Obituaries, August 5th

The death of David Benjamin Jeffrey Thomas, of Tenby, occurred on July 6th. He was 83.

After growing up in Newcastle Emlyn, Jeff studied classics in the 1930s, later changing to sciences.

After a brief period in the RAF, serving in Israel and Egypt, Jeff studied engineering at Loughborough and in about 1960, joined BP as a metallurgist. In this capacity he travelled all over the world, including the Middle East, Turkey, Norway, Holland, Japan, North America, Canada and Alaska.

Jeff remained with BP as chief welding engineer until he retired, when he set up a private consultancy, again operating internationally.

In 1952 he had married Lily Doreen Thomas, of Neath. They moved to Hertfordshire and raised a family.

His hobbies included walking, travelling, gardening, the theatre and bridge. In 1990 the couple retired to Strawberry Gardens in Penally. Their love of gardening was very much in evidence, with Jeff landscaping the plot himself.

They quickly became part of Penally and Tenby life, playing bridge and bowls, while Jeff also played golf.

When Doreen died in 1995, Jeff became even more involved in local committees, including Penally Church building fund; Croft Court residents association; the Walled Town Association; Tenby Arts Society; Tenby Museum and the Tenby branch of Probus.

In 2006 Jeff moved from Penally to Croft Court, Tenby, where he never tired of the sea view. He also enjoyed his many walks into town.

Jeff’s funeral was well attended and the principal mourners were: Clare, Andy, Stephen and Elizabeth Hall (daughter, son-in-law and family); David, Sue, Matthew, Mark and Rachel Thomas (son, daughter-in-law and family); Lynne, Steve and Kathryn McMillan (cousins-in-law and their daughter).

There were family flowers only but if desired, donations for the RNLI, in lieu of flowers, may be sent to W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, who carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mrs W. Thomas

Haverfordwest

THE death of Wendy Thomas, of St Martin’s Park, Haverfordwest, formerly of Fox Hall, Llangwm, occurred at Withybush hospital on July 11th. She was 61.

Wendy had bravely borne ill-health for many years but her death was sudden and unexpected. Despite her illness, she lived a full and active life, with a wide circle of friends.

She had only recently returned from visiting her daughter and family in Malaysia, and from a holiday in Australia.

Her most recent job was as an assistant at Mount Airey School. She was active in many organisations, particularly the Labour Party, in which she had held several positions and was a member of the county executive.

In 2002 she was one of the few people to be awarded the certificate of merit by the Wales Labour Party. She was also a question master in the Haverfordwest quiz league.

Principal mourners were: Mike Watts (partner); Kate (daughter); Stuart (son-in-law); Daniel and Amelia (grandchildren); Michael and Anita (brother and sister-in-law) and Julie Palmer (cousin).

The funeral took place at St Martin’s Church, Haverfordwest, on July 27th, followed by interment at City Road cemetery.

Rev Canon Colin Bowen, assisted by Rev Bob Morgan, officiated.

There were family flowers only, but donations, if desired, in aid of the Paul Sartori Foundation, can be sent to John Jones, 51 Jury Lane, Haverfordwest.

Funeral arrangements were by Glyn Thomas and Son, Freystrop.

Mrs A. Salmon

Newport

THE death of Amy Salmon occurred at Withybush hospital on July 3rd.

Born in Letterston, Amy moved to Newport when she married Carey.

She is survived by two children and five grandchildren.

The funeral service was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

The service was officiated by Rev Alwyn Daniels, minister of Bethlehem Baptist Chapel, Newport.

If desired, donations in lieu of flowers, for ward ten Withybush Hospital, can be sent to Paul Jenkins and Sons, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, who carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mrs J. Bell

Milford Haven

THE death of Joyce Bell occurred at her home, 29 John Lewis Street, Hakin, Milford Haven, on July 4th. She was 77.

A native of Lower Town, Fishguard, Joyce was a hairdresser and housewife and loved music and reading.

The funeral was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, on July 13th. Rev Peter Jones officiated.

The principal mourners were: Alan Bell (husband), Malcolm and Debbie Bell (son and daughter-in-law) and Judith Bell (daughter).

There were family flowers only, donations in lieu if desired, for Cancer Research, may be sent to Mrs Margaret Jones, 113 Waterloo Road, Hakin, Milford Haven.

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

Mr S. G. Blunsden

Pembroke Dock

The death of Sidney George Blunsden, of Front Street, Pembroke Dock, occurred on June 30th at Withybush hospital. He was 78.

Originally from Long Mains, Monkton, he was the third son of Francis and George Blunsden. He worked for the South Wales Electricity Board in Tenby and Haverfordwest and was an electrical LV and HV jointer.

He retired due to ill health in 1990, prior to major heart surgery.

He was a home loving man and enjoyed DIY and his garden.

Family left to mourn are: Rouna Blunsden (wife); William Blunsden (brother); Charles and Jenny Blunsden (brother and sister-in-law); Tony Blunsden (brother); Betty and Billy Harris (sister and brother-in-law); Sheila Blunsden, Pamela Blunsden, Muriel Blunsden (sisters-in-law) plus nieces and nephews.

The funeral service was held at St John’s Church, Pembroke Dock, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn, Narberth, and was officiated by Nigel Thomas.

The bearers were Paul Blunsden, Malcolm Blunsden, Robin Blunsden, Kevin Blunsden, Steven Blunsden (nephews), Tony Blunsden (brother).

Donations in lieu of flowers if so desired for the British Heart Foundation may be sent to Graham Thomas, 34 Charles Thomas Avenue, Pembroke Dock.

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

Mrs E. Hollis

Pembroke Dock

The funeral took place on July 21st of Eileen Hollis, of Hill Street, Pembroke Dock. She died at South Pembs hospital on July 11th, aged 72.

She was an IT teacher until she was in her 70s, teaching all ages. She was also a shorthand/typing teacher and a secretary.

Eileen enjoyed gardening, and spending time with her family. She was passionate about animal welfare and had a love of animals, especially cats.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Kenneth Hollis (son); Daphne Hart (sister); Frank Hart (brother-in-law); David Williams (brother-in-law); Sian Williams (niece); Tony and Joyce (cousins) and many good friends and neighbours.

The funeral was held at Parc Gwyn and was officiated by Roger Hart.

There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu for PAWS 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.

Mrs M. Nobes

Whitland

The death of Mary Nobes, of Carnary Farm, Whitland, occurred at Withybush hospital on July 14th. She was 94.

Mary was born at Cosheston Home Farm, Cosheston Hall. Her late father was Harry Lewis.

She attended school in Pembroke and moved to England to follow a career in nannying, before meeting and marrying Sydney Nobes in London.

Mary and her daughter Jenny returned to Wales for eight years during the war. They then made their home in Stanmore, Middlesex, for many years, before returning to live with her daughter and son-in-law on their farm in Whitland. The family always had their annual holiday in Pembrokeshire while living in London.

Mary was a supporter of the RNLI (Tenby).

She was predeceased by her husband.

Family left to mourn are: Jenny Edmonds (daughter); Barry Edmonds (son-in-law); Lucy and Marc Clancy (granddaughter and husband); James and Claire Edmonds (grandson and wife); James, Thomas and Joshua (great grandchildren), together with numerous cousins and friends.

The service was held at Parc Gwyn and was officiated by Rev Hywel Brown. The bearers were James Edmonds, Barry Edmonds, Marc Clancy, Graham Thomas.

There were family flowers only with donations for the RNLI (Tenby branch) to E. C. Thomas and Son, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, SA67 8LT, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mrs E. L. Salmon

Llanfallteg

After a short illness, the death of Edith Louvain Salmon (Louie) occurred on Saturday, July 11th, at the Royal Gwent hospital, Newport.

She was 94 and formerly of Dolwenen, Llanfallteg, Whitland.

She was born in Haverfordwest and lived in Llanfallteg for 68 years. For the last four years, she lived with her daughter and son-in-law in Rogerstone, Newport.

She was predeceased by her husband, Mortie. She was the mother of Mair and Sheila and the late Eddie and Colin; mother-in-law of Steve and John and grandmother of Sam, William and Rebecca.

The funeral service took place on Saturday July 18th at Parc Gwyn, and was officiated by Rev Huw George.

The bearers were Sam Harper, William Harper, Johnny Griffin and Don Howells.

There were family flowers only, with donations if so desired towards Diabetes Research, to Ken Davies and Sons, Blaenwern, Clynderwen, who carried out the funeral arrangements.

Miss E. N. Phillips

Haverfordwest

THE death of Elizabeth Novello Phillips, of Fenton Villas, Haverfordwest, occurred at Withybush hospital. She was 82.

Vello (as she was known) was born and brought up in Haverfordwest. She was the sister of Stanley, Lil and the late Billy and Dulcie and sister-in-law to Din.

On leaving Taskers School for Girls, Vello worked for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food until her retirement.

She served more than 40 years with the civil service.

In the last few weeks Vello had been cared for by her sister Lil, her niece and husband, Jan and Gren and their families, at their home in Tiers Cross.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Stanley (brother): Lil (sister): Din (sister-in-law); John and Rose, Jan and Gren, Andrea and Rob, Paul and Nydia, Susan and Wyn (nephews, nieces and spouses), also great nieces, nephews, great great nieces and nephews too numerous to mention.

Unable to attend was Lil (sister). The service at St Thomas’ Church was followed by interment at City Road cemetery.

The bearers were Paul, Gren, Rob and Mark.

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