Obituaries, November 18th 2009

TENBY

A large congregation gathered at St Mary’s Church, Tenby on November 7th for the funeral of Henry Owen Roger Thomas, of Tenby.

Mr Thomas, who was 49 and known to all as Roger, died suddenly on October 23rd.

Roger was born in Kilgetty and brought up in Tenby with parents Dilys and Denzil and brothers Hywel and Rhys. The family has extensive roots in Welsh rugby, and it was only natural that Roger played rugby at Greenhill School, where his father was the games teacher and mother taught domestic science.

In his final year in school he was offered a place at St Bartholomew’s Hospital Medical School to follow his brother Hywel and study medicine.

However, in September 1977 during a school rugby match, which Denzil was refereeing, a heavy tackle resulted in a severe fracture of his spine. Roger nearly died, but thanks to the skill of the neuro-orthopaedic team at the Cardiff Royal Infirmary he survived.

With the loving care of a devoted mother and father, Roger was able to leave home to attend Aberystwyth University, where he achieved a first class degree in mathematics. During this time, Denzil built a new family home at Coed-y-Glyn in Tenby, designed with Roger’s disability in mind.

In 1990 Roger met Jayne when she became his carer. Jayne’s devotion allowed Dilys the pleasure of seeing her son lead an almost independent life before her death in 2000.

By 2001 Roger and Jayne were married and Jayne was pregnant with first son Trystan. By 2003 Trystan was followed by twins Heulwen and Iolo.

Roger’s academic skills were turned to teaching students extra mathematics. He was involved in website design and taught himself French and German to add to his Welsh. He was also a skilful opponent on the chessboard.

It was a great shock when Roger became ill recently. Initially given a prognosis of just ten years in 1977, Roger defied the odds and lived a full 32 years. Very important to him was the support from the Welsh Rugby Union charitable trust.

Rev Michael John led the funeral service, where the principal mourners were: Roger’s wife Jayne, and children Trystan, Iolo and Heulwen; father Denzil; brother Hywel; sister-in-law Jane and children Iwan, Gavin, Liam, Daniel and Nina and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Johnnie and Denise Flynn, Tom and Lynn Flynn and Judith Clifford.

Readings were given by Owen Jenkins and Trevena Vincent (family friends).

The bearers were Hywel Thomas, Iwan Thomas, Gavin Thomas, Johnnie Flynn, Robert Jenkins and James Adam.

Interment followed in Tenby Cemetery.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the WRU Charitable Trust and the National Autistic Society, c/o funeral directors W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby.

Mrs M. L. Edwards

Crymych

The death of Margaret Lorraine Edwards (Meg), of Rhos Awel, Crymych occurred at Withybush Hospital on October 23rd at the age of 87.

She was a native of Rhosfach, Eglwyswen, Crymych, where she lived with her husband Idris until retiring to live in Grive Park, Cardigan, then returning to Crymych 24 years ago.

She was the mother of Berian and Dilwyn, mother-in-law of Eirian and Ann, grandmother of Eiros, Carys and Nia, and great grandmother of Gwenllian a Sior and sister of Gwenneth and Mati.

The service was held at Penygroes, Crymych led by Rev Eifion Lewis assisted by Dr Cerwyn Davies. Unable to attend were Rev Geoffrey Eynon, Rev Alwyn Daniels and Rev Eirian Wyn Lewis.

Emlyn Evans was the precentor and Kathleen Davies was the organist. The bearers were Ieuan James, Robin Davies, Hefin George and Peter Lewis.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Berian and Eirian, Dilwyn and Ann (sons and daughters-in-law); Eiros, Carys and William, Nia and Brian (grandchildren); Gwenllian a Sior (great grandchildren); Gwenneth Vaughan and Mati Selby (sisters); Eirlys Edwards (sister-in-law); Gareth, Rosemary, Eiron, Bethan, Islwyn, Colin, Kevin, Janet, Janis, Gillian, Dewi, Alan, Christine, Susan and Paul (nephews and nieces); plus distant relatives too numerous to mention.

Unable to attend were: Johnny Edwards and Mr and Mrs Clarence Edwards (brothers and sister-in-law).

There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu to Ward four, Withybush Hospital to Mr Colin Phillips, 4 Morgan Street, Cardigan.

Mrs M. G. Scourfield

Carew Cheriton

The funeral took place recently of Mary Grace (Mollie) Scourfield, of Lynfield, Carew Cheriton, aged 95.

Mollie’s family was her main focus in life, enjoying happy times together. She was a well respected woman held in high esteem by all who knew her. She was predeceased by her husband Thomas George in 1984 and her second son Anthony George in 1997.

There was a large gathering of family and friends at St Marys Church, Carew, where the service was led by Rev Thelma Barber, Archdeacon Graham Davies, Archdeacon John gale and lay reader Marina Evans. The organist was Dolly Hughes.

The principal mourners were her son Ken and daughter-in-law Mary; Michael, Roger and Kathryn (grandchildren); Sue, Emma and Tom (grandchildren-in-law); Rachel, Grace, Thomas, Ele and Morgan (great grandchildren); Maggie and Joyce (sisters-in-law); Gwyneth, Richard, Graham, Daphne, David, Raymond, Barbara and Brian (nieces and nephews); Doris and Stanley (cousins); and other family members too numerous to mention.

Unable to attend were Edna Scourfield (sister-in-law); Gwyneth and David Herbert, Andrew Scourfield and Mr and Mrs Brian Hay (nieces and nephews); and family friends Mr and Mrs Bob Lusher.

There were family flowers only but if desired donations in lieu for Carew and Cresswell Quay Cancer Research UK may be sent to Mr and Mrs M. Robinson, The Fortified Rectory, Carew Cheriton, Nr Tenby SA70 8SR.

Mrs G. John

Kilgetty

The death occurred recently at Caldey Grange Residential Home of Gwen John, of Newton Terrace, Kilgetty. She was 98.

Gwen was originally from Cold Blow and enjoyed gardening, knitting and bingo.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Eileen and David (daughter and son-in-law); Sylvia and Brian (daughter and partner); Desmond and Angela, Gerald and Jo (grandsons and wives); Craig, Josh and Emma (great grandchildren); Chris and Ryan (step great grandchildren), and many nieces and nephews.

The service was held at Zoar Chapel, Llanteg and interment at St Issells, Saundersfoot led by Rev Norman Gilbert.

The bearers were Desmond, Gerald, Craig and Ryan.

There were family flowers only with donations in lieu, if desired, for the residents’ fund at Caldey Grange c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, Narberth SA67 8LT, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr J. R. Watkins

Wooden

The funeral of John Roger Watkins, of Lynmouth Wooden, Saunderfoot took place on October 23rd at St Mary’s Church, Tenby where a large gathering attended to pay their respects.

John began his life in Pembroke, one of five children of Dennis and Maureen Watkins. When he was 11 the family moved to Broadmoor and he attended Greenhill School where he met his wife.

After school he had an apprenticeship with Carlton Tractors and qualified as an agricultural mechanic from Carmarthen College.

His knowledge of engineering led him in his early 20s to take part in local car rallies as a navigator, winning many trophies.

John married Diane in 1986 and they made their home in Wooden. He loved building and could turn his hand to anything, taking great pride in his work.

John was also a big fan of northern soul music and would attend venues whenever he could.

He was passionate about the history of the music and would add to his vast collection of memorabilia whenever possible.

A major part of John’s life was sport, and from an early age he loved playing football. A talented player he played for a number of clubs including Carew, Lawrenny, Saundersfoot and Pembroke Borough, where he was part of the team that won the division one senior cup.

When his playing days were over he was chairman of Saundersfoot Sports AFC with his wife as secretary and began managing the senior first team.

John trained hundreds of children during his time with the club and loved to see the junior teams flourish. He was so encouraged by the number of children wishing to learn football that he eventually became a Class C UEFA coach. Under his guidance the club ran two senior football teams and seven junior teams.

When he retired as chairman he had more time to spend with his family and in his garden growing vegetables. He also enjoyed travelling and had recently spent many happy holidays with his family.

He was especially proud of his two children Matthew and Lauren and their academic achievements, encouraging and supporting them in all they did.

A tribute to John was carried out by Gary Davies (family friend) followed by InTune Youth Choir singing ‘I’m with you’ conducted by Andrew Cusworth. The eulogy was read by his son Matthew Watkins.

Principal mourners were: Diane Watkins (wife), Matthew Watkins (son), Lauren Watkins (daughter); Andrew and Jane Watkins (brother and sister-in-law); Carol and Chris Stobbs, Helen and David Bevan (sisters and brothers-in-law); Sian Turner and Mike Neal (sister and partner); David and Paula Robins (brother-in-law and sister-in-law); James, Lee, Adam, Jessica, Emily, Randell, Bradley, Tara, Iwan, Maisie, Jamie, Michael, Daniel and Shannon (nephews and nieces).

Unable to attend were Marjorie and Barclay Robins (mother-in-law and father-in-law), and Rose Rogers (grandmother).

The funeral was conducted by Rev Andrew Davies followed by interment at Tenby New Cemetery. The bearers were Gary Davies, James Stobbs, Billy Cole, Jonathon Jones, Mike Neal and Jamie Robins.

There were immediate family flowers only with donations if desired to the Wales Air Ambulance c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, SA67 8LT who carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mrs I. Ardern

Amroth

The death occurred on October 8th of Ivy Ardern at Withybush Hospital after a short stay. Formerly of Amroth, she was a resident at Park House Court nursing home, Tenby. She was 89.

Originally from Manchester, she worked for many years in the area running paint and wallpaper shops. She moved to Amroth in 1966 to renovate a property, before opening it as a guest house.

After selling the guest house in 1976, Ivy retired in Amroth, living at Haven Heights until moving to Park House Court for nursing care.

She was predeceased by her husband William in 1973.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Glenn (son); Christian and Jo, Jonathan and Nataliya (grandsons and granddaughters-in-law); Jack and Nicholas, James (great grandchildren); Kate.

Unable to attend were Janet and Tracey.

The funeral service was held at Bethesda Chapel and was led by Rev Hywel Brown, assisted at the graveside by Canon Michael Butler.

The bearers were Terry, John, Graham and Stewart.

There were family flowers only with donations if desired for Bethesda Chapel c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside SA67 8LT, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mrs. M. C. Moffat

Haverfordwest

The death occurred at Withybush Hospital of Margaret Celia Moffat, of Richmond Crescent, Haverfordwest on October 30th. She was 81.

A native of Haverfordwest, she was the proprietress of Jock’s fish and chip shop in Dew Street with her late husband Andrew, who died in 2004.

Her interests included her family and friends. She loved socialising and meeting different people.

When her health would allow she attended church, encouraging her children and grandchildren in turn.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Delia Mullins (daughter); Robert and Ann Moffat (son and daughter-in-law); David Moffat (son); Katie and Laura Mullins, Abby and Hannah Moffat (granddaughters); James Moffat (grandson); David and Ray Phillips, Myra Phillips (brother and sisters-in-law); Rachel Thompson, Judith and Andrew Hughes, Richard and Joan Phillips, Ann and Lee McSparron (nieces and nephews); Bill and Cecily Phillips, Wynne and Pam Phillips, Donald and Linda Phillips, Peter Phillips, Anna Bateman (cousins).

Unable to attend due to ill health David (brother), Myra (sister-in-law), Wynne and Pam, Anna (cousins).

The funeral service was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and was led by Canon G. Gwyther. The bearers were Richard Phillips, Len Mullins, Stewart Jones and Gareth Fair.

There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu for ward seven, Withybush Hospital, which may be sent to Len Mullins, 35 Fair Oakes, Glenover Fields, Haverfordwest, SA61 1EE.

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

Mrs. C. Bebb

Kilgetty

The death occurred of Christine Bebb on October 20th in Blackpool while on holiday. She lived at Newton Terrace, Ryelands Lane, Kilgetty and was 53.

Originally from Welshpool, she enjoyed spending time with her family, bingo with her friend Gwennie, and socialising.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Brian (partner); Lisa (daughter); Sheila, Glen, Barbra, Jim, Joyce, Emry, Angela (sisters and brothers-in-law), together with many nephews and nieces.

The funeral service was held at Cold Inn Baptist Chapel, Kilgetty and was led by Paul Davies. The bearers were David Boyle, Simon Evans, Alan Tudor and Emry Evans.

There were family flowers only, with donations for the Stroke Unit, Withybush Hospital and the British Heart Foundation c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, SA67 8LT, who also arranged the funeral.

Mr. H. Lewis

WHITCHURCH

The death occurred on October 27th at the Ridgeway Nursing Home, Llawhaden, of Rowland Harry Lewis, previously of Y Bwthyn, Pontfaen, Whitechurch, who was 92.

He was born in the Eglwyswrw area and was one of six children. His brothers David, William, Stephen and Milton pre-deceased him, but he is survived by his sister Pattie who is currently a resident at a Cardigan nursing home.

After attending school in Eglwyswrw, his early life was spent working at Penlan Farm, where he first learned the skill of working with horses. As a junior he competed successfully in ploughing matches, and retained interest in this craft throughout his life.

He moved on to building work, which took him to Birmingham in 1937 and then on to Coventry. He remained in Coventry throughout the war years and was involved with the local war effort. He eventually became a self-employed builder along with his brother David, who had also settled in the city.

He and his wife Maisie retired to Nuneaton, where he remained until 2006, before returning to live at Y Bwthyn. He was pre-deceased by his wife in 1998, and only son Barry in 2006.

His funeral took place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium followed by interment at Eglwyswrw Church. Canon Euros Thomas officiated.

The bearers were Byron Lewis, Roy Lewis, Philip Lewis and Ellir Williams.

The principal mourners were: Betty and Colin, June and Llwyd, Roy and Shirley, Raymond and Sue, Byron, Berian, Lyn (nieces and nephews); Carol, Wayne and Kayleigh, Mark and Sharryn, Philip, Richard and Lynn, Andrew (great nephews and nieces); Morfydd and Idris, Omer, Dai, Doris, Bec (cousins), along with other relatives and close friends.

Unable to attend were Pattie (sister); Jean (sister-in-law); Emma and Rebecca (granddaughters); Hayden, Katie and Lewis (great grandchildren); Teresa (daughter-in-law); Terry and Mary (stepson); Theo, Roderick, Ryan (nephews). There were family flowers only.

Mr Colin Phillips, of Cardigan carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mrs. M. E. Webb

Goodwick

The death occurred at Withybush Hopspital on October 13th of Margaret Elizabeth Webb, Precelly Crescent, Stop and Call, Goodwick. She was 82.

She was born in New Road, Goodwick and nursed at Priory Mount Hospital, the County War Memorial Hospital and both the old and new Withybush Hospitals, mainly on the maternity ward. She retired in 1982.

Margaret’s interests were church and family and she also enjoyed going on cruises.

The family left to mourn and principle mourners are: Alfred (husband); Gloria and Jackie (daughters); Stephen (son); Rita (daughter-in-law); Brian Docherty and Brian (sons-in-law); Debbie and Thomas Docherty, Marie Anne and Sion Maddocks (grandchildren); step grandchildren Tina and Tony Ormond and Richard Irving; step great grandchildren Bryan James, Joyce and Arthur Chapman.

The service took place at Prendergast Church followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn and was led by Canon Geoff Gwyther.

The bearers were Bryan James, Thomas Docherty, Sion Maddocks, Richard Irving and Tony Ormond.

There are donations in lieu of flowers for Paul Sartori Foundation c/o Mr. A. Chapman, 92 Haven Park Drive, Haverfordwest SA61 1DN.

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

Mrs M. F. Jenkins

Carnhedryn

Mary Ferrier Jenkins died at Withybush Hospital on October 10th aged 75.

Mary was born at Middle Hill, Angle and at the age of five moved with her parents to Marledge Farm, Stackpole. She attended the local primary school and Pembroke Dock Grammar School. On leaving school she returned home to work on the farm.

Mary was an active member of Stackpole Elidor Church, assisting with the Sunday school and a member of the South Pembs YFC, holding office and representing the club at local and national level in poultry trussing and dressmaking and served on national council of Young Farmers of Great Britain. She also represent Wales at the inaugural European rally in Germany.

Following her marriage to Ewan in 1961, she moved to Carnhedryn, devoting herself to raising her family. She continued to work in the community for Llanhowel Church, the Mothers’ Union, RNLI and, following her son Edward’s kidney transplant, raising money for Kidney Research and also Cancer Research.

The funeral service at Llanhowell Church was led by Rev John Bennet assisted by the Dean of St David’s, Rev J. Sean and Rev Richard Rees, followed by interment in the cemetery.

The bearers were John, Edward, Elliot Jenkins (sons), and Richard Jones (son-in-law).

The principal mourners were: Ewan Jenkins (husband); Kathryn and Richard Jones (daughter and son-in-law); John and Jenny Jenkins, Elliott and Christina Jenkins (sons and daughters-in-law); Edward Jenkins (son); Thomas and Richard Jones and Matthew Jenkins (grandsons); Barbara and David Adams (sister and brother-in-law); Miss T. Jenkins, Mrs E. Evans, Mrs M. Jenkins, Haydn and Mary Jenkins, Colin and Margaret Jenkins (brothers and sisters-in-law). Unable to attend were Morgan and Max Jenkins (grandsons, Sweden), and Mary Davies of Bournemouth (sister-in-law).

Donations in lieu for ward ten, Kidney Research, Llanhowell Church may be sent to Lloyds TSB, St Davids branch or Mr David Price, Croesgoch.

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

Mr. C. G. Lawrence

Carmarthen (Formerly of Saundersfoot)

The funeral took place on November 4th of Clifford George Lawrence, of Lon y Plas, Johnstown, Carmar-then, aged 81 who died on October 26th at Glangwili Hospital.

Cliff was born and bred in Pembrokeshire and lived in Saundersfoot until his 30s. He attended Greenhill Grammar School and following a short time working on the railways spent most of his working career with the South Wales Electricity Board. He worked firstly in Tenby before he transferred to Gwent with his young family in 1964. He retired from the electricity board in St Mellons in 1983 and relocated to Carmarthen to be closer to his grandchildren.

The funeral took place at St Mary’s Church, Llanllwch, Carmarthen and was followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn. Officiating at the service was Rev R. I. Protheroe, who was joined by Canon G. Gwyther at the crematorium.

Clifford leaves a widow Violet (Vi), formerly of Manorbier. Other principal mourners include daughters Lynne and Andrea; his grandchildren Laura, Liz, and Nia; John (brother); Beryl, Mary, Nan (sisters-in-law); and Reg (brother-in-law).

He was also mourned by Teri, Norma, Glenys, Jayne, Paula, Alison (nieces) and David (nephew) and many other relatives too numerous to mention. Those unable to attend were Millie (sister-in-law) and Mary (aunt). There were family flowers only with donations in lieu for Asthma UK and National Eczema Society c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside Narberth, SA67 8LT.