Obituaries, January 30th 2008

Cosheston

The funeral took place at St Mary's Church, Nash on December 22nd of Mrs Iris Eileen Roch, of Linney', Woodfield Grove, Cosheston, who died on December 14th at her home, surrounded by her family. She was 99.

Iris was the fourth child of the late Phillip and Jane Phillips, of Middle Farm, Nash, and was the wife of the late James Roch, of Linney Farm, Castlemartin and later North Down Farm, Lamphey.

Iris' great passion in life was singing and music, having a splendid mezzo-soprano voice and was much sought after to perform at venues throughout Pembrokeshire, prior to her marriage.

Although of a quiet disposition, Iris thoroughly enjoyed discussions on all current affairs and politics.

Following the birth of her youngest daughter, Angela, who had cerebral palsy, her life became involved with caring for her over the next 50 years.

Predeceased by her husband Jim in 1970, and her daughter Angela in 2001, Iris, a devoted wife and mother, leaves to mourn Daphne Brown and Valerie Delpech (daughters); Sir Robert Delpech (son-in-law); Nicholas Parcell and Jacky Parcell (grandson and wife); Sarah Parcell and David Townsend (granddaughter and partner); Andrea Brown (granddaughter); James Parcell and Katherine Parcell (great-grandchildren); Dr Philip Morgan, Professor Desmond Morgan, Stephen Morgan, Dr Malcolm Phillips (nephews), Ena Phillips, Ceri Phillips, Anne Barret-Evans, Roger Barrett-Evans, Philip Morgan, Peter Henton and Annette Hodges (great nephews and nieces).

Unable to attend were Andrea Brown (granddaughter), Jacky Morgan, Kathleen Morgan, Nicola Morgan, Laura Andreani, and Jessica Andreani.

A short service was held at the house by the Rector, Rev Andrew Davies prior to the service at St Mary's, Nash, followed by interment at the cemetery.

The bearers were Nicholas Parcell (grandson), James Parcell (great grandson), Sarah Parcell (granddaughter) and David Townsend (Sarah's partner).

There were family flowers only but donations in lieu, if desired, for the Brain Tumour Research Appeal (Pembroke Dock area), may be sent to John Roberts and Son, 51 Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mrs G. M. Thomas

Carmarthen (formerly of Llanteg)

After a short stay at Glangwili Hospital, Gwennie Maud Thomas died on November 22nd aged 90.

She formerly lived at Ger-y-Llan, Carmarthen and in later years at Erw Hir, where she received tender care.

She was the widow of Rev W. A. Thomas, former rector of Llanfallteg and Clynderwen.

Originally from Llandyfeiliog she enjoyed her family and church.

Family left to mourn are: Dawn and Carole (daughters); Eirwyn and Mansel (sons-in-law); Catrin, Guto and Sion, Adrian, Andrew and Aubrey (grandchildren).

Her great-grandchildren are Rachel and Victoria; Indigo, Jemima and Blossom; Ruby, Holly and Harley; Angharad, Gwawr and Dylan; Lewys and Lydia; Steffan and Sara.

The funeral was held at Christchurch, Carmarthen followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn, Narberth.

Canon Patrick Thomas, Rev Kingsley Taylor, Rev Geler Thomas, Rev Islwyn John, Rev Illtyd Prethroe, Rev Mary Thorley and Rev Huw George officiated. Bishop Roy Davies, Rev Graham Davies and Rev Leslie Evans also attended.

The bearers were her grandsons and Llew Thomas.

There were family flowers only with donations to Christchurch, Carmarthen.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Eifion Jones, of Cynnwyl Elfed.

Mrs D. M. Williams

(Formerly of Haverfordwest)

The funeral took place on December 13th of Doris Mary Williams, formerly of Priory Avenue, Haverfordwest.

Doris died on Friday December 7th at Withybush Hospital, aged 90.

Family left to mourn are: Marion and Robert (daughter and son-in-law); Malcolm and Janet (son-in-law and daughter-in-law); Peter and Ian (grandsons); Sion, Olivia and Devin (great grandchildren).

The funeral was held at St Thomas church followed by interment at City Road Cemetery, where she was laid to rest with her late husband Levi Olaf Williams, who predeceased her in 1985.

The bearers were Randal Griffiths, Chris Campbell (nephews), Peter and Ian Williams (grandsons).

There were family flowers only with donations in lieu to the Paul Sartori Foundation, Haven Road, Haverfordwest.

Mr L. C. Richards

Pembroke

The funeral took place on December 28th at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth of Lloyd Christopher Richards, who died at Morriston Hospital on December 17th aged 75.

He was predeceased by his wife Eirwen Richards in 2001.

For many years Lloyd was a farmer at North Studdock Farm, Angle. After leaving the industry he worked for Jenkins and Davies for many years.

After retiring he joined the Vintage Tractor Club which he thoroughly enjoyed, still being an active member until his death.

Lloyd was devoted to his family.

The service was officiated by Rev Martin Cox and the bearers were David and Jamie Colley, Robert Kenniford, Roy Richards, Paul Watts and Ieuan Preece.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners were: Wendy (daughter); Martin and Joanne (son and daughter-in-law); Jason and Cheryl, Trudy and Stuart, Trina and Gordon, Jack (grandchildren); Cara, Jazmyn, Jema, Rebecca, Meghan and Harry (great-grandchildren); Doris Richards (sister-in-law), plus numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

Unable to attend were Jason and Cheryl (grandson and wife).

There were family flowers only and donations, if desired, to the British Heart Foundation can be sent to Mr W. Richards, 17 Vicarage Fields, Pembroke, or Mrs J. Richards, Orchard Rise, Angle.

Mr E. C. Lewis

Pembroke

The death occurred on January 4th at Withybush Hospital of Evan Charles Lewis, of Orange Gardens, Pembroke. He was 67.

Charlie was born in Martletwy, but will be remembered as Charlie the milk in Pembroke where he had a milk round for 27 years.

He was married to Pam for 46 years and father to Penny Owens and Clive Lewis and Bampi to Stephanie, Melanie, Rhodri, Ioan, Iestyn and Celyn.

Charlie was one of life's gentlemen. Unfailingly optimistic, polite and good natured, he possessed a sunny disposition and had a natural likeable manner.

He was no mean golfer too with South Pembs seniors, a valuable top tenor in the Pembroke Borough Male Voice Choir and will be sorely missed by all his friends.

The funeral took place on January 11th at Monkton Priory Church, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and was officiated by Rev Martin Cox.

The bearers at the church were Reg Williams, John Marenghi, David Halsted and David Holt (choir members) and at the crematorium Raymond Lewis, Derek Lewis (brothers), David Bowen and Geoff Lewis (friends).

The organist was Chris Lloyd. Phil Lloyd gave the eulogy and the choir members sang Morte Criste.

The principal mourners were: Pam (wife); Penny and Alan (daughter and son-in-law); Clive and Teresa (son and daughter-in-law); Stephanie and Melanie (granddaughters); Lorna and Alan, Alec, Eira, Raymond and Pam, Derek and Mandy (brothers and sisters).

Donations in lieu of flowers for the League of Friends Withybush Hospital may be sent to Mr A. Davies, 3 Island Cottages, Greenhill Avenue, Tenby.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Stewart Treharne, of E. C. Thomas and Son, Funeral Directors, Stepaside.

Mrs I. Thomas

Tenby

The funeral took place on January 14th of Ivy Thomas, of Serpentine Road, Tenby, who died at Belvedere Residential Home, Tenby on January 5th, aged 91.

Originally from Kilgetty she worked as a clerk for the electricity board.

She was a lifelong member of Zion Chapel, Begelly and when the chapel closed, she attended Bethesda chapel, Saundersfoot.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Eddie Thomas (husband), nieces and nephews, cousins, close friends, neighbours and work colleagues.

The funeral was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and was officiated by Rev Andrew Bowden and Rev Hywel Brown.

The bearers were Mr W. Rees-Lee, Jonathan Phillips, Graham Thomas and Paul Hay.

Donations in lieu of flowers for Bethesda C. M. Church, Tenby Road to Mrs H. Hilling, Fairhaven, Wooden, Saundersfoot.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by E. C. Thomas and Son, Funeral Directors, Stepaside.

Mrs G. A. Hall

Cresselly

The death occurred on January 6th at Withybush Hospital of Gwendoline Avenes (Venie) Hall, of Highbury, Whitehill, Cresselly. She was 89.

Venie was born in Carew Cheriton in 1918 to Mr and Mrs Thomas Scourfield and left school to help her mother at home.

Then she met and married her first husband Ronald Hay in 1939. He was killed on HMS Jackal, leaving a son, Brian who was only 18 months old.

Later she met Jenkin Jinks' Hall and married in 1946.

They were married for 61 years.

She followed Carew cricket club for 30 years, then Lamphey cricket club for seven years, and St Florence cricket club for the last three years up until last season, never missing a game.

Venie also loved gardening, crosswords and watching television until her eyesight started to fail, but her main interest was her family.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners were: Jinks (husband); Peter (son); Brian and Ethel (son and daughter-in-law); Barbara (daughter-in-law); Angela and Graham (granddaughter and husband); Brian and Kate (grandson and wife); Elizabeth and Adam (granddaughter and boyfriend); Carol and Peter (granddaughter and husband); Sandy (grandchild); Wesley, Robbie, Ethan and Corey (great grandchildren); Mag (sister); Mollie and Edna (sister-in-law); Ken and Mary (nephew and wife); Flossie and Ron (sister-in-law and husband), and nephews and nieces, cousins and friends.

Unable to attend were Brian and Ethel (son and daughter-in-law); Carol, Peter and Wesley (granddaughter and husband); Sandy and Robbie (granddaughter and son); Mollie and Edna (sisters-in-law).

The funeral was held at St Mary's Church, Carew Cheriton and was officiated by Rev John Gale.

The bearers were Tony Scourfield, Kelly Scourfield, Nicholas Scourfield, Gerald Hicks, Martin Cole and Gethin Evans.

There were family flowers only with donations in lieu, if desired, for Cancer Research UK (local branch) and MAU Withybush Hospital, to E. C. Thomas and Son, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mrs M. G. Bevan

Narberth

The funeral took place on January 11th of Maggie Gwendoline Bevan, affectionately known as Meg, of Parc Roberts, Narberth.

Meg was the wife of Ken Bevan and they had celebrated their diamond wedding on December 30th at Park House Court Nursing Home, one week before her death on January 6th.

The family left to mourn are: Ken (husband); Doreen Roblin (sister-in-law); Elwyn and Iris Bevan (brother-in-law and sister-in-law).

Unable to attend were Betty Bevan (sister-in-law) and many nephews, nieces and cousins too numerous to mention.

The funeral took place at St Andrew's Church, Narberth officiated by Rev Peter Lewis, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn.

The bearers were Edmund Aubrey, Huw Davies, Michael and Gwyn Roblin (nephews).

There were immediate family flowers only, with donations, if desired, for St Andrew's Church and Park House Court Nursing Home to Eric George, 39 Bloomfield Gardens, Narberth.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Ken Davies, Clynderwen.

Mrs P. B. J. Thomas

Hakin

The death occurred on January 7th at Withybush hospital of Pamela Beatrice Jacqueline Thomas, of Glebelands, Hakin, Milford Haven. She was 79.

A native of Milford Haven, she began work with McQuire milk delivering from churns using a horse and cart.

Then she worked in various departments at Woolworths ending her career as a staff supervisor in 1980.

She enjoyed reading, knitting, travel with her sister and gardening later in life after the death of her husband, Edwin John Thomas (Ted).

Pam will be missed by her friends and neighbours.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners were: Patricia and Alan (daughter and son-in-law); Ben (grandson); Betty, Yvonne, Pat, Leonora, Dorothy, Diane (sisters); Brian and Peter (brothers); Joe, Phil Melborun, Murial, Murial Jones, Megan and Margaret (brothers and sisters-in-law), and many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Following a service at the house, the funeral was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth and was officiated by Martin Evans.

The bearers were Ben McDonald (grandson); Alan McDonald (son-in-law), Joe Quinn (brother-in-law) and Brian Simpson (brother).

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to ward ten Withybush Hospital.

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

Mr L. Ekkes

Picton

Leo Ekkes, MBE, head gardener at Picton Castle until 1994, died at his home on the Picton Estate on December 19th, aged 86.

Mr Ekkes was born in Holland on May 20, 1921 and his early years were lived in turbulent times.

He was passionate about horticulture throughout his life. In Holland, he worked for the Noord Holland Water Board and Forestry Division.

He immigrated to the UK in 1955 where he worked in Essex until 1961. There he met and married Gwen Griffiths in 1958, and they raised six children: Ruth, Tom, Jackie, Karen, Nancy and Elsa, the younger three of whom live in Pembrokeshire with their families.

In 1961 he came to work at Picton Castle and, together with Lady Marion Philipps, set about landscaping and planting the beautiful woodland gardens that can be enjoyed there today.

He had an incomparable knowledge of plants and trees and was an expert in the cultivation and propagation of both.

Until the end, he spent hours tending his precious cuttings and creating new hybrids.

His main interest was rhododendrons and he presented the Queen with his own creations at the silver and golden jubilees.

He had boundless energy and enthusiasm, working with the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society to stage magnificent displays for the county show.

In May 2005, he was awarded an MBE for services to horticulture.

He left Pembrokeshire for short while, going to Leonardslee as head gardener.

Thomas Lloyd, chairman of Picton Castle Trust's board of trustees said: "Leo was a towering figure in horticulture in Pembrokeshire, who gave generously of advice and expertise for gardens and woodlands throughout the county.

"He was a charming, artistic and creative man; a wise counsellor; and a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be much missed by everyone at Picton Castle."

Miss P. M. Owens

Hakin

The funeral took place on January 8th of Patricia Mae Owens, of Glebelands, Hakin, Milford Haven, who died at her home, aged 67.

Originally from Milford Haven, she worked as a catering assistant for Esso Refinery before retirement.

She enjoyed her family, garden and her pet dogs.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners were: Howard Owens and Roy Owens (brothers); Margaret Ferris (sister); Barbara Owens and Jean Owens (sisters-in-law); Robert and Marilyn Ferris, Kenneth and Dawn Ferris, John and Susan Ferris, Philip and Vicky Owens (nephews and wives); Denise Owens and Claire Sturley (nieces); Christopher and Matthew Owens (nephews); Barry, Kay and John Roch; Lewis, Yasmin, Emma, Liam and Rory Ferris, Ron and Emily Forrest, Christine and Barbara Jane, Alice and Bill James, Pat and Ken (cousins); Beryl and Pauline, Marion, Dolly and Dennis, Shirley, John and Susan, Neil Rolls, Mrs Howells and Sharron (friends) and thers too umerous to mention.

The funeral was held at St Katharines Church, Milford Haven and was officiated by Canon John Davies.

The bearers were Philip Owens, Christopher Owens, Kenneth Ferris and John Ferris (nephews).

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

Mr F. S. Atcherley

Pembroke Dock

The funeral took place on January 19th of Frederick Samuel Atcherley, of Pembroke Dock, who died at Apley Lodge Care Home on January 11th aged 83.

Fred was born in Pembroke Dock, one of six children, and attended the Coronation School.

He joined the 12th Yorkshire Parachute Regiment in 1941. During World War Two he did 20 parachute drops, one of which was in Arhem (The Bridge Too Far). He travelled to different countries during his time in the forces including India, Japan and Singapore.

He married evacuee Daphne and they made their home in Daphne's native town of Kent, where they had six children.

Fred retired from the army after 17 years and became a HGV driver. In later years he and Daphne moved back to Pembroke Dock to retire.

Family left to mourn ar: his wife Daphne; Daphne and Mick, Helen and Richard, Carole and Colin (daughters and sons-in-law); Christopher and Sheila, Alan and Karen (sons and daughters-in-law); Violet (sister); his 11 grandchildren, five great grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces.

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

There were family flowers only but donations in lieu for the British Legion and Saffa may be sent to funeral director John Roberts and Son, 51 Bush Street, Pembroke Dock.

Mrs E. M. Scanlon

Milford Haven

The death on January 8th of Enid Mary Scanlon, of Pond Meadow, Steynton, Milford Haven occurred at Withybush Hospital. She was 87.

A native of Neyland, she was a civil servant and then did some clerical work. She retired in 1983 and was working for the wholesale food company Nurdin and Peacock.

She enjoyed embroidery, the organ club, the stroke club and she was a very good pianist.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners were: Peter Scanlon (husband); Margaret Cole (sister); Audrey Wordsworth (sister-in-law); Beatrice Scoulding (sister-in-law); Peter, Margaret, Valerie, Ronnie Watkins (cousins); Margaret and Alan Clark; Geofrey Slater (cousin) and Evelyn; Joyce Slater and Peter Dawkins.

The funeral was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and was officiated by Geoffrey Eynon.

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

Mr A. S. G. Huddy

Neyland

The funeral took place on January 17th of Albert Sidney George Huddy (Sid), of Fleming Way, Neyland, whodied at Withybush Hospital on Saturday, January 12th, aged 78.

The service and cremation took pace at Parc Gwyn, Narberth which was full to capacity. The service was officiated by Rev Stephen Lee.

Family left to mourn are: His wife Sylvia; Larry and Julie (son and girlfriend); Lee and Tracy (son and daughter-in-law); Sophie and Kate (granddaughters); Girlie and Jay, Jose and Tony (sisters and brothers-in-law); Barry and Ivy (brother-in-law and sister-in-law); Mandy and Richard (niece and husband); Shane and Gary (nephews); Maxine and Nelson, Joanne and Peter (nieces and husbands); Tony and Helen (nephew and wife); and many nephews and nieces too numerous to mention.

Unable to attended were Sylvia, Carol and John (nieces and nephew) and their families from Yeovil.

There were family flowers only but donations in lieu may be sent to Tracey Huddy, 38 Fleming Way, Neyland, Milford Haven, in aid of the cardiac and cancer units at Withybush Hospital.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Glyn Thomas and Son, funeral directors, of Freystrop.

Mrs A. E. Walmsley

Weymouth (formerly of Haverfordwest)

The death occurred on January 14th of Avril Elizabeth Walmsley, of Weymouth, aged 60.

A native of Haverfordwest, she spent her earlier years as a naval wife in Portland and Singapore. When her husband Jim left the navy, they ran a bed and breakfast and then owned a hotel in Weymouth until Avril's health meant they had to retire.

Avril was the youngest child of the late Mr and Mrs Jim Morse, of Priory Avenue, Haverfordwest and she met Jim in Dev's Cafe, High Street, where she worked.

They were married at St Thomas a Beckett Church, Haverfordwest.

Family left to to mourn are: Jim (husband); Carl and Sophie (son and partner); Sharon and Rob (daughter and husband); Brett, Tarina, Allison, Jenna and Scott (grandchildren); Muriel Frost (sister) and Derek (brother-in-law); Glenda Nicholls (sister); Dorothy Morse (sister); Wynford Morse and Sue Morse (brother and sister-in-law); George and Sue Walmsley (brother-in-law and sister-in-law); Veronica and Dave (sister-in-law and brother-in-law); predeceased by Joan and Teddy Edgar (sister and brother-in-law); Mr and Mrs Peter Mason and Philip (niece, husband and son); Michael Frost (nephew); John and Liz Morse (brother and sister-in-law).

The funeral was held at Weymouth Crematorium.

Mrs P. J. Thornberry

Hook

The funeral service of Phillipa Jessie Thornberry took place on January 21st at Mount Zion United Reformed Church, Hook.

Jessie died at Withybush Hospital on January 14th, aged 84.

She was born in Hook and lived there all her life. Her husband Don predeceased her in 1985.

The principal mourners were: Godfrey, Susan and Adele (son and daughter-in-law and granddaughter); Michael, Genene, Martin and Cheryl (son and daughter-in-law, grandson and granddaughter); Sally Finnegan (twin sister); Jane, Sal, Sandra, Mary, Gina, Betty, Francis, Sally, Susie, Lorna, Paula, Carrie Ann, Kayla (nieces); John and Gwyneth (nephew and wife).

Unable to attend was Ida Evans (sister).

The bearers were Evan Martin, Gerald Lock, John Davies and Hugh Breeze. Rev Colin Foreman officiated.

There were family flowers only but donations for Mount Zion Church, Hook may be sent to Mrs C. Richards, Turning Leaf, Deerland, Llangwm.

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

Mrs E. P. Evans

Clarbeston Road

The funeral took place on January 22nd of Eira Patsy Evans, of Picton Terrace, Clarbeston Road.

Eira died at Wiythbush Hospital on January 16th, aged 91.

She was the beloved wife of the late Len. Eira was born in Clarbeston Road lived there all her life, and was the oldest original inhabitant of the village.

She worked as dinner lady at Knock and Wiston Schools, and was fondly remembered by past pupils.

The large gathering at her funeral showed how much she was loved and respected.

It was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, and was officiated by Rev Nick Cale.

The principal mourners and family left to mourn were: June and Eifion Phillips (daughter and son-in-law); Noreen Morgan (daughter); Pam and Chris Griffths (daughter and son-in-law); Mandy and Richard (granddaughter and partner); Wendy and Paul (granddaughter and husband); Tina (granddaughter); Gemma (great granddaughter); Ben (great grandson); Ryan and Amy (great grandchildren) were unable to attend; Bill and Betty (brother and sister-in-law); Lyn and Vince (niece and husband); Jackie and Mike (niece and husband); Phil and John (niece and husband); Val and Steve (niece and husband); Lorraine and Phillip (very close friends).

The bearers were Paul Dennehy, Phillip Harries, Derek Davies and Richard Kynaston.

There were family flowers only, but donations if desired will be divided between the ITU at Withybush Hospital and the NSPCC, and may be made payable by cheque to Mr J. E. Lewis, Tegfan, 6 Picton Terrace, Clarbeston Road, Haverfordwest.

The funeral directors were Roy Folland and Sons, Haverfordwest.

Miss G. Hywel-Jones

Milford Haven (formerly of Wrexham)

The funeral was held recently of Glenys Hywel-Jones, who died on Monday, December 17th at Rickeston Mill Nursing Home. She was 96.

Formerly of Landsowne Court, Hamilton Terrace, Milford Haven, she was lovingly and skilfully cared for at Rickeston Mill for 18 months.

Born in Wrexham, Glenys grew up in Cardiff, qualifying as a home economics teacher, and she taught in Brecon, Rhyl and Grove Park School, Wrexham. Before retirement she was an examiner for the WJEC.

Glenys moved to Milford Haven three years ago to be near her sister Dorothy Johnson and family, who predeceased her in June 2007.

She was a remarkable lady who maintained her interest in life and, despite her great age, kept in contact with her many friends of all ages.

She had wide-ranging interests, and in Milford Haven she became involved in the community, attending Tabernacle Church and making many friends.

Central to her life and left to mourn are her sister's family: Niece Penny Lloyd Jones and family (Australia), niece Sue Kenny and family, and nephew Peter Johnson and family in Milford Haven.

Glenys travelled widely and visited Penny in Australia many times with her sister.

Also left to mourn are: Kathryn and Justin Hartley, Ellen and Neil Lloyd Shepherd, Dan and Liza Lloyd-Jones, and Laura Lloyd-Jones (Australia), Sara and Louise Kenny, Mark and Jen Johnson, Richard Johnson (great nieces and nephews); Beth, Emma, Sarah and Alyssa Hartley, Owen Lloyd Shepherd (Australia), Morgan and Robert Johnson (great great nieces and nephews); together with many friends in Wrexham and Milford Haven.

The service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium was officiated by Rev Colin Foreman.

There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu for Rickeston Mill patients fund and sent to Barclays Bank, Milford Haven.

A memorial service will be held in Trinity Church, Wrexham on March 19th.

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

Mr G. Cole

Pembroke Dock

The funeral took place recently of Gwilym Watkin' Cole, of Pembroke Dock.

The service at St Johns Church, Pembroke Dock, was officiated by Rev Andrew Davies and followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium.

Watkin, as he was better known, was born on August 3rd, 1928 in Narberth to Albert and Annie Cole. The family moved to Pennar when he was a small boy and lived in various places around Pembroke and Pembroke Dock for the remainder of his life.

He met his wife Kay in 1952, they then married on St David's Day in 1954 and had been inseparable ever since. The family was complete when Richard, Sue and Michael came along.

Watkin started working with Silcox Coaches before moving on to companies including Hancock Engineering, Clark Chapman and finally with his good friend Mike Rigden at Unit Construction.

He had many hobbies throughout his active life including jalopy racing with Pembrokeshire Hell Drivers and Pembrokeshire Autograss Club.

In recent years he became a very active member of Pembroke Dock bowling club where he spent many hours playing on the green.

The principal mourners were: Kay (wife); Richard (son); Susan and Simon (daughter and son-in-law); Michael and Sarah (son and partner); David and Claire (grandchildren); Ruth and Wyn (sisters and brother-in-law) and family; Eileen (sister-in-law) and family; Evelyn and family, Paul and Lynda and family, and many other family and friends too numerous to mention.

The bearers were Nigel and Gareth Owens, Richard Jones, Garfield Thomas, Dave Finn and Neil Harris.

There were family flowers only with donations in lieu of ward ten, Withybush Hospital and the cancer support group.