Former colleagues recently joined a huge gathering of relatives, neighbours and friends at Berea Welsh Congregational Chapel to pay a fond farewell to a local man and faithful servant of the people.

Gordon Cawood died peacefully in his 89th year, in the presence of his family. He had suffered failing health for several years.

Llanrhian was Gordon’s adopted home, where he earned the respect and admiration of the community and is remembered with warmth and affection.

Born in Leicester, he worked for Co-operative Retail Services until the outbreak of war, when he enlisted with the RAF.

While serving as a wireless operator at St Davids air station, he met Doris Tegan, of Berea. They married shortly after the war.

Gordon joined Llanrhian parish council before gaining election to the old Pembrokeshire County Council. He campaigned for a seat on Haverfordwest rural district council before becoming a popular choice for the new Dyfed county council.

He served two terms as chairman of Preseli Pembrokeshire district council and was immediately re-elected when Pembrokeshire County Council was restored.

He was also a member of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and served two four-year terms as chairman.

He was a founder and active member of the Croesgoch branch of the Royal British Legion, Llanrhian Cricket Club and Croesgoch Garden Show committee.

His commitment of 42 years public service included being a governor of three primary schools, but he always ensured that he had ample time for his wife, daughter and son-in-law, three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Councillor John George, referred to Mr Cawood as “a marvellous, genuine man and second to none, a true and loyal friend.”

Present chairman of the national park authority, Richard Howells, presented the eulogy at the funeral. He said: “He unfailingly treated everyone with old-fashioned charm and courtesy, always calm, always forgiving.”

He added: “Gordon Cawood graced the Pembrokeshire local government scene for over 40 years and was one of the few people of whom it could be said had never, ever uttered a disparaging remark about anyone and whose memory will live on.”