Mrs T Brodie

Pembroke

THE funeral took place of Tina Brodie (née Walden) who passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on December 9, just three weeks short of her 54th birthday.

The service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, was officiated by Rev Huw George and on Tina’s own instructions was a cheerful, bright and colourful occasion.

The chief mourners were her husband Nick Brodie; daughter and son-in-law Samantha and Eamonn Thomas together with their daughter Nia; father and step-mother, Cyril and Elise Walden, together with many, many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

The bearers were Brian and Barry Hathway, Kim Owen and Andrew Morgan.

The service opened with “What a Wonderful World”, a sentiment which Tina held dear throughout her life, an entry in her diary of 2002 read ‘My life is lovely. I have a wonderful family and fantastic friends. The sun is shining through the mist, it is beautiful.

What a wonderful life’.

Tina was born to proud parents Cyril and Gladys Walden at Riverside, Pembroke on December 28 1960.

Tina learned the family business from a young age, later managing “Cinderella’s Discotheque” one of the first discotheques in Tenby, situated below The Hilton Hotel.

Later in her 20’s, Tina worked behind the bar at The Old Kings Arms Hotel in Pembroke.

Tina loved to be active and was a keen sportswoman, winning cups in primary and secondary school as well as walking in Pembroke with the three Cavalier King Charles Spaniels with Gladys and Samantha.

After leaving The Hilton, Tina trained and qualified as a Therapeutic Masseuse and worked with Cyril in his Carmarthen Clinic whilst developing her own mobile business at the same time.

Tina proved to be a keen businesswoman, managing Whole Food Heron and later opening the new Holland and Barrett store in Haverfordwest.

Moving on from there, Tina joined the team at Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services in Haverfordwest and this led to a role in the Adult Learning Department of Pembrokeshire County Council, her infectious personality again making her many friends.

Tina loved the outdoor life and social gatherings often combining the two both at home and on her travels to Australia, Spain and Portugal.

It was whilst travelling on her own in Australia aged just 18, that Tina developed the habit of driving barefoot, a practice that stayed with her on her return.

Tina was a keen and proficient swimmer and her love of the sea was to have a profound effect on the rest of her life.

She started sailing classes and learned wind-surfing, she took a powerboat course, culminating in her driving the “Sea Safari” which she found exhilarating.

Tina was exceptionally proud of her family roots, her bond with her mother and daughter was further strengthened with the birth of her granddaughter Nia, all of them supporting each other in everything they did.

Tina also loved organising and bringing people together.

Fun, laughter and joy being the order of the day. Always ready to dress up and meet the challenge, be it a posh do or a hen party; Dad’s wedding to Elise; Sam’s to Eamonn and her own to Nick, Tina was a classy dresser in every sense and an excellent hostess.

Later, in 2004, Tina received an anonymous letter asking “If she had any spare time, would she fancy a voyage somewhere nice?” After much deliberation she accepted the offer and married the letter writer, Nick Brodie in Cyprus on March 19 2009.

They later made plans to take early retirement and go on a much longer voyage cruising between The Algarve and Southern Spain, enjoying the warmth and the easy lifestyle. Sadly, Tina’s illness curtailed their travels and she returned back to the UK where she passed away free of pain and in peace.

Some of Tina’s last words which she wrote in her diary were read out at the service; “Life’s journey is not to arrive at the grave safely, in a well preserved body but rather to skid in sideways, totally used up and worn out , shouting”MAN, WHAT A RIDE!” May Tina now Rest in Peace.

Tina received much help and support from The Macmillan Nurses during her illness and for this reason there were family flowers only but if desired, donations in lieu in memory of Tina for The Macmillan Nurses may be sent to John Roberts and Son, Funeral Directors, 51, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6AN, who also carried out the arrangements.

 

Mrs S E M Evans

Dinas Cross

THE death occurred suddenly at Withybush Hospital on January 22 of Eirlys Evans of Dinas Cross at the age of 89.

Eirlys was the eldest daughter of the late David and Olwen Jones.

After leaving school at 14 she continued working on her parents farm and with her late sister Nesta helped with the milk round in Dinas Cross.

In 1955 she married the late Penry Evans from Nevern and had a daughter, the late Gaynor and a son Martyn.

As well as farming, she helped run, then after her mothers’ death ran a Scout and Guide camp and a farmhouse Bed and Breakfast.

Her hobbies included knitting, needlework, cooking, making chutneys, pickles, wine and beer.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are Martyn (son); Hazey (daughter- in-law) who was unable to attend, Ben and Megan (grandchildren) who were unable to attend. Melba and Glenys (sisters-in-law); Dave (brother in law) who was unable to attend, plus numerous nephews, nieces, great nephews and nieces, cousins, friends and neighbours.

The funeral took place in Ebenezer Chapel Newport followed by interment at St.

Brynachs Church, Dinas Cross which was officiated by the Parchedig Alwyn Daniel assisted by the Very Reverend Saunders Davies.

The bearers were Keith Lewis, Keith Elliot, Ian John and Paul Nicholas.

Donations in lieu of flowers made payable to Goodwick surgery c/o Paul Jenkins and Sons, Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB.

 

Mr A Warlow

Formerly of Haverfordwest

MR Alan Warlow passed away on December 22 at Apley Lodge, Pembroke Dock.

He was formerly from Williamston Close, Snowdrop Lane, Haverfordwest. He was 89.

Alan was originally from Haverfordwest and was educated in Haverfordwest Grammer School and was employed as a clerical officer with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries in Haverfordwest and Milford Haven until retirement. During his army service in the Second World War, he was stationed in Burma and was the holder of the Burma Star Medal.

In his younger days he was a keen follower of all sports.

He enjoyed reading and classical music, but his chief interest centered on his family and home.

He was a lifelong member of Bethesda Church, Haverfordwest.

He was the youngest of the five sons of the late Mr and Mrs William Warlow, Haven Road, Haverfordwest. His brothers were Harold, Ivor, Bill and Gwynne who had all predeceased him.

He died on the day before his 90th birthday.

Due to the deterioration in his health he became a resident of Sunny Bank, Narberth from 2008 to 2010 and then for the last four years of his life he lived at Apley Lodge, Pembroke Dock, where he received wonderful care and attention.

He was predeceased by his wife Frances Rosemarie in 1992.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are Rachel Warlow (daughter); Mrs Susan McCarthy (niece); David Warlow and Martin Warlow (nephew); Mrs Beryl Warlow (sister-in-law).

The funeral service was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and was officiated by Rev Roger Hart.

Donations to the Royal British Legion can be sent c/o E C Thomas and Son, Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth SA76 8QH, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

 

Mr R J Griffiths

Haverfordwest

THE funeral has taken place of Mr Ronald James Griffiths of New Road, Haverfordwest, who died at Withybush Hospital on December 28 aged 80.

He had been unwell for some time.

Ronald was the only child of the late Thomas (Tomi’r Sâr) and Letitia Griffiths, Treglemais Fach, Croesgoch.

He was educated at Ysgol Croesgoch and St. Davids Grammar School.

A period of National Service ensued with Ron serving with the British Army on the Rhine as a gunner with the Royal Artillery.

On his return to Wales he trained as a teacher, commencing his teaching career in Birmingham where he met and married his wife of fifty years, Anne, returning to Pembrokeshire to raise his family, children Jayne and Andrew, and teaching for many years in Barn Street CPJM School until his appointment as headmaster of Stepaside School, where he worked for almost twenty years before his retirement in 1999.

Ronald had a zeal for education and in retirement and completed several degree courses with the Open University, achieving his Master of Arts degree at the age of seventy eight.

He also had an avid interest in local history and was an enthusiastic member of Grŵp Treftadaeth Croesgoch Heritage Group, revelling in recounting and sharing stories of yesteryear and collating a comprehensive collection of oral and photographic history of the area.

A man of quiet and committed faith, he was a member of Salem Baptist Chapel, Spittal, where the funeral service was held, followed by interment at Croesgoch Cemetery.

Officiating at the service was his minister Reverend Anne Rendell, assisted by Reverend Geraint Morse, Reverend Geoffrey Eynon and Reverend Aled Jenkins.

The organist was Mrs Margaret Evans.

Tributes were paid to Ronald by Tomos Evans (grandson) and Mr Clive Sheridan (friend).

One of Ronald’s favourite poems was read by Samuel Griffiths (grandson).

The bearers were Martin Roberts, David Rees, Delwyn Thomas, Ron Thomas, Wyn Thomas and Meirion Williams.

Flowers for the chapel were arranged by Rhiannon Evans.

The principal mourners were his wife Anne; daughter and son-in-law Jayne and Geraint Evans; son and daughter-in-law Andrew and Beate Griffiths; Tomos Evans, Samuel and Philip Griffiths (grandsons) along with numerous cousins.

There was a floral tribute from the immediate family, with donations in lieu of flowers for Salem Baptist Chapel being received by Mr Paul Jenkins, Funeral Director, Feidr Castell, Fishguard SA65 9BB who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

 

Mr P R Davison

Pembroke

MR Peter Robert Davison, of Grove, Pembroke, passed away on January 3 at Withybush Hospital. He was 83.

Peter was born and grew up in Dorset. He followed in his father and grandfathers footsteps and became a Chartered Engineer and Surveyor.

He worked for Weymouth Borough Council in Dorset and local councils in Haslemere, Ramsgate, the New Forest, Thornbury, Stroud, and moved to South Pembrokeshire in 1977.

In Weymouth he met his wife Pamela and they married in 1956. They recently celebrated 58 years together and had three children, Lindsay, Paul and Bridget, and eight grandchildren.

Peter had a lifelong passion for boats and the sea. He was a member of the SteamBoat Association for 44 years and he was a founder member of West Wales Maritime Heritage Society setting up workshops at Milford Docks and latterly at Front Street, Pembroke Dock where the restoration of a number of boats was and still is carried out to retain and promote our maritime history. Peter enjoyed 30 years retirement and he belonged to a number of other local societies. For 10 years he belonged to the Royal Naval Auxillary Service.

For a few years Peter had been a Pembroke Castle Guide sharing his love of history.

He was a founder member of Pembroke Rowing Club and he organised a fun rowing regatta on Pembroke Millpond in the mid 1980s. He was a part of Pembroke Civic Trust and worked on many projects with them for the benefit of Pembroke Town.

With his wife Pamela he was a member of the Pembroke Arts Club, Pembroke Gardening Club and more recently a member of Pembroke Probus Club. He was an avid reader and regular at Pembroke Dock library.

He will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends who all remember him as true gentleman who was always generous and considerate to others.

The funeral service was held at Parc Gwyn on January 16. It was officiated by Rev David Reed, a good friend.

The bearers were Frederick Bishop, Jonathan Hall, Oliver Davison and Laurence Bishop (grandsons).

The chief mourners were Pamela Davison (wife); Lindsay Bishop (daughter); Paul and Linda Davison (son and daughter-in-law); Bridget and Simon Hall (daughter and son-in-law); grandsons Frederick Bishop, Jonathan Hall, Oliver Davison, Laurence Bishop and granddaughters Harriet and James Smith (granddaughter and husband); Emma Bishop, Eleanor Hall and Charlotte Davison plus many other mourners.

Donations for Leukaemia Research can be sent c/o John Roberts, 51 Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

 

Mr D Mason

Narberth

MR Dennis Mason of Narberth passed away peacefully at Withybush Hospital on December 7 2014 after a long illness aged 85 years.

He was born at “Flower Hall” Nr Templeton, and was the third (and last surviving) of four children.

As a young boy he attended Templeton School and was 10 years old when the Second World War was declared, and just two years later his father died as a young man, and in 1944 when Dennis was just 15 years old more tragedy was to strike the family when both his eldest brother (John), and brother-in-law (Thomas Neale) were killed in The Normandy Landings.

He went to work at the nearby Merryvale Farm, before being called up to do Army Service in 1947 for two years mainly based in Gibraltar.

It was in Narberth’s May Day fair in 1950, that he met local girl Annie Pickersgill, and four years later in 1954 they married at Bethesda Chapel, Narberth and in February last year were proud to celebrate their Diamond Wedding Anniversary.

They moved into Redcliffe, Nr Narberth, after their marriage and it had remained their family home for over 60 years, where their two sons Graham and Norman were brought up.

Dennis had always been a hard working man and had many various jobs, including driving milk churn lorry with Whitland Dairies, Crane Driver at The Power Station, Fitter at James Williams Bottling Plant, and whilst working at The Saundersfoot Sewerage Scheme in 1966, Dennis was lucky to survive a horrific gas explosion underground which left him in Chepstow Burns Hospital for nearly two months.

It was after work came to the end at The Texaco Cracker Plant in 1981, that Dennis along with younger son Norman decided to start their own business when they set up Narberth Small Plant and Tool Hire, firstly from a small shed adjoining Redcliffe and then down the road to Red Quarry which Dennis had purchased 20 years earlier for fifty pounds. It was one of the first Tool Hire’s businesses in this area, and in 1994 when Dennis retired aged 65 years they proudly had three depots (Narberth, Whitland and Pembroke) employing 12 staff.

After retirement Dennis and Annie spent many happy years enjoying their hobbies including attending Vintage Shows all over the country with his Stationery Engines, Coach Holidays, attending to his large fish pond, and he had been a great supporter of both Winter and Summer Carnivals in Narberth and throughout the County with many of his memorable carnival floats, and regular appearances as “Blodwyn” in carnivals and on coach tours still talked about today. In 2009 Dennis was extra proud to be on a winning carnival float which included four generations of his family.

Dennis will be remembered by many as a great character who always looked to enjoy life and he loved spending time with his grandchildren (twins Darren and Marie) as they grew up and later his five great grandchildren (Celyn, Caio, Phoebe, Cadi, and Ezmee) whom he adored.

Dennis’s funeral took place at Parc Gwyn on December 12, with the Rev Elwyn John officiating.

The bearers were Mike Lewis, Brian Smith, Michael Logan, David Brown, Richard Harries and Robert May (ex employees at Narberth Tool Hire), and his ashes were later interred in a private service in The Woodland Memorial Garden at Zoar Chapel, Llanteg.

The principal mourners were Annie (wife for over 60 years); Graham (son); Norman and Sharon (son and daughter-in-law); Darren and Gemma (grandson and wife); Marie and Sior (granddaughter and husband); Celyn (eldest great granddaughter), and other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

Donations for Meddygfa Rhiannon Surgery, Narberth c/o E.C.Thomas and Son Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg who carried out the funeral arrangements.

 

Mrs J Rowlands

Llanddewi Velfrey (Formerly of Pembroke)

MRS Jean Rowlands passed away peacefully at her home, Glenfield on November 25 2014, surrounded by her family.

Jean was born in Pembroke in 1929. She was the eldest of seven children of Alderman William Algernon C.C., J. P.

and Sarah Marjorie Colley.

With her three sisters and three brothers, she enjoyed an idyllic childhood. Many happy hours were spent at Ashleigh, the Colley family home in Pembroke and Bangeston Farm with the Thomas family in Pembroke Dock.

Tabernacle Chapel, Pembroke was the place to find the Colleys every Sunday for chapel and Sunday school.

The family regularly went to the beach and other outings to Swan Lake or Freshwater West. The summer holidays would be spent out at the family bungalow in Freshwater East.

Jean had private schooling with Miss Bevan before going to Eastend Primary School and then the County Grammar School in Pembroke Dock. She was a good scholar as well as a keen sportswoman.

Jean was hockey captain and played rounders and tennis.

She was also appointed a school prefect. Cooking was a passion from an early age and this was her chosen career path.

On leaving school, she went to Cardiff Training College for Domestic Arts, which was affiliated to Cardiff University.

Jean’s first teaching post was at the newly built Domestic Science and Woodwork Unit at Jeffreyston School. Jean taught 11-16 year olds from all around the Cresselly area which she said was the most wonderful job. Many past pupils have always said that they had a wonderful grounding with Miss Colley. Afterwards, Jean went to Saundersfoot School and then to teach at Greenhill School Tenby, when it opened in 1961.

In the late 1950’s she met Leslie at a dance in the De Valance Tenby. They married on April 23 1962 and made their home in Llanddewi Velfrey. On the birth of their daughter Sandra, Jean became a full time housewife and mother.

Jean was always involved in village life being a great supporter of the village school, a communicant of the church for over 50 years and a member of the WI. She was a treasurer of the W. I. for over 20 years and heavily involved in all events and celebrations that took place in the village over the years.

Jean enjoyed travelling all her life visiting many areas of the British Isles, Europe, North America and New Zealand.

One of her favourite places that she visited was Lake Louise in the Rocky Mountains.

She enjoyed reading and was a keen rugby supporter.

Many a Friday evening was spent watching the Welsh regions. In the 1950’s she followed Pembroke RFC and went to many Welsh Internationals with her father. She also loved tennis and had a wonderful time visiting the Wimbledon Championship Ladies’ Finals Day in 2007.

Jean was a vital, kind, generous and charismatic person.

Full of life, she would light up an occasion and a room as soon as she entered it. Wherever Jean went there was laughter and she is greatly missed by both family and friends. She was truly one of life’s special people.

The church of St David’s, Llanddewi Velfrey was full of family, neighbours and friends for the funeral service on December 4. This was followed by interment in the churchyard. The service was officiated by Reverend Chancellor G Morris and the Reverend Kingsley Taylor.

The bearers were her nephews Alexander, James and Thomas Colley, Anthony and Philip Davies and Richard Prout.

The chief mourners were Leslie (husband); Sandra and Moira (daughters); Daphne Davies and Valerie Colley (sisters); David Colley (brother); Michael and Judith Colley (brother and sisterin- law); Betty Colley(sisterin- law); Desmond and Joyce Rowlands (brother-in-law and sister-in-law); Angela Skinner (niece); Richard and Rachel Prout, Anthony and Lesley Davies, Philip and Sue Davies, James and Jane Colley, Thomas and Gemma Colley (nephews and wives); Sue and Rob Lomas, Fiona and Jason Richards (nieces and husbands); Georgina, Sarah and Gemma Colley (nieces); Alexander Colley (nephew); Kathleen Phillips (friend) as well as many cousins, great nieces and nephews.

Unable to attend were Sheila Prout (sister), Alastair Colley (nephew), Yvonne Shaw, Rachel Allan, Sarah McCann, Margaret Lamb and Helen Chomiak (nieces), Mary Williams (friend).

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Hywel Thomas, Brynderwen, Llanboidy.

Donations for the Paul Sartori Foundation c/o the funeral director.

 

Mrs L Laugharne

Llanstadwell

MRS Lucy McKay Laugharne passed away at Torestin Nursing Home on February 5.

She was originally from Church Road, Llanstadwell.

Born in Brightinsea in Essex she moved to Pembrokeshire at the age of nine with her family as her father was skipper of a trawler.

During her life she was a housewife and she worked in the mining depot during the war.

Her interest included gardening, embroidery and knitting. Also attending Llanstadwell Church, the Women’s Institute, plus various clubs in Neyland including the Luncheon Club.

She was predeceased by her husband Sidney Laugharne in 1997.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are Ronald and Rosemary Laugharne (son and wife); Valerie and Roy Thomas (daughter and son-in-law); Raymond and Rita (son and partner); Shelagh Phillips (daughter); Alanna, Joanne, Matthew, Rachael, Clair, Hannah, Liam and Shaleen, Toby and Maggie May, Nia and Luke, Tomas and Alfie, Oliver, Meghan, Florence (grandchildren); Daisy Lily and Izzy (great grandchildren).

The service was held at Llanstadwell Church followed by interment at Neyland Cemetery.

It was officiated by Rural Dean Alan Chadwick and Rev Hancock.

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