Obituaries, June 4th

4:55pm Wednesday 4th June 2008

Flight Lt L. H. WARD

Fishguard

The death occurred on May 1st at Withybush Hospital of Leslie H. Ward after a sudden illness. He was 88.

Les Ward was born, together with his twin brother Arthur, in December 1919 in Norbury, Croydon, the son of Leonard and Connie Ward. In 1935, Les joined the RAF and went to RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire as an aircraft apprentice. In 1939, he was one of a group of Halton Apprentices who manned the RAF's display at the Brussells Air Show.

After his training, he served in various squadrons in Bomber Command, and by the end of the Second World War, he had served in Egypt, North Africa, Italy, Greece and Palestine. He returned to England in early 1946, to find that his brother Arthur, who had served in the Army in Burma, died a week before he was due to be demobbed.

By 1948, Les had a commission as a flight lieutenant and had been posted to Harwich. There he met Pamela Wiles, from Kent, who was working as a hotel receptionist. They married in April 1949, and set up home in Croydon, while Les worked at the Air Ministry.

During the war, Leslie's parents had started going to Fishguard for their annual holidays, and that year Les and Pam joined them. By 1953, Les and Pam had two children, Peter and Penny, and had moved to Bentley in Hampshire. In that year Les decided to leave the RAF after 18 years service, and the family emigrated to New Zealand, settling in Auckland. After a few months Les got a job with Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL) - later Air New Zealand, which operated flying boats to Australia and Pacific islands such as Fiji. In 1956, Les was sent to Melbourne to organise TEAL's services to and from the Olympics, but unfortunately he saw nothing of the Games.

After six happy years in New Zealand, in 1959 Les and Pam decided to return to the UK. When they arrived, they initially went to stay with Leslie's parents, who had just retired to Fishguard, and had bought a house on the newly-built Penyraber estate.

Les soon got a job with QANTAS at Heathrow, and the family spent the next 12 years or so in various parts of Surrey. Following his mother's death in 1972, Les and Pam decided to move to Fishguard, and after a few months, Les got a job with an agricultural merchants. He also became a member of the Sea Cadets Committee. They bought a cottage in the terrace at Rosebush, which they renovated and used at weekends.

In 1980, Pam and Les moved to Mill House, Maenclochog, where they spent 20 years. However, in 2000, Les had to give up driving because of deteriorating eyesight, and so they moved back to Fishguard.

The family left to mourn were: Pamela (wife); Peter and Sue (son and daughter-in-law); Penny (daughter); and Brendan and Madeleine (grandchildren).

The funeral service, which was officiated by Rev Donald MacGregor, took place on May 12th at the Chapel of Rest, Feidr Castell, followed by interment at St Mary's Churchyard, Fishguard.

There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu for the RAF Benevolent Fund. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Paul Jenkins and Sons, of Fishguard.

Mrs J. K. Greenslade

Castlemorris

Josephine Katharine Greenslade, of Trecelyn, Castlemorris, died on May 20th at Withybush hospital after a stroke. She was 89.

Jo served in the WRAF during the Second World War and worked full-time as an executive/personal assistant until her retirement in 1978.

Originally from Lanark, Scotland, Jo had lived in south Wales since 1955, moving to Pembrokeshire in 2004 to live with her daughter Christine and her son-in-law John. She was predeceased by her first child Michael in 1944 and husband Sylvanus (George) Greenslade in 1994.

The funeral took place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth on Friday, May 30th. The service was officiated by Rev Geoffrey Eynon and the bearers were Ben and Daniel Harmsworth and Edward and David Ashton.

The family left to mourn are: Pat Rogers (daughter); Bryony and John Harmsworth (daughter and husband); Christine and John Ashton (daughter and husband); Kate (granddaughter); Ben and Cindy (grandson and wife); Daniel and Becca (grandson and wife); Anna and Carl (granddaughter and fiancé); Edward and Emily (grandson and partner); Kathryn and Simon (granddaughter and partner); David (grandson) and Luke, Lucy and Margot (great grandchildren).

There were family flowers only but donations in lieu for Wintern Day Centre, may be sent to Paul Jenkins and Sons, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mrs E. M. Jones

Pembroke

The funeral took place on May 1st at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, of Evelyn Mary Jones, of Kingsbridge Cottages, Holyland Road, Pembroke, who died on April 27th at Bush House Nursing Home, which was her home for the past seven years. She was 87.

Predeceased by her daughter Dilys in 2000, she leaves to mourn: Albert Edward (husband); Robert, Philip, David and Stephen (sons); Pauline, Lesley and Tracey (daughters), and all spouses, partners, grandchildren, great grandchildren, friends and relatives.

The service was officiated by Rev Roger Jones and the funeral arrangements were carried out by John Roberts and Son, Pembroke Dock.

Mr A. M Thomas

East Orielton

Inadvertently omitted from the recent obituary of Alan Morris Thomas were the names of Hannah, Joshua and Neve (great grandchildren).

Mr D. Herbert

Pembroke Dock

The death occurred at Withybush Hospital on May 10th of Douglas Herbert, of Laws Street, Pembroke Dock. He was 91 and had been in hospital for a few days. He had suffered ill-health for several years.

Douglas, or Dougie as he was known, was born in Newbridge-on-Usk but lived the majority of his life in Pembroke Dock. He served with the 210 Flying Boat squadron during the war and was based in Pembroke Dock, where he met his wife Olive.

After the war, the couple settled in Laws Street, where Douglas entered the building profession. He excelled in his chosen field and was in great demand for his building knowledge throughout his working life.

Olive and Douglas had three children - June, David and Peter - and saw the arrival of their two grandchildren Claire and Helen before Olive died in 1986.

Douglas was a very private person whose life was centred around his children and grandchildren. The principal mourners at the funeral were June and Ralph (daughter and son-in-law); David and Gwyneth (son and daughter-in-law); Peter and Karen (son and daughter-in-law); Claire (grandchild); Helen and Paul (grandchild and fiancee); Betty and Bob (sister and brother-in-law) and family and friends too numerous to mention.

The funeral took place at St Mary's Church in Carew followed by interment in Carew Cemetery.

The service was officiated by Rev Thelma Barber and the bearers were David and Peter Herbert, Ralph Tidcombe and Phillip Merriman. There were family flowers only with the funeral arrangements carried out by John Roberts and Son, Pembroke Dock.

Mrs G. P. Newell

Pembroke Dock

Grace Pamela Newell of St Teilo's Road, Pembroke Dock, died on May 15th at Withybush Hospital. She was 70.

Originally from Pembroke Dock, she worked for 30 years at Pembroke leisure centre, until her retirement.

Gracie was well known due to her many many years in the cafeteria part of the leisure centre.

She then went to work at St Govan's Centre as caretaker until finishing eight weeks ago due to ill-health.

She also enjoyed helping out in the Red Cross Shop in St Govan's Centre.

Predeceased by her husband Thomas George Richard Beher, (known as Bengie), the family left to mourn and principal mourners were: Mrs W. Boswell (daughter); John and Steven Newell (sons); Mrs Debra Newell (daughter-in-law); Lisa and Carl, Wayne and Shahida, Dean, Michell and Tilly, Lee and Jannika, Barry and Kaye, Jodie and Mark, Carl and Phill (grandchildren and partners), Ross, Deon, Paige, Shane, Tia, Morgan, Demi, Bailey, Teagan, Jade, Lee, Max and Tianna (great grandchildren); Avrill, Derek and family, Diane, Will and family; and good friends Auriol Cray and Ruth Cole.

The funeral service was held at St John's followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn and was officiated by Rev Thelma Barber. The bearers were John and Steven (sons) and Dean, Lee, Wayne and Barry (grandsons).

There were family flowers only with donations for ward ten, Withybush Hospital 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.

Miss P. A. Hector

Whitland

The funeral took place recently of Peggy Hector, of Croft Cottage, Whitland, who died on May 12th at Torestin Care Home, Tiers Cross, where she had spent the last 17 months. She was 83.

The youngest of seven children, she lived in Whitland all her life and worked at Unigate Creameries until her retirement.

The family left to mourn were: Maureen and Tony (niece and husband); Kath, Betty, Diane, Tony, Jen (nieces and nephews); Gillian and David (niece and husband), together with many friends, neighbours and colleagues. Unable to attend were Marlene (niece), Megan (sister-in-law).

The bearers were Ron Organ, Bentley Evans, Meurig Davies and Brian Cook.

The funeral was officiated by Rev Martin Spain at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and she was later interred with her parents at Zoar Cemetery, Whitland.

There were family flowers only, with donations if desired to Meddygfa Taf Surgery, Whitland to Ken Davies and Sons, Clunderwen who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

MR D. O. Meek

Lamphey

The death occurred of David Ombler Meek, of Bishops Park, Lamphey, on May 5th. He was 68.

He was born in Swansea and attended Old Taunton School for boys, he joined the Merchant Navy in 1956, gaining the rank of third officer. In latter years he joined the customs staff working at B&I, Pembroke Dock and Fishguard. David was a keen naturalist and reader and enjoyed socialising at the RAFA and RNA Clubs.

The funeral was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and was officiated by Rev R. Jones.

The bearers were Rhys Hague, Dominic Hague, Norman Porter and Stephen Porter.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners were: Marjie (wife); Tim Meek (son); Chris Meek (son); Sheena and Gary Hague (daughter and son-in-law); Jamie and Rachel (son and partner); Angela (daughter); Claire (daughter); Richard and Joanne (son and partner); Dominic, Nathan, Kimberley, Rhys, Jamie, Joshua, William (grandchildren).

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

Mrs M. Thirkill

Pembroke

The death occurred on May 17th of Margaret Thirkill, of Charles Road, Pembroke.

Margaret loved her home and garden and was a keen member of the WI.

Margaret came to Pembrokeshire on holiday with her husband Dennis in 1969 and they both loved it so much that they stayed in the area.

The funeral was held at Parc Gwyn at 1pm on Friday, May 30th and was officiated by Rev G. Gwyther.

The bearers were David Asparassa (son-in-law); Terry Hillier (son-in-law); Darren Lucas (grandson-in-law); Carl Asparassa, Paul Thirkill and David Hillier (grandsons).

The family left to mourn are: Dennis (husband); John and Joyce (brother and sister-in-law); Carolyn and David (daughter and son-in-law); Cath and Terry (daughter and son-in-law); Stephen and Vivienne (son and daughter-in-law); Kay (niece); Ian (nephew); Chris and Darren, Carl and Sue, Anthony and Abbie, Jenny, David and Annalil, Wayne and Louanna, Daniel, Julia, Paul and Jenny (grandchildren); Craig, Rhys, Megan, Sebastian, Leah, Bailey, Sam, Ruben, Alyson, Jonathan, George, Toby, Rachel and Phoebe (great grandchildren).

There were family flowers only, with donations made to Macmillan Cancer Relief, Paul Sartori and the Royal British Legion.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Neil Roberts of Pembroke Dock.

Mr J. A. Higman

St Davids

Alwyn Higman, of Ramsey Gardens, St Davids died at Withybush Hospital on May 16th, aged 69.

Alwyn was born in Carmarthen, brought up in Llanelli and educated at the Grammar School.

He joined the Merchant Navy, before working at Duport Steel, Llanelli until redundancy saw him working for 15 years at a steel plant in Saudi Arabia. Early retirement brought him to Pembrokeshire.

He leaves to mourn: Val (wife); Gavin and Iona (son and daughter); Kelly, Ceri, Rhiannon and Zoe (grandchildren); Carol and Ray (sister and brother-in-law), together with many nephews, cousins and friends.

The funeral was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth on Wednesday, May 21st, and was officiated by Canon J. Lean.

There were family flowers only with donations for Cancer Research UK to W. G. Bernard Mathias, 62 New Street, St Davids SA62 6SU, who carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr R. Galer

Pembroke

The death occurred on May 9th of Reginald Galer, of Brighton Mews, Pembroke. He was 87.

The funeral service was held at Parc Gwyn crematorium and was officiated by Rev Roger Jones.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners were: Dorothy (wife); Chris (son); Liz (daughter).

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

Editor's Choice