Obituaries published on Wedenesday October 11th 2006

Mrs J. M. Corbally Pembroke Dock The death occurred recently of Joan Mary Corbally, aged 72, of Llanion Park, Pembroke Dock. She died at South Pembs Hospital after a four-week stay.

Joan worked in Woolworths and Mr Tallets Fruit and Veg shops.

Her main interests were walking her dogs, dancing and she was a lover of animals. Her other interest was St John's Church.

She was predeceased by her husband J. F. Corbally (Tom).

The family left to mourn and principal mourners were Stephen (son), Sian and Rhys (grandchildren), Roy and Pam (brother and sister-in-law), Keith and family, Clive and family, Karyn and family (nephews and niece), Eric and family (family from Leeds), family from Newport and many friends from Pembroke Dock.

There were family flowers only with donations to ward ten, Withybush Hospital, c/o 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 F. M. Braithwaite Haverfordwest The funeral took place recently of Frances Mary (Vilma) Braithwaite, of Hawthorn Rise, Haverfordwest.

Vilma died at Withybush Hospital on September 14th, aged 76, after battling a debilitating illness.

Vilma was proud to have been born in Haverfordwest and lived there for the majority of her life. She worked in Fenton School for a number of years, as well as in various local shops.

A great deal of her life revolved around her family and wide circle of friends. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, knitting, crocheting and holidays.

She will be sorely missed by all who knew her, particularly her husband Bill, sons Robert and David and granddaughters Kathy and Laura. Vilma's daughter Susan died in 1990.

The funeral service was held at St David's and St Patrick's Church, Haverfordwest, and the mass was led by Father Owen McGreal, followed by interment at City Road cemetery. The bearers were family friends Jim Riley, Bob Pritchard, Peter Morgan and Roger Curran.

The principal mourners were Bill Braithwaite (husband), Robert and Alix Braithwaite (son and daughter-in-law), David and Catrin Braithwaite (son and daughter-in-law), Kathy Woolcock (granddaughter), Laura Woolcock and James Thorley (granddaughter and fianc), John Hughes, Pat Morgan, Ann and Jack Jennings, Ged and Catherine Wilkie, Angela Curtis (nephew and nieces), Phillips Woolcock (son-in-law) Sheila Richards (lifelong friend) as well as other family, neighbours and friends too numerous to mention.

There were family flowers only, but donations in lieu of flowers may be made to The Paul Sartori Foundation, c/o 31 Haven Road, Haverfordwest. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Roy Folland and Son, Cartlett, Haverfordwest.

Mr B. I. Thomas Haverfordwest The funeral took place recently of Bryan Ifor Thomas, of St Davids Road, Haverfordwest, who died at Withybush Hospital at the age of 72, following months of being cared for at home by his wife Moyra.

Bryan was born in London but came to Pembrokeshire as a child during the Second World War. He lived in Llanddewi Velfrey, Cardiff, Haverfordwest and Solva.

After leaving school, Bryan worked as a trainee accountant in Narberth, before joining the Royal Navy to do his National Service. He then studied at Loughborough College and taught in Penarth and Cardiff. He returned to Pembrokeshire to teach PE at Haverfordwest Grammar School.

He and Moyra then went into business in Solva and St Davids, where they stayed for a number of years when their children left home.

They returned to Cardiff where Bryan worked for the civil service. Following his retirement, the couple decided to return to Pembrokeshire and settled in Haverfordwest.

Bryan enjoyed playing many sports but his main love was rugby. He played for Narberth and Pembrokeshire as a youth and was capped for the Welsh youth team. He played for Llanelli and Glamorgan Wanderers. He was captain of Llanelli for the 1962-63 season. After his playing career, Bryan became a chairman of St Davids Rugby Club and continued to visit Narberth RFC. Bryan also enjoyed playing golf and was captain of Haverfordwest Golf Club.

He was a much loved husband, father, grandfather and will be missed by all who knew him.

The family left to mourn are Moyra (wife), Helen and Alan (daughter and son-in-law), Michael and Sue (son and daughter-in-law), Rhys Morgan, Owen and Cerys (grandchildren), Graham and Beryl (brother and sister-in-law), Janet and Norman (sister and brother-in-law), together with many other relatives and friends.

The funeral was held at Parc Gwyn and was officiated by Canon Richard Rees. There were many mourners representing the many varied interests in Bryan's life.

There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu for Ward Ten Trust Fund at Withybush Hospital, c/o Tony Davies, 3 Picton Close, Crundale, Haverfordwest, SA62 4EP.

The funeral directors were Roy Folland and Son.

Mr D. H. Richards Clynderwen The large gathering at the funeral of Daniel Hubert Richards of Rhosfach, Bethesda Road, Clynderwen was a testimony to the high regard and esteem in which he was held.

Mr Richards, who was 82, died at Withybush Hospital recently.

Known as Hughie, Mr Richards was a native of Cyffig, Whitland. Most of his working life was spent farming with his family at Old Pale and he then moved to Wheelabour, Llanddewi Velfrey. He was a faithful member of Ffynnon Baptist Chapel.

Hughie will be remembered for his beautiful garden and was never happier than when working in his garden or around shows exhibiting his flowers. His courteous, helpful and friendly nature earned him great respect.

The funeral service took place at Fynnon Chapel, Llanddewi Velfrey, conducted by Rev Huw George, assisted by Rev Hywel Brown and Geraint Davies. The organist was Heather Williams. The service was followed by interment at Bwlchgwynt Chapel, Cyffig, officiated by Rev Huw George.

The bearers were Wyn Harries, Jimmy Morgan, Colwyn James and Ben Thomas.

The principal mourners were Bryant and Phyllis Rees (cousins), Vincent Rees (cousin), John and Mary Richards (cousin), Hulin Wilson and Anne Robinson (cousin and partner), Justin Rees (cousin), Anne and Darren Callan (cousin), together with many friends and neighbours.

There were family flowers only and Ken Davies and Sons, Clunderwen carried out the funeral arrangements.

MR S. Lloyd Williams Worthing (formerly of Llanboidy) Stuart Lloyd Williams died at his home in Worthing on September 12th, aged 54.

He was laid to rest at St Nicholas Church, Pollin, West Sussex and will be sadly missed by family and friends.

MR D. R. Hazell Carmarthen (formerly Milford Haven and Haverfordwest) David (Dave) Richard Hazell, aged 52, of White Oaks, Idole, Carmarthen died suddenly at his home on September 22nd.

He was the beloved husband of Ruth and devoted father of Catherine and Ryan.

He was born in Milford Haven and lived for many years in Haverfordwest before moving to Carmarthen, the home town of his devoted wife Ruth, nearly 17 years ago, where he will be remembered with love and affection and missed by his family and friends.

Dave worked for the Post Office for 37 years and was popular with colleagues and customers alike.

He will be remembered for his sense of humour and love of life, his family and sport; a real character. He was a passionate supporter of Leeds United Football Club, which was reflected at his funeral on September 29th at Narberth, where a large congregation of family and friends paid their respects. The service was conducted by Elwyn John, and there were tributes from Philip Hazell and Michael Edwards.

The bearers were Terrance and Philip Hazell, Nigel Roland and Michael Edwards.

Principle mourners were: Ruth, Catherine and Ryan (wife and children), Terrance, Lyn, Ian and Danielle Hazell (brother, sister-in-law and their children), Philip, Helen and Marissa Hazell (brother, sister-in-law and their daughter), Nigel and Liz Roland (cousin and wife), Janet and Ray Hornett (cousin and husband), Bryn Phillips (uncle), Stuart and Betty Saunders (parents-in-law), Courtney, Daphne, Nia and Owen Saunders (brother-in-law, sister-in-law and their children), Mandy Hazell, Sheila and Paul Booth, Mike and Leila Edwards and many other family members and friends too numerous to mention.

There were family flowers only, with voluntary donations to the Cardiac Unit at Glangwili Hospital.

The funeral arrangements were conducted by Peris Rice, of Oliver Evans.

Mrs B. Murphy Begelly The funeral of Betty Murphy took place at Parc Gwyn on September 22nd. The committal was at Bethesda Church, Moreton. The minister was Rev Andrew Bowden.

Betty died at Sunnybank, Narberth, aged 86.

Before her retirement she ran the successful Chestnut Villa guest house, in Begelly, for more than 40 years, where the same people would come back to stay. She was house proud and made her guests very welcome, also being an excellent cook.

The principal mourners were David and Ann Sture (daughter and son-in-law), Michael and Pam Murphy (son and daughter-in-law), Jack and Molly Davies (sister and brother-in-law), David Evans (cousin), Hugh and Catherine (nephew and wife and family), Carl, Kerry, Paul and Wayne Murphy (grandchildren), Frances and Wayne Dunsord (granddaughter and husband and family), John Sture and Maria (grandson and partner) and nine great-grandchildren.

Betty was a much loved and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

There were family flowers only with donations to Sunnybank mini-bus fund to David E. Morris Funeral Directors, 2 Llwyn Meredith, Carmarthen, SA31 1EF.

Mrs V. E. Lewis Saundersfoot The funeral took place recently of Violet Elizabeth Lewis, of Brookland Place, Saundersfoot, who died at Belmont Court Nursing Home, Tenby, aged 77.

Originally from Saundersfoot, Violet went straight from school to the Old Chemist, Saundersfoot, a unique combination of grocer, chemist and bar, under the direction of Gwynne Evans. Mr and Mrs Evans were largely responsible for developing the bright, attractive, vivacious aspect of Violet's character.

Following her marriage to barber David Merrison and the birth of her son Tony, Violet concentrated on her home. The death of David and her mother in quick succession in 1971 shattered Violet's life.

Happily, Ian Nicholls (Saundersfoot postmaster) invited Violet to join the team, where she once again became a well-known member of village life.

In 1973, Violet met, and subsequently married, Roy and shortly after moved to Bristol where she rapidly became an important part of Roy's business life. On retirement in 1982, it was back to Saundersfoot and village life until the first of many strokes robbed Violet of her love for life.

She died in her sleep on September 24th.

The principal mourners and family left to mourn are Roy (husband), Brian (stepson), Richard and Mary (stepson and wife), Matthew and Kelly (grandson and partner), Tony (son), Beta, Sally, Eva, Pamela, Ralph and Charlie (nephews and nieces), Angela (step-granddaughter), Roy, Rita, Maria, Anne, Alan, Joan and Tom (close friends). Unable to attend were Olive (sister); Sandra and Simon (step-daughter and husband); Peggy (sister-in-law); Kay LT RN (step-granddaughter).

The funeral took place at Parc Gwyn crematorium and was officiated by Rev Anthony Gregory. The bearers were Arthur Evans, Graham Thomas, John Jones and Gavin Wright.

There were family flowers only with donations for Saundersfoot Medical Centre c/o Stewart Treharne of E. C. Thomas and Son Funeral Directors, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, SA67 8LT, who carried out the funeral arrangements.

MR E. Phillips Little Haven Elson Phillips was a Pembrokeshire gentleman.

He was the son of two well-known Haverfordwest families and the grandson of W. D. Phillips who wrote the book, Old Haverfordwest.

As a child he lived in The White Lion in Dew Street, where his father was the licensee. They spent weekends in Little Haven at Milbrook Cottage. They then moved to the Swan Inn, Little Haven. Elson went to school in Walton West and to Haverfordwest Grammar.

In 1933, the family moved to Beenham in Berkshire, where his father died from ill health resulting from his service in Europe in the First World War. Elson and his mother went to stay with family in Birmingham and he started his working life there.

In 1938, his mother returned to Millbrook and Elson, although working in the Midlands, travelled home for weekends and holidays on his motorbike. It was while working here that he met his wife Dorothy.

Elson joined the Army and was in the Royal Army Ordnance Corp (now Logistics Corp) and saw service in Europe and Northern Ireland.

He married Dorothy in 1944, who was by now in the ATS. After the war and their return to civilian life, Elson had several jobs in the Midlands and Yorkshire. During that time a daughter and son completed the family and in 1951 they returned to live in Millbrook.

Elson was very keen on motor sports and was a member of the Pembrokeshire Motor Club. He was particularly keen on rallying and helped to bring go-karting to the area.

He participated fully in village life. He was the sort of man who gives voluntary service a good name. He was involved in the Royal British Legion, Little Haven Regatta, he served as a parish councillor and represented the Havens on Haverfordwest Rural Distinct Council.

Closest to his heart was his involvement with the Little and Broad Haven Inshore Lifeboat. He played a major part in the revival of the lifeboat station and was honorary secretary from 1967 to 1987. He was awarded, first the RNLI Gold Badge, then a bar to the Gold Badge. To his immense pride he was then made an Honorary Life Governor of the Institution, the highest honour the RNLI can award.

Elson was a family man. The marriages of his children Anne and David brought four grandchildren, Simon, Peter, Katherine and Ruth. He was immensely proud of them all.

After Dorothy's death in 1979, Elson married again in 1985, finding companionship with Val. In later years he was able to revive his talent for painting and as usual, his main inspiration was Little Haven.

Elson was nearly 90 when he died, yet he always seemed younger than his years. He never thought of himself as old and despite increasing infirmity, he never really acted old.

In retirement he was a voluntary pensioner visitor of the elderly and retired, and this continued until he was well into his eighties.

Elson was a Havens man through and through, a friend to many and, in his various roles a servant to all. He will be much missed.

The funeral and celebration of his life took place at All Saints Church, Walton West, on August 31st and the church was filled with friends. Members of the lifeboat crew formed a guard of honour outside the church. The eulogy was given by canon John Davies, of Milford Haven. A reading from Ecclesiastes was given to Parc Gwyn crematorium for the committal service and crematorium. His ashes were later laid to rest at a private service in the garden of remembrance in Walton West Cemetery. The Rev Andrew Johnson officiated at all the services.

The bearers at the church and crematorium were past and present crew members Richard Oliver, Forrest Davies, Ian Norman, John Burris, Harry Porter, Andrew Mock, Andrew Grey and Skippy Rudder.

The principal mourners were Val (wife), Anne and John (daughter and son-in-law), David and Pam (son and daughter-in-law), Katherine and Ruth (granddaughters), Bill, Ruth and Marion(cousins), Trevor and Roger (stepsons). Unable to attend were Simon and Peter (grandsons).

There were family flowers only and donations in lieu can be sent to RNLI c/o Mr A. Main, Lion Rock, Haroldston Hill, Broad Haven.

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

Mrs P. M. Lawton Narberth The funeral took place recently of Peggy May Lawton, formerly of Narberth, who died at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, aged 80.

She was married to Richard Lawton, who died in December, 2000. In earlier years she was a housewife who accompanied her husband Richard on various postings with the RAF. They returned to Narberth to run the family electrical business, from which Peggy retired in 1980.

She was an active member of the Samaritans of Haverfordwest and was interested in reading, her family and was a past member of Narberth's Queens Hall committee and civic week committee.

The funeral took place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, and was officiated by the Rev D. Wight.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are Michael and Vera Lawton, Stephen and Diane (sons and daughters-in-law), Paul Lawton, Mark and Robert Lawton, Haley and Emily Lawton (grandchildren), Alan, Maxwell Walters (cousins).

The funeral directors were Roy Folland and Son, Haverfordwest.

Mrs E. A. Miller Hakin The death occurred recently at Withybush Hospital of Eileen Anne Miller, of St Lawrence Hill, Hakin. She was 66.

A native of Milford Haven, she was a religious education and special needs teacher and taught in Middlesborough, Milford Haven and Tenby, from where she retired at the age of 60 in 2000.

She enjoyed travelling and had visited many states of America, including Alaska several times, as well as Canada, Australia, India, China, Japan among others. Eileen also loved reading, sewing and flower arranging.

She attended Herbrandston Church and Milford Haven Flower Club.

She leaves to mourn her husband Tom Miller, son and daughter-in-law Martin and Sarah and granddaughter Anais Miller.

The funeral was held at Narberth Crematorium and was officiated by Dennis Wight.

There were family flowers only but donations in lieu to ward ten Withybush Hospital, c/o Mrs Dorothy Beckett, 30 Romilly Crescent, Hakin, Milford Haven, SA73 3NH.

The funeral directors were Tom Newing and Sons.

Mrs N. K. Davies Tiers cross Norah Kathleen Davies died, aged 88, at Blaenmarlais Residential Home, Narberth. She was formerly from Tiers Cross and Narberth.

She was originally from Marloes and in her younger days she worked in Woolworths, Milford Haven.

Her main interests were her home and family, knitting and sewing, and her flowers. She was always happy when helping others.

She was a faithful member of Tiers Cross Chapel and took an active role in chapel life.

She was married to Albert, who died in May 1985.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are Judith and Tom (daughter and son-in-law), Nigel and Sandy (son and daughter-in-law), Gareth, Liz, Sara and Dylan (grandchildren) and Llyr (great-grandson), along with many other relatives, neighbours and friends.

The funeral was held at Tabernacle United Reformed Church, Tiers Cross followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn. The Rev Colin Foreman, Rev Martin Evans and Rev Peter Lewis officiated. The bearers were Dennis Cole, Len Lewis, Walter Roch and Colin Thomas.

There were family flowers only with donations for Cancer Research UK and Arthritis Research, c/o Stewart Treharne of E. C. Thomas and Son Funeral Directors, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, SA67 8LT, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr W. M. Howells Milford Haven William Mansel Howells, of 75 Waterloo Road, Hakin, Milford Haven, died on September 24th at Morriston Hospital, Swansea, aged 84.

A native of Maenclochog, Mr Howells was employed on the Fishguard ferry where he worked on the St Patrick, sailing from Fishguard to Rosslare and in the summer from Weymouth to Jersey.

On moving to Milford Haven in 1953 he worked on the Esso site and then served in the Merchant Navy. Up to his retirement he was a lorry driver for GKN Steelstock, at Thornton.

Mr Howells, who was predeceased by his wife Betty in 1998, leaves to mourn: Shirley Price (stepdaughter), Glen and Bernard Francis (sister and nephew), Michael and Angela Francis and family, Billy and Carol Howells and family (nephews).

The funeral took place on September 29th at Parc Gwyn Crematorium. Rev Martyn Evans officiated.

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

Mr H. P. Davies Simpson Cross Hywel (Howell) Davies of Castle View, Simpson Cross, died recently at Withybush Hospital. He was 71.

A native of Waunarlwydd, Swansea, Howell was educated at Bible College, Swansea. After leaving school he became a dental technician.

He then spent two years' National Service in the Royal Marines Commandos, serving in Malta and Libya. He received the Cyprus Medal for active service there.

After his demob he joined the staff of Prudential Assurance and moved about the country on promotions, before eventually achieving his ambition by becoming area manager for Pembrokeshire, working from the Haverfordwest office.

After retirement he took up bowls and that became his whole life. He was captain of Haverfordwest Club for three consecutive years, and had been chairman for the past two years and had been proposed again for the coming 2007 season.

The funeral took place on October 5th at Parc Gwyn with the Rev Martyn Evans officiating. The bearers were fellow bowling members.

Howell was a committed Christian and lived his life by Christian principals. In line with his own wishes a single cross from his family was the floral tribute.

Left to mourn are Millie, his loved and loving wife of 46 years in whose arms he died; Steve (son), Jan and Beth (daughters); his daughters-in-law and sons-in-law, beloved grandchildren, his two sisters, brother and sister-in-laws and all his nephews and nieces.

The large attendance at his funeral and afterwards was a testament to the calibre of the man.

Donations, if desired, may be made for ward three Withybush Hospital, or for Haverfordwest Bowls Club Greens Fund, payable to P. D. S. Jenkins. All can be sent to Emrys Price, 9 Shelley Road, Haverfordwest.

Funeral arrangements were carried out by Roy Folland funeral directors.