Obituaries, November 3rd 2010

Pembroke

The death occurred at Withybush Hospital on October 8th of Sally Anne Roberts, of 24 Windsor Road, Pembroke. She was 58.

Sally was born in Victoria Terrace to Jack and Betty Skone, one of seven children. She went to Eastgate School and then on to the grammar school and left there at 15 to work for W. H. Smith.

After a few years she left to work for her father Jack in his butcher’s shop in Bush Street, Pembroke Dock. It was her work in Townsends in Pembroke Main Street that many people will remember her for. She worked there from 1983 until ill health forced her to leave in 2006.

She met Clive in 1968 and they married in 1971 and in 1973 they had their only daughter Nikki.

Sally was an ordinary woman but extraordinary in so many ways and showed this in the brave and courageous way in which she handled her illness. Her main interests were her family and she was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother to her two grandsons Joseph and Thomas.

She was a much-loved member of the Pembrokeshire Cancer Support Group and gained a lot from the relaxation and reflexology that she was able to have there, and enjoyed talking to the other members.

Sally was predeceased by her parents Jack and Betty Skone, and brothers David, Colin and Peter.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Clive Roberts (husband); Nikki and Andrew Sweet (daughter and husband); John and Isobel Skone (brother and wife); Rose and David Newton, Jane and Robert Gale (sisters and husbands); Sharon Skone (sister-in-law); Mervyn and Susan Roberts (brother-in-law and wife); Leslie Roberts (brother-in-law) and Susan Roberts (sister-in-law) and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral took place at Westgate Chapel, Pembroke, on October 15th, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn. The service was led by Pastor Rob James with a moving tribute from Sue Hutchings.

The bearers were Stephen Newton, Mark Newton, Ian Pearce and Andrew Roberts (nephews).

Unable to attend were Joyce Roberts (mother-in-law) and Ruth Roberts (sister-in-law).

There were family flowers only, with donations to ward ten, Withybush Hospital, Paul Sartori nurses and the MacMillan nurses.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by John Roberts and Son, Pembroke Dock.

Rev N. A. Bryan

Pembroke

The death of Rev Nigel Bryan occurred at Withybush Hospital on October 12th following a battle with cancer during the last year.

Originally from Eglwysfach, Powys, Nigel started his ministry as a curate in Neyland and Llanstadwell in 1962.

In 1969 Nigel joined the RAF as a chaplain where he remained for 25 years serving in England, Germany, Scotland and Northern Ireland. In 1994 he retired from the RAF and became rector of Great Milton, Little Milton and Great Haseley in Oxfordshire until 1998.

He then returned to north Pembrokeshire where he served as Rector of Newport and Dinas Cross.

Following his retirement in 1998 he moved to Pembroke. During his retirement he helped in the local benefices of Monkton and Carew. He also became officiating chaplain to the Army at Castlemartin.

Nigel also loved music and started many choirs during his ministry. He also loved the game of rugby, playing both for Neyland and the RAF, going on to become a rugby referee.

He was a faithful and dedicated priest, loving husband of Gill and loving father of Helen and Sarah. Also left to mourn are: Doris (mother); Adrian and Marguerite (brother and sister-in-law); Celia and John, Ann and Jeff (sisters and brothers-in-law) and extended family plus nephews, nieces, friends and neighbours.

A requiem mass was held at Monkton Priory and was officiated by the Bishop, the Right Rev John Wyn Evans, Rev Martin Cox (now vicar of Gorseinon), Rev Canon Roger Jones and the Venerable Graham Davies. A reading was given by Wing Commander P. Baker. Interment followed at St Michael’s Cemetery.

There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu for the chemotherapy day unit, Withybush Hospital being sent to John Roberts and Son, 51 Bush Street, Pembroke Dock SA72 6AN, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

MR M. T. GOODALL

HAVERFORDWEST

The life of Martin Thomas Goodall, who died in his sleep aged 50 at his home at Uzmaston Road, Haverfordwest on October 20th was a remarkable story of indomitable determination and triumph over seemingly insurmountable adversity.

He attained impressive academic, sporting and community service achievements and an admirable independence despite virtual blindness from birth.

Born in an oil company hospital in Bahrain, he was virtually consigned to care by a London doctor, but a second opinion by a paediatric hospital in Manchester pronounced him perfectly normal apart from his sight, predicting only late development.

However, he walked and talked at a normal age, his first real words being a complete sentence. Taking a test to check his suitability for a normal school, he was estimated an IQ of 120 and attended infant and primary schools with normal children in Bahrain.

When his parents Tom and Eileen Goodall returned to the UK, his father working on the Gulf Oil Refinery start-up, Martin attended Barn Street School under headmaster Mr Davies and later went to Sir Thomas Picton where he joined in all activities including rugby.

Headmaster Colin Evans and education officer David Bentham recognised his academic ability and potential and put his name forward to attend the “Eton” of schools for the blind, Exhall Grange, Coventry. Martin passed academic tests and face-to-face interviews to earn himself admittance. He was one of 13 pupils accepted out of 500 applicants.

There he gained O and A levels, including a 100% mark in O-level physics, and several items are still in use at his home from his O-level in carpentry. At Queen Mary College, London, he graduated with a BSc Physics degree which included courses on quantum, statistical, radiation, nuclear and elementary particle physics.

Inspired and taught by his grandfather, he became a radio ham with the registration GW8 ZMU but, although he passed the Morse code test, he never assumed the higher registration as he was waiting for more suitable letters to be available.

In London he learned the underground routes by heart, including their stairs/lift access or waiting on the same platform for the right train, and regularly travelled alone in the south east.

A two-year stint as librarian and IT tutor at Dorton College for the Blind in Sevenoaks ended when disabled children of academic ability were sent to normal schools and Martin returned to Haverfordwest.

In despair when the job centre suggested he declare himself unemployable, he decided to seek whatever benefit entitlement was his due and do voluntary work to promote better understanding of the needs of disabled people.

He earned wide acclaim for his work for VIPP and PIPPA, the access and public transport committees and the planning and disabled footpaths departments. He joined the radio club and was active with their Raynet section. He ran the Haverfordwest Hawks disabled group and supported Saundersfoot Rotary’s Similar initiative, Tenby Tenderfoots, which in 2009 was the outright winner of the South Wales area trophy.

Martin’s sporting achievements included cricket at Loughborough when he was able to bowl three stumps out of six on a full length wicket, the only time he had ever wondered what he could have done had he full sight. He was introduced to flat green bowling when he was in the Loughborough team against the Nottingham Tigers – a notable victory at the time. He won the gold medal in the All-England B individual bowling championships in Birmingham in 2003, a silver in 2004 and the best sportsman trophy in 2005. He represented Wales in the home countries championships only once, declaring that if he had to practice for such high status he would have no time for his other activities.

Martin was a familiar figure in Haverfordwest, where he was often seen using his monocular spy-glass to check the traffic before crossing the road alone.

His funeral was held on October 29th with cremation at Parc Gwyn followed by a service at Uzmaston Church which was packed. Revs Bryon Jones and Mark Griffiths officiated and moving tributes were paid by Martin’s father Tom and his younger brother Bruce.

Principal mourners are: Tom and Eileen Goodall (parents); Bruce and Sandra (brother and sister-in-law); Charlotte and William (niece and nephew). Mourners came from Lancashire, Leicester and Bristol and messages from Spain and America.

There were family flowers only, but donations in lieu may be sent to Janet Evans, 1 Driftwood Close, Broad Haven, SA62 1JZ.

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

Mr B. G. Brookes

Fishguard

Bryan George Brooks, of Fishguard, died at home after a short illness on September 29th. He was 73.

A native of Lower Town Fishguard, he originally trained as a pharmacist in Goodwick before joining the Merchant Navy and travelling the world for a number years, returning regularly during the summers for the mackerel fishing season.

In 1974 Bryan returned to Fishguard permanently to marry the late Suzelle.

He was employed as a bosun on the Fishguard/ Rosslare ferry for the next 20 years, becoming known as a reliable and respected shipmate on both sides of the Irish Sea.

After retirement he focused his attentions on his garden and small fishing vessel, and regularly delivered lobsters, mackerel, tomatoes and runner beans to members of the community. Many will remember Bryan for his singing and dancing, the life and soul of the party.

The funeral at St Mary’s Church, Fishguard, was well attended. Interment took place at Llanwnda.

Principal mourners are: Ruth and Andrew (daughter and son-in-law); Sarah and Gaz (daughter and partner); Catherine (mother) and Gordon, Owen and Colin (brothers).

The service was led by Rev Don MacGregor. Donations were requested in lieu of flowers for Cancer Research, to HSBC Bank, Fishguard.

Mrs G. M. Davies

Templeton

The death occurred at her home of Gillian Mary Davies, in Maes Yr Ysgol, Templeton on October 4th. She was 60.

Originally from Hereford-shire, she moved to Pembrokeshire aged 13. She was a full time mum until 1981, when she formed Sign ‘n’ Design with her sister Margaret. The business became very successful and employed four staff. Gill scaled back the business in 2002 when she and husband Denzil moved to Templeton. She continued as a part-time signwriter, artist and furniture restorer until 2009.

Gill’s last job was with Two Bad Mice productions of Lampteter Velfrey, which she was forced to give up due to ill health in June 2009.

She was a keen artist and a member of Tenby Arts Club. She loved walking, cycling, windsurfing and playing guitar. She had been a former Welsh WI table tennis champion. She had a love for gardening.

She was a past president of Narberth WI and also secretary of Whitland air training corps for a short time. Gill was a member of The Raindrops who performed locally and as far as Cardiff in the 60s and 70s and was also a member of Templeton Children and Ladies Choirs.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Denzil Davies (husband); Mark Davies (son); Susan James-Davies (daughter-in-law); Alison Carnell (daughter); Shirley Davies and Margaret Rees (sisters); Malcolm and Nigel Price (brothers); Joanne Price (sister-in-law); Jill Williams (a dear friend for more than 40 years), plus Paul Price, James Price, Islwyn Davies, Idris Davies, Matthew Davies (nephews); Diana Davies (niece); Iwan and Heather Davies (brother-in-law and wife), plus many great nephews and nieces, cousins, aunties and uncles and extended family, friends and neighbours.

Following a family service at home, the funeral took place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium with Rev Huw George officiating.

The bearers were Mark Davies (son); Islwyn Davies and James Price (nephews); Geoffrey Rees, Vic Moulder and Bruce Castle (friends).

There were family flowers only, with donations for the Paul Sartori Foundation to Ken Davies and Sons, Clynderwen, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr A E Golding

Pontargothi

(formerly of Hayscastle and Abergwili) Alfred Edwin Golding (Alf) died at his home in Llys Y Felin, Pontargothi on October 21st.

He was the husband of Eirwen, uncle of Sue and Richard, brother to Brian, Alan and Terry, cousin of Margaret and friend of Joan.

Born in Staffordshire the eldest son of Ben and Elsie Golding, he began his working life as a police cadet.

When called up for two years’ national service he was stationed in Pembrokeshire with the RAF based at Roch and Hayscastle camps. While at Hayscastle he met his future wife Eirwen (Morris) who then lived in a small bungalow named Maesteg House which was opposite the entrance to the RAF camp.

On finishing his national service he returned to the Staffordshire police force but continued to be in contact with Eirwen and soon after joined the police force in Pembrokeshire to be nearer to her. They married at Noddfa Newton Baptist Chapel, Hayscastle in August 1954 and spent 56 happy years together.

After leaving the police force, Alf worked with his lifelong friend and brother-in-law Glyn in the building industry before moving on to George Davies Builders Merchants then Gabriel Wade Builders Merchants and ending his working life with Jewsons Ltd builders merchants.

Left to mourn are: Eirwen (wife); Sue and Richard (niece and nephew); Brian, Terry and Alan (brothers); Margaret Shaw (cousin); Joan Shaw (close family friend).

The funeral service was held at St David’s Church, Abergwilli, where Alf had been a church warden for many years, followed by interment at the adjoining churchyard. The service was led by Rev Peter Davies and Rev Leigh Richardson assisted by Canon Graham Jones and Rev Aled Jenkins. Also in attendance were Rev Keith Davies and Rev Johns.

The bearers were Alan Jones, Jeff Jones, Alun Davies, Huw Thomas, David Jones and Len Davies (close friends and neighbours).

Flowers for the church arranged by Non Davies and the organist was Mrs Tremlett.

There were family flowers only, but donations to Myddygfa Tywi Nantgardeig or Crossroads Sir Gar may be sent to Glanmor Davies Evans, Swn Y Einion, Llangain, Carmarthen, SA33 5AH, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mrs M. Locke

(formerly of Neyland)

The funeral of Marjorie Locke took place on October 27th at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and was officiated by Rev Steve Lee.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Bobby and Sylvia (son and daughter-in-law); Janet and Frank (daughter and son-in-law); Helen and Andrew (granddaughter and partner); Pat and Ian (sister-in-law and nephew); Diane and Ian (niece and nephew), plus many family and friends.

Unable to attend were Leah and Jack (great-grandchildren).

The bearers were Geraint Williams and David John.

There were family flowers only with donations for Williamston Nursing Home, Houghton to Mrs D Williams, 4 Silverstream Crescent, Hakin, Milford Haven.

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