Obituaries, September 8th 2010

Narberth

The funeral took place on August 10th of Thomas (Tommy) White, of Halkon Crescent, Narberth, who died peacefully at home on August 1st. Tommy was a native of Cashel, Co. Tipperary, Eire and married Gwen Thomas, a Narberth girl in 1953. They had five children and celebrated their golden wedding in 2003. Sadly Gwen predeceased him in 2005. Family left to mourn are: John, Lyndon and Helen, Kevin and Eve (sons and daughters-in-law); Kathy and Wyn, Susie and Vittorio (daughters and partners); Angie, Martin, Sarah and Arwyn (grandchildren); Terrance Emmajean and Christian (step-grandchildren and their families); Anthony and Ali, Alun, Luke (step-grandchildren); Paddy Dennis and Michael (brothers); Monica (sister); plus sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces too numerous to mention. The funeral took place at the Roman Catholic Church, Narberth where Father John Patrick Thomas officiated. The bearers were Lyndon, Kevin, Michael, Martin, Vittorio and Terrance. There were family flowers only with donations, if desired, for The Paul Sartori Foundation, to W. J. Kenneth Davies funeral directors, Blaenwern, Bro Waldo, Clynderwen, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr C. J. Thomas

Haverfordwest

The death has occurred of Charles John Thomas, of Priory Avenue, Haverford-west, who died at Fairfield Nursing Home, Johnston. He was a native of Haverfordwest, born at the New Inn, Portfield Gate and brought up at Priory Mill. Charlie, as he was known, attended Barn Street School. He spent all his life in Haverfordwest, only leaving as a young man for his six years service during the Second World War with the RAF. He saw action mainly in Northern Ireland and later in France and Germany. After the war Charlie joined the West Cambrian Energy Company in 1946 as a linesman. This later became known as SWEB. He worked there for 40 years and this was were he met his wife Theresa Elizabeth (Betty) and they married in 1956. They had six children. He retired in 1986. His main interests were his family and a rose garden and also included his springer spaniels and game shooting. He was also a member of Pembrokeshire Working Gundog Society. Charlie was predeceased by his four sisters, Molly Williams, Eleanor Newman, Peggy Roblin and Barbara Smith. The family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Betty (wife); David and Shirley, Colin and Helen, Alan and Josephine, Nicholas and Susan, Gary and Heather (sons and daughters-in-law); Helen and Phillip (daughter and son-in-law); Hannah and Adrian (granddaughter and husband); Lee, Sarah-Jane, Rickie, Martyn, Simon, Peter, Kirsty, Lucy, Gareth, Sophie, Elliot, Joni, Joshua, Elisha, Kirsty, Rhys and Dylan (grandchildren); Bethen, Sami, Cerys, Alfie and Ella (great grandchildren); Harry Newman (brother-in-law), together with nephews, nieces and friends too numerous to mention. There bearers were Lee and Simon Squelch, Rickie, Martyn, Peter and Gaether Thomas (grandsons). The funeral was at Parc Gwyn Crematorium with Rev Paul Mackness and Rev Harri Williams officiating. There were family flowers only with donations in lieu to LATCH. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Roy Folland and Sons, Haverfordwest.

Mr W. K. Jones

Pembroke Dock

The death has occurred of William Kenneth Jones (Ken) of Bush Street, Pembroke Dock. He was 81. Originally from Warrington, Lancashire he was a seaman and later a rigger steel erector. His service record included two years national service at Pembroke Dock, where he was known as ‘Gunner’ Jones. He was a keen boxer in his younger days and followed the sport with great interest. He loved socialising with his many friends and spending time with his six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Colleen Mary Jones. The family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Alan, Kenneth and Paul (sons); Mandy, Janice and Judith (daughters-in-law); Mark, Andrea, Maria, Tanis, Carla and Ladeana (grandchildren); Robert, Grace, Lily, Amy, Millie, Ashley, Sophie, Jason and Jordan (great grandchildren) and also the rest of the family. The funeral was held at St John’s Church followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn and was officiated by Rev Shirley Rayner. The bearers were Alan Jones, Kenneth Jones, Paul Jones (sons) and Anthony Stockford (nephew). There were family flowers only with donations for Macmillan Nurses c/o Mr 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 V. W. Roberts

Buckinghamshire

Friends and relatives were shocked to hear of the death of Vince Roberts, aged 75, on August 9th. Born in Llangollen, Vince joined the Air Sea Rescue branch of the Royal Air Force and between 1953 and 1958 was stationed in Pembroke Dock to work with the Sunderland Flying Boats. This is where he met his lifelong love, Elizabeth Wilson, eldest daughter of the late Bill and Betty Wilson. Married to Elizabeth in Llangollen, Vince joined the Metropolitan Police Constabulary in 1957 and served as a police constable for 31 years. Many will still recall Vince’s love of football, and he regularly watched his grandson Thomas Richardson playing professionally. He was also a regular golf player. Vince regularly visited Pembrokeshire to see his relatives and to see the progress of the flying boat museum where he donated valuable archive material. He leaves behind wife Elizabeth; three daughters Sue, Julie and Melanie; four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. The funeral service took place at Milton Chapel, Amersham on September 2nd. Donations in memory for the Royal British Legion may be sent to Arnold Funeral Service, 891 London Road, Loudwater, High Wycombe, Bucks HP10 9TB.

MR J. W. THOMAS

CLARBESTON ROAD

John William Thomas, of Market Place, Clarbeston Road, died at Withybush Hospital. He was a well known and popular figure in the community for more than 40 years. Aged 82, John was a native of Blaenannerch, Cardigan and a close friend of Dic Jones, Archdruid of Wales, and master poet in the strict metres of Welsh prosody. It was at Fferm y Hendre, owned by Dic’s father, where John first worked when he left school. From those earlier years he took a great delight in farm work, skilled, trustworthy and a first class stockman. He loved the open air life working on farms in Carmarthenshire at Cwmfelin Mynach before moving to Pembrokeshire to a large dairy unit at Ty Fri, Walton East in 1957. John suffered the loss of his first wife two years after they were married and a few years later he met Mattie, a widow with three young sons. He brought up the boys as his own earning their respect and admiration and he was worshipped by the grandchildren. Everyone appreciated John’s many stories and sense of humour. He enjoyed meeting people, socialising and nothing better than a friendly game of whist. He was a regular chapel-goer and an active member at Carmel Welsh Congregational Chapel where he greatly enjoyed his 21 years living at the Chapel House. From those early days at Fferm y Hendre he had retained a great love of community singing and each year he had attended the National Eisteddfod where he regularly served as a steward for the week. It was evident to all that he and Mattie lived their lives to the full and brought happiness and support to their family and to all the lives they touched. A short family service at the Chapel of Rest, Efailwen was followed by a large attendance at the funeral at Parc Gwyn. Officiating ministers were Revs Eirian Wyn Lewis, Carmel and Geoffrey Eynon, Ford. Bearers were Geoffrey, Anthony and David Davies and Stephen Davies. Principal mourners are: Mattie Thomas (wife); Geoffrey and Elaine (son and daughter-in-law), Anthony (son); David and Carmella (son and partner); Kelly, Stephen, Lisa and Matthew (grandchildren); Morfydd Griffiths and Lon Evans (sisters); Leslie and Eira Rowlands (brother-in-law and sister-in-law); Martin Davies, Dilwyn, Eirwyn and Emyr Evans, Gerald and Wendy Rowlands and Sharon and Paul John (nephews and nieces) and many others too numerous to mention. There were family flowers only but donations in lieu, for Ward ten, Withybush Hospital or Narberth Health Centre are being accepted by John Rowlands, Pwll, Walton East, Clarbeston Road. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Dennis Jones and Son, Maesawelon, Efailwen.

Mr B. H. M. Harries

Llangain

The funeral took place on July 16th at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, of Benjamin Hywel Mayrick Harries (Mike), of Dol y Dderwen, Llangain, Carmarthen, where the family were joined by a large gathering of family, friends and neighbours. Mike was one of six children and had spent many years with B. P. Shipping. Chief mourners were his devoted wife Olive; Geraint and Linda (step-children); Gethin (step-grandson); Joyce, his loving sister; Marlene James (niece); Sandy and Beryl Howells, Gwen Williams, Joyce Howells (brother-in-law and sisters-in-law); together with family, friends and neighbours too numerous to mention. Unable to attend was May Leach (sister-in-law). The bearers were Gerwyn Howells, John Williams and Richard James. Rev Illtyd Protheroe officiated and the funeral arrangements were carried out by Glanmore Evans, Swn yr Einion, Llangain.

Mr H. J. Thomas

Llandissilio

The death occurred on July 16th of Henry John Thomas, Vilja Lodge, Llandissilio (formerly of Nantyffin Motel) at Withybush Hospital in his 91st year. The private funeral service for family was held at Parc Gwyn and was officiated by Rev Howell Mudd, assisted by Revs Hywel Jones and Towyn Jones. Appolgies were received from Rev Emyr Thomas, Cefnypant. Family left to mourn are: Muriel Thomas (widow); Eileen, Paul and John (sister and nephews); Gwyn, Myron and Dafydd, Margaret, Dion, Betty and Sian, Dawn, John and Brenda, Owen Bushell, Hywel Evans (cousins); Huw, Bryan and Yvonne, Leila, Nancy and Anthony, Wynne and Beryl, David and Ann, Elin, Rhian and Llinos, Eileen, Peter, Vanessa and Bethan (brothers and sisters-in-law and nephew and nieces); also present were Alun and Gloria, Penny Drew, Marlene Lewis. Unable to be present was Elma Davies (sister-in-law). The bearers at Parc Gwyn were Bryan Thomas, Noel Saer, Harold Bibby, Teifryn Williams and Brian John. Leaflets were distributed by Anna Williams and Bryan John. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Dennis and Jean Jones, of Efailwen.

Mrs M. Reeve

Haverfordwest

Mrs Marjorie Reeve, of Dunsany Park, Haverfordwest died peacefully on August 20th at Williamston Nursing Home, Houghton. She was 93. Mrs Reeve was a devout worshipper at Uzmaston Church for 40 years. She also supported the local branch of Save the Children for almost four decades. She loved gardening and was an avid reader with a gift for completing crosswords. She moved to Pembrokeshire in the early 1930s from East Anglia with her family. After a period of poor health, Mrs Reeve became a resident of Williamston Nursing Home in Houghton for more than four years, living a happy, comfortable and contented life there. Mrs J. Evans, curate at Uzmaston Church, officiated at the interment at City Road Cemetery. Donations if desired in lieu of flowers to The Matron, Williamston Nursing Home, Houghton, Pembrokeshire SA73 1NL for the Residents’ Fund. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Tom Newing and Sons, Milford Haven.

Mr M. Marchant

Haverfordwest

Mr Maurice Marchant, formerly of Bridge Street, Haverfordwest, died on August 23rd following a short illness. The funeral was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, with Rev Huw George officiating. Family left to mourn and principal mourners were: Billy and Gill, John and Sarah, Margaret and Terry together with grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

Mr R. M. H. Lawrie

Milford Haven

Mr Ronald Melville Henry Lawrie, of Mount Pleasant Way, Milford Haven died at Withybush Hospital on August 23rd. He was 86. A native of Milford Haven, Ronald started his working life at the age of 14 as a telegraph boy for the Post Office. He resumed his postal career after the war and rose to the rank of inspector before his retirement due to a heart condition in 1968. After recovering he resumed his civil service career as a clerk at the Royal Naval Armament Depot until 1983. Ronald served in the navy during the war. His position as a petty officer on landing crafts took him to various bases in the UK. On land he was a physical training instructor, which brought him together with his wife Joyce, who was serving in the Wrens at HMS Glendower in Pwhelli. Ronald and Joyce celebrated 65 years of marriage on August 6th, 2010. In his younger years Ronald practised yoga with a deep interest in holistic therapy. He played the violin, accompanying his wife Joyce on the piano. Family left to mourn and principal mourners were: Joyce Lawrie (wife); Paul Lawrie (son); Jill Ellis (daughter); Val Lawrie (daughter-in-law); Bob Ellis (son-in-law); Andrew Lawrie, Robert Lawrie, Toby Ellis, Robin Ellis (grandsons). The service was held at St Katharine’s Church, Milford Haven followed by interment at Milford Haven cemetery and was officiated by Canon John Davies. There were family flowers only with donations in lieu for ward 11 general fund c/o Sister Clare Grehan, Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Tom Newing and Sons, Milford Haven.

Lieutenant Colonel D. A. Smith MC

Haverfordwest

Lieutenant Colonel D. A. Smith MC, who died aged 97 at Fairfield Residential Home, Johnston on August 14th was a Second World War hero whose gallant leadership of a crack Royal Engineers demolition team saved tens of thousands of lives at Dunkirk in 1940. Then a 26-year-old Second Lieutenant, he and his unit of two sergeants and six sappers blew up bridges, roads and railway lines, cutting off communications to slow down the German advance towards the beaches at Dunkirk where more than 250,000 troops of the British Expeditionary Force were waiting for boats to evacuate them. A Monmouthshire man, Colonel Smith was a TA soldier when war broke out and was immediately sent to France with the 101st Field Company of the Royal Monmouthshire RE (Militia) attached to the 12th Royal Lancers. He was awarded the Military Cross for his unit’s crucial role in what Winston Churchill described as ‘a disaster turned into a deliverance’ and was presented with the medal by King George VI. His regiment was awarded a dozen decorations by Field Marshall Lord Gort, ‘with an added Military Cross to the gallant Smith of the Monthmouthshire sappers’. The last to leave France in a clapped-out mud dredger, the unit’s final act was to put their engineering expertise to good effect by building a jetty from abandoned vehicles and bridging equipment to facilitate the evacuation of some 250,000 stranded troops. Many of the unit’s operations had been carried out under heavy enemy fire and there were many casualties, but Colonel Smith, a major by the end of the war, survived to end his 30-year career as CO of the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers. He had served during the D-Day landings and in Palestine, Hong Kong and in the jungles of Malaya with the Ghurkas. Colonel Smith and his wife Chris moved to Pembrokeshire in retirement, living in Letterston and for the last 30 years at Glenover Park, Haverford-west. He was a keen gardener, an accomplished musician and, for many years a faithful member of St Martin’s Church, of which he wrote a history They Did It Their Way. He played the organ there until recent years and had been awarded honorary membership of the Royal School of Church Music and also, by the Archbishop of Wales, the Certificate of Merit in Church Music in recognition of his long and devoted service in Wales. A modest man with a keen sense of humour he loved all sports, played minor counties cricket before the war, was a skilled golfer and first class rugby player. In 1947 he played against Welsh international scrum half Haydn Tanner in an army rugby cup final. Left to mourn are his wife Chris; daughter Jane; three grandchildren and five great grandchildren. The funeral took place on August 24th with a service at St Martin’s Church followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium. Officiating clergy were the Vicar, Rev Father Paul Mackness, the Dean of St Davids, the Very Rev Jonathan Lean, the former Archdeacon of St Davids, the Ven John Harvey, who delivered the eulogy, and the curate of Haverfordwest, Rev Harri Williams. The coffin was draped with the Union Jack and bore his medals. The principal mourners were the immediate family and many friends. There were family flowers only but donations in lieu for St Martin’s Church may be made to Rev Father Paul Mackness at The Vicarage, Barn Street, Haverfordwest SA61 1TD. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Roy Folland and Son, Haverfordwest.

Mrs E. M. Owen

Clynderwen

Elsie Owen, of Highgrove Residential Care Home, averfordwest, died on July 28th, aged 89. She was the widow of Luther Owen, who died in 1997. She had previously lived at Bro Waldo, Clynderwen and for nearly 50 years at Preseli View, Clynderwen. Many mourners attended the funeral service on August 4th at Parc Gwyn Crematorium. Family members attending were: Gwynfor (son); Gwyneth (daughter); Jean Owen (daughter-in-law); John Thompson (son-in-law); and grandchildren Christopher Owen, Dr Joanne Pickford (and husband Dr Andy Pickford); Ian Thompson and Sharon Spiers. The officiating minister was Jill Hailey S. Harries; the bible reading was taken by Rev Hywel Jones, previously from Pisgah Chapel, Llandissilio, where Elsie had been a member for more than 60 years. Bearers were Jimmy Morgan, Meredith James, Lawrence Bowen and Brynmor Thomas. There were family flowers only, with donations to Cancer Research. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Kenneth Davies and Sons, Clynderwen.

Miss J. M. L. Napier

Hubberston

The death occurred on August 1st at Withybush Hospital of Josephine Mary Louise Napier, of West House, Hubberston. Josie was the daughter of the late Jack and Doreen Napier and was born and brought up in Hubberston. She was a well-liked and respected member of her local community. On leaving Milford Central School she qualified as an SRN before completing midwifery training. Josie went on to work for several years at the County Hospital before joining the medical team at the newly opened Gulf Refinery, Waterston. She later became the nursing sister at Amoco oil refinery where she served for the next 25 years. She took early retiement to care for her elderly mother. Josie loved her sports and adored her dog Bella. Left to mourn are: John Napier (brother); Mark, Paul, John and Tracey Napier (nephews and niece) together with their families; Dawn Kersey, Pam Harries, Gillian Dickson and Carole Thomas (cousins) together with numerous other relatives and her friend Margaret Jones. Donations in lieu of flowers for Ward ten, Withybush Hospital and Cancer Research are being received by Margaret Jones, 113 Waterloo Road, Hakin, Milford Haven. The funeral took place on August 10th at Hubberston Church followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Tom Newing and Sons, Milford Haven.

Mr A. E. Lewis

Neyland

The funeral took place recently of Albert Evan Lewis, of College Park, Neyland, who died at Withybush Hospital on August 19th. He was 96. He was a native of Jameston and started work as an apprentice for plumbers Herman Thomas, Tenby, and then at the age of 17 joined the army. He was a Royal Artillery instructor in Aldershot. He served through the Second World War in the Middle East, Greece and Europe and was taken prisoner in Germany. His interests included playing rugby for Tenby. The family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Maurice Lewis and Cathy, Trevor Lewis and Trisha (sons); Pat Hadfield and Reg, Eileen Chesters and Raymond (daughters). The funeral was held in Parc Gwyn, Narberth. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Tom Newing and Sons, Milford Haven.

Mrs K. N. James

Milford Haven

Kathleen Norma James (Norma), of Prioryville, Milford Haven, died at Withybush Hospital. She was predeceased by her husband Gilbert (Badger) James. As a native of Milford Haven she enjoyed bingo at the Astoria. Family left to mourn are: David, Owen, Steven and Paul (sons); Tina, Denise and Susan (daughters); John, Carl and Tony (sons-in-law); Catherine (daughter-in-law); Sarah, Cris, Ronny, Kate, Gavin, Nikki, Gemma, Holly, Emma, Samantha, Rhys (grandchildren); Rhys, Logan, Tyler, Demi-Leigh (great grandchildren); plus numerous extended family members and countless friends too numerous to mention. The funeral was held at St Katharine’s and St Peter’s Church, Milford Haven followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Tom Newing and Sons, Milford Haven.

Mr A. Cleevely

Swindon

Alan Jeffrey Cleevely, of Swindon, died on August 8th at the Great Western Hospital, Swindon. Originally from Milford Haven, he worked at the Mine Depot for 20 years and also at Swindon post office for 17 years. His hobbies were fishing, sport, snooker and swimming and he loved his Butlins 60s weekends. The family left to mourn are: Gillian and Mel John (sister and brother-in-law); Lisa Loughlin and Claire John (nieces). The service was held at Parc Gwyn and was officiated by Rev Martin Evans. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Tom Newing and Sons, Milford Haven.

Mrs V. Hilling

Kilgetty

The funeral took place on August 11th of Florence Yvonne Hilling, known as ‘Vonnie’, of Kilgetty. She died on August 3rd at Withybush Hospital aged 84. Vonnie was born at Kingsmoor Cottage and was the younger sister of Freda. She worked for the Co-op stores in both Tenby and Kilgetty. She married Clifford in 1955 at Galillee Baptist Chapel, Llangwm and they spent many happy years together until his death in 2004. Predeceased by her husband, she is survived by her son David, partner Ele and granddaughter Megan. Vonnie and Clifford’s shared interests centered around the chapels at Zion, Begelly and Bethesda. At Kingsmoor Methodist Chapel they took charge of a popular Sunday School. Vonnie enjoyed flower arranging and these chapels were beautifully decorated by her for many years, especially at harvest festivals. Vonnie’s main love was her family, where she was a loving wife, mother, nannie, sister and aunt. In recent years she suffered from ill-health, which saw her make various visits to hospital. She was always determined to return home and without the help, love and care of family and friends she would not have been able to. The funeral service was held at the graveside at Cold Inn Baptist Chapel, which was officiated by Rev Hywel Brown, assisted by Major Martin Clements and David Hilling. Bearers were David (son); Lyn Guy (nephew); Jonathan Hicks (great nephew) and Brian Hilling (brother-in law). There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu for Cold Inn and Bethesda Chapels being sent to E. C. Thomas and Son, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside. Narberth, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.