drama association of Wales. He was also treasurer and festival director of the Pembrokeshire drama association; chairman of the Little Theatre, Haverfordwest and a member of Johnston village hall committee.

The principal mourners and family left to mourn are: Sheila Elizabeth Rose Smailes (known as Leigh) (wife); Michael (son); Debra (daughter); grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Canon Derek Evans officiated at the funeral, which took place at St Mary’s Church, Haverfordwest, on August 16th, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium. The bearers were Michael Smailes, David Buck, Tony Rice and Gary Evans.

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

Mr D. O. Canton

Nolton Haven

THE death occurred at Withybush Hospital on August 20th, of David Owen Canton, of Meadow Lane, Nolton Haven, formerly of Nolton Haven Farm. He was 71.

David was born at East Nolton Farm. His family later moved to his grandfather’s holding, Nolton Haven Farm. He attended Nolton School and Fenton School in Haverfordwest.

His life centred on the farm. Originally a dairy farmer, he also grew early potatoes and enjoyed contract work. In later years he had a suckler herd, beef cattle, pigs and crops.

He retired early due to ill-health but enjoyed being driven round the farm or visiting the mart.

David was a long-standing and active member of Keyston Young Farmers’ Club. He also belonged to the Royal Observer corps in Little Haven for many years. After marrying Maureen in 1963 they opened and ran a village shop for 30 years.

His hobbies included Pembrokeshire Motor Club competitions and he was a service crewmember in British RAC rallies.

He and his wife loved travelling, camping and photography.

They were founder members of Broad Haven amateur dramatic society, and were very involved in Keyston YFC drama and other competitions. David was also involved with Pembrokeshire Pony Club.

He was a Nolton and Roch councillor until May.

The family left to mourn are: Maureen Canton (wife); David and Teresa Canton, Michael and Janet Canton (sons and daughters-in-law); Joanna and Major Mark Smith (daughter and son-in-law); Shelley, Lisa, Samantha, Katie, Charlotte, Isobel and Ffion (granddaughters); Charlie, Owen and Monty (grandsons); Jim and Joyce Canton (brother and sister-in-law); John and Michael Farley (brothers-in-law, unable to attend); Glenys Davies and Eira Owen (aunts); Rob Farley and Mark Canton (nephews); Elizabeth and Kate Canton (nieces), together with many family, friends and neighbours.

The funeral was held at Nolton Haven United Reformed Church, officiated by Rev Dr David M. Owen and Rev Martyn Evans. The organist was Shirley Williams.

The bearers were Robbie Owen, Keith Roberts, John Roberts and W. Pryce Morris.

There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu to David Gregory, Pembrokeshire Carers Outreach Centre, Meyler House, St Thomas Green, Haverfordwest, SA61 1QP.

Funeral arrangements were carried out by F. G. Rees and Sons, Haverfordwest.

Mrs S. E. Rees

Haverfordwest

The funeral of Susan Elizabeth Rees, of Ebenezer Row, Haverfordwest, took place on September 17th. She died at Withybush Hospital on September 10th, aged 55.

Susan was a native of Haverfordwest and worked for 25 years at Barclays Bank. She also worked for two years for Pembrokeshire County Council and ten years for Lowless and Lowless.

In addition to her family and cats, her interests included playing squash and she also played golf at Haverfordwest Golf Club.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Terry (husband); Thomas (son); Tegwen and Lawrence, Derek and Vida, Rowena, John and Sue, Michael and Joan (brothers and sisters-in-law); Martin and Julie, David and Kay, Kevin and Lucy, Andrew and Janice, Gareth and Alison, Ian and Zelinda, Delme and Lucy, Angela and Andrew, Adrian and Fiona (nephews and nieces-in-law); Marion and Billy (aunt and uncle); Tina, Jane, John and Margaret, Emlyn and Enid and Glenys (cousins formerly of Haverfordwest); Lyndon and Nicola, Rachel and Colin, Simon and Jacci, Nichola, Margaret and George, Jill and Peter (cousins).

The funeral was held at St Martin’s Church in Haverfordwest and the bearers were David, Martin, Andrew and Kevin (nephews), John Hart and Gareth Hughes (friends).

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

Mrs C. Jackson

Ambleston

The death occurred of Carole Jackson of Ambleston, at Withybush Hospital on September 8th. She was 65.

A native of Taunton in Somerset, she graduated in mathematics and statistics from Leeds University and had a diverse career in industry. She then taught in Salford, New Zealand and Nottinghamshire, before working as a hospice volunteer in Huddersfield.

After moving to Pembrokeshire eight years ago, she became a Paul Sartori Foundation volunteer, playing an active role until her death.

Devoted to her family, she also enjoyed the countryside and long distance walking. She had covered the whole of the Pembrokeshire coast path and climbed all 214 of the Lakeland fells.

Scottish country dancing was an important part of her social life and she organised an annual colleagues’ reunion at a Leeds festival. She was secretary of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society and danced regularly in Pembrokeshire.

The family left to mourn are: Ecila Daniel (mother); Nigel Daniel (brother); Peter Jackson (husband); Kevin Jackson (son); Jane Jackson (daughter-in-law); Christopher Jackson, Oliver Jackson (grandsons); Karen Jackson (daughter); Pierre Briand, Alex Briand (grandsons); Reginald and Elsie Jackson (parents-in-law).

The funeral was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, officiated by Canon G. Gwyther.

Donations in lieu of flowers to the Paul Sartori Foundation. Funeral arrangements were carried out by Roy Folland and Son, Haverfordwest.

Major D. M. Athoe

Pembroke Dock

Major (retd) Margaret Athoe, known to her friends as Peggy, died suddenly at her home on August 26th. She was 80.

Peggy was the daughter of Angus G. Athoe and Grace Athoe. She was predeceased by her brother John in 2004.

She was head girl at Pembroke Dock grammar school and graduated from Exeter University. Having taught geography, in 1956 she joined the Women’s Royal Army Corps, where she was known as Margaret. She was commissioned in March 1957 and her first posting was to 12 Battalion WRAC in Richmond Park. She then went to Surrey as an education officer. Postings to York, Singapore and Bicester followed.

She was promoted to Major and granted a regular commission. Her final posting was to Beaconsfield. She retired in 1983 and returned to Pembroke Dock.

Peggy enjoyed singing and organised a choir at Richmond. She also represented the army at hockey. She remained a supporter of the WRAC association, always attending the AGM, reunions and other events.

She was a keen ornithologist and was a member of her local history society and Dyfed family history society.

Her funeral took place at St John’s Church where the coffin was draped with the Union flag. The bearers were her cousins Ken MacCallum, Nasir Callum al-Kanaan and John Nash. The service was officiated by Rev Thelma Barber and tributes were given by Col Sue Westlake for the WRAC and by cousins, Capt. Ken MacCallum and Roger MacCallum. The Corps Collect was read by Lt. Margaret Davies. The funeral concluded at Parc Gwyn Crematorium.

The principal mourners were: Capt. Kenneth and Evelyn MacCallum, Roger and Janet MacCallum and members of the MacCallum and Al-Kanaan families; John and Linda Nash, Christine Rushen, Pam Bickle, Col.Lennox OBE.and Beryl MacEwan; Leslie and Roy Griffin, Margaret Evans and Col. A. Pugh RAEC and many friends.

There were family flowers and donations in lieu for the WRAC Association, can be sent to Graham Thomas, 34 Charles Thomas Avenue, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6UR.

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

Mr C. M.L. Wilson

Red Roses

The funeral took place on August 16th of Cyril Melville Lloyd Wilson, of Cartref, Red Roses, formerly of West Pool Farm, Pendine, who died at West Wales General Hospital on August 11th. He was 85.

A large gathering attended the funeral at Eglwys Gymyn Church, preceded by prayers at the house. Rev Paul Nash officiated, while Rev Dr Keith Littler led the congregation in prayers.

John Thomas paid a personal tribute to a respected friend and local farmer who was a popular member of the community.

Cyril was a kind, gentle character with a good sense of humour.

The bearers were Cyril’s three sons, Derrick, Phillip and Ken and his son-in-law Neville. The organist was Sheila Wilson.

The principal mourners were: Nesta (wife); Derrick and Bethan, Phillip and Helen, Ken and Jackie (sons and daughters-in-law); Margaret and Neville (daughter and son-in-law); Lloyd, Richard, Robert, Sarah, James, Pamela, Emma, Ruth and Mary (grandchildren) and George (great-grandchild). There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu for Eglwys Gymyn Church being received by Mr J. Stone of Barriets Farm, Pendine.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Peter Evans, funeral directors, of Llanmiloe, Carmarthen.

Mr B. Procter

Milford Haven

The death occurred on August 10th of Brian Procter of St Botolphs, Milford Haven. He was 58.

Born in St Ishmaels, he was an electrician and his interests included football.

He played for Tish as a youngster. He always supported them in later life and watched his son Ian play. He also loved watching his grandson Harry play for his local team, Courus and Swansea under-eights.

The principal mourners are: Mandy (daughter); Huw (son-in-law); Harry (grandson); Gracie (granddaughter) and Ian (son).

The funeral was held on August 18th at St Ishmaels Parish Church and was officiated by Rev Sian Wight.

The bearers were Ian Procter, Huw Nicholls, Robert Cockburn, Graham Reynolds, David Procter and Scott Devonald.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent for the football section, St Ishmaels Sports Club, to P. Devonald, 2 Castle Road, St Ishmaels, Haverfordwest SA62 3SF.

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