Obituaries, March 19th

Milford Haven

Gwyn Harries, who died on March 8th, aged 89, was one of Milford Haven's best known publicans for more than 40 years.

He was born on March 23rd, 1918, and brought up in Hubberston with three sisters, Nancy, Doreen and Nesta.

After spells working for James the Butcher and driving fish from the local fish market to Wolverhampton, he enlisted in the Royal Army Service, Fifth Corps in 1940 and rose to the rank of company sergeant major.

He served with both the first Army and eighth Army. His overseas service included north Africa, Italy and Austria.

In 1943 he was awarded the distinguished service order and was eventually demobilised in 1946.

Gwyn then became the licensee of the Wexford and Waterford Packet in Point Street, Hakin where he remained until its closure in 1951. After a short family holiday he took over The Railway Hotel in Victoria Road, Milford Haven.

During his tenure, he ran many successful darts teams and also raised money for several local charities. Gwyn retired to Johnston in 1987 after 41 years in the licensed trade.

In his retirement he enjoyed gardening and watching sport, most notably horse racing, and regularly attended local point to point races.

He remained very proud of his time in the Army and attended many commemoration events including the VE Day 60th anniversary celebrations, where he met the Prince of Wales.

In 2005 he returned to Italy with his grandson, Leigh, to visit many of the places where he had fought in the Second World War, including the monastery at Monte Cassino.

During the last twelve months of his life he suffered considerable ill health, but managed to attend the Remembrance Day service, in November at the cenotaph in Milford Haven.

Lately he lived at Highgrove Nursing Home.

In 1941, Gwyn married Joan Mary Thomas, who died in 1994.

He is survived by Pamela and Derek (daughter and son-in-law) Michael and Marlene (son and daughter-in-law) Leigh, Emma and Sioned (grandchildren) and his sister, Nesta.

Mr T. Hewitt

Manorbier Newton

In the obituary of Terry Hewitt (Western Telegraph, March 12th) the names of Amethys (granddaughter), Win Whiting (mother-in-law) and Jill and David Furey (cousins) were incorrectly spelt.

The Western Telegraph is happy to correct the errors.

MR D. F. SOLOMON

TENERIFE (formerly of Haverfordwest)

The death occurred at the University Hospital at La Laguna, Santa Cruz, Tenerife, on February 9th, of Donald Frederick Solomon, formerly of Greenfield House, Haverfordwest. He was 74 and died after a short illness.

A native of Great Barr, Birmingham, he served in the Royal Navy between 1950 and 1964, was licensee of the Olde Inn, Camrose from 1964 to 1969 and was later proprietor of a leather and fancy goods shop at 38 Bridge Street, Haverfordwest, retiring in 1994.

During his naval service he was an engine room artificer with the rank of petty officer, serving as an instructor on HMS Raleigh, HMS Fisgard and on Ark Royal. He was stationed at HMS Goldcrest at Brawdy and also served in the fishery protection fleet.

In his younger days he played rugby, hockey and water polo, was a lifelong fan of Aston Villa and enjoyed watching county cricket, especially Warwickshire. An avid rugby fan, he enjoyed socialising and was a member of the Balfour Club, Haverfordwest Civic Society and the Conservative and Unionist Association.

He was also a member of St Martin's Church and latterly of All Saints Anglican Church, Parque Taoro, Tenerife.

Predeceased by his first wife Marianne (nee Walters) he is survived by his second wife Heather (nee Watson).

Family left to mourn are: Heather (wife); Tina (daughter); Mary-Anne and Max (grandchildren); George and Mary Morris (cousin and wife); Simon Morris (godson); Joyce Solomon (sister-in-law); Rod and Sue Howarth and Olive and Nick Carter (close friends).

The funeral took place at Santa Cruz de Tenerife Crematorium and donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to Cancer Research.

Mr R. T. Wells

Pembroke

In the obituary report of Raymond Thomas Wells (Western Telegraph, March 12th) the report should have read that Ray was the only son of the late Tommy and Gwendaline Wells.

MR S. G. MORGAN

LETTERSTON

The funeral took place at Saron Chapel, Letterston, on March 10th, of Stephen Gerwyn Morgan, of Llynfi, St Davids Road, Letterston. Mr Morgan died at Withybush Hospital on March 5th, aged 57, after an 18-week stay.

A local man, Mr Morgan worked in administration for Jewson's Building Supplies and with the previous owners for 35 years.

A bachelor, he took a keen interest in religious studies and music and was closely involved with Llangloffan Chapel, Castlemorris, and Goedwig Chapel, Goodwick, having been secretary of Goedwig for many years.

Family left to mourn are: Glenmore and Maureen Morgan (brother and sister-in-law); Mark, John, Jayne, Miranda and Catherine (nephews and nieces); Olive and Gwilym (uncle and aunt); Ellis, Enid, Glyn, Janet, John and Jill (cousins); Caroline, Moira and Barbara, Richard, Charlotte, Rebecca, Danielle, Carley-Anne and Kati (great nephews and nieces).

The funeral at Saron Chapel was officiated by Revs John Roberts, Gwyn Rogers, Roger Griffiths, Geoffrey Eynon, Aled Jenkins, Carl Williams and Emlyn Jones, and was followed by interment at Saron Cemetery.

The bearers were: Mark and John Morgan (nephews), Alfred Mathias and Richard James (special friends), while the organist was Petra Rowlands.

The principal mourners were: Glenmore and Maureen (brother and sister-in-law); Mark, John, Jayne, Miranda and Catherine (nephews and nieces); Olive and Gwilym (aunt and uncle); Ellis, Ron, Glyn, Janet, John and Jill (cousins); Richard, Danielle and Kati (great nieces and nephews). Also present were many close friends too numerous to mention.

Unable to attend were Carley-Anne, Charlotte and Rebecca (great nieces) and Enid, Caroline, Moira and Barbara (cousins).

There were family flowers only, but donations in lieu for the Paul Sartori Foundation and Withybush Hospital League of Friends and sent to Bill Allen, 25 St Davids Road, Letterston.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by William Lewis, Ford, Wolfscastle.

Mrs P. F. Scarfe

Pembroke

The funeral took place recently of Pearl Elizabeth Scarfe, aged 79, of Margaret's Way, Upper Lamphey Road, Pembroke.

She was predeceased by her husband Ivor Scarfe nine years ago, after 50 years of marriage.

Pearl was born in Cardiff, where she lived with her parents, brother and two sisters.

During the war her family's home was struck down and bombed and the family fled to the nearby air shelters. This happened on three occasions. Pearl and her younger sister were later evacuated to Pembrokeshire.

Pearl returned to Pembrokeshire in 1945 where she joined the woman's land army base. Sometime later she met her husband at the De Valance hall, in Tenby. Once they were married they decided to raise their family in the county.

Pearl was devoted to her family, and was known as Nanny Pearly by her great-grandson.

She led an active social life and had many interests and hobbies. She was an enthusiastic traveller and had travelled all over the world in her lifetime.

A quiet, gentle, positive person, she also had the most amazing sense of fun and humour.

The funeral was officiated by Rev Roger Jones, of St Michaels Church, Pembroke.

During the service, a tribute was read on behalf of the family by her grandson Jaime.

The principal mourners were: Carol Howard (daughter); Brian and Eileen (son and daughter-in-law); Alan and Chris (sons); Jaime Howard, Tracey Howard, Timothy, Jason, Jodie and Terri (grandchildren); Luke (great grandson) and Mia and Amelia (great granddaughters).

Other mourners were David, Bill and Nancy Howard and Emma Dodd.

The service was followed by interment at St Michaels cemetery.

The bearers were Brian, Alan, Chris and David (sons and son-in-law).

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Neil Roberts and Sons, of Bush Street, Pembroke Dock.

Mr E. D. Walters

Milford Haven

In the obituary of Eric David Walters (Western Telegraph, March 12th) the name of Leigh Scourfield (grandson) was inadvertently omitted from the list of mourners.