Obituaries, February 3rd, 2010

Tenby

A large congregation attended the funeral recently at St Mary’s Church, Tenby, of Betty Davies, (née Truman), who died peacefully on January 5th, aged 71.

Betty was born in Gwynne House, Bridge Street, Tenby. She was the daughter of Janet and Harry Truman, the Welsh rugby international player, and was a member of one of Tenby’s oldest families.

Janet, Harry, Betty and Michael lived for a few years in 12 Park Road, and then moved into Bide-a-wee, Bridge Street.

As a child Betty spent a considerable amount of time at both Gwynne House and also at Sparta House, Bridge Street. She would often recall childhood stories of family occasions.

Betty was educated at Tenby Council School, and after passing her 11-plus moved to Greenhill Grammar School. She loved sport and played hockey for the school.

Betty left school in 1955 and joined Jeremy’s Garage as office staff under Ivor Morris and from there went on to become a member of the South Wales Electricity Board staff at the South Beach Pavilion, where she remained until 1963.

She was also a proud member of Miss Knowling’s red cross volunteers and enjoyed helping the nursing staff at the old Tenby Cottage Hospital.

She married Bradley, who was serving as a petty officer in the Royal Navy, in September 1963, and they moved to Ivy Bush House, Trafalgar Road.

From 1965 until 1970 she supported Bradley in building up a successful milk retailing business. Upon the sale of the business she assisted him when he became a Prudential Assurance agent.

In 1968 they became parents to Katherine, followed by Bradley junior in 1971.

In 1986 her brother Michael (Tatty Truman) drowned in a diving accident in the North Bay and around that time Betty discovered that she was suffering from multiple sclerosis.

She continued to work in various businesses in the early stages of her illness. She became a member of St Mary’s young wives and also the mothers’ union. She also enjoyed sewing and knitting and assisted in the organisation and decoration of Culver Park during the Queen’s Silver Jubilee of 1977.

Betty’s health deteriorated over the last 25 years and she was cared for by Bradley and the family, with the assistance of carers from Care in Hand, during the last three years.

She adored her grandchildren Jessica and Ellis. Betty and Bradley were married for 46 happy years.

She always had a smile on her face and was known for her terrific sense of humour and wonderful laugh.

Principal mourners were: Bradley (husband); Katherine and Graham Morgan (daughter and son-in-law); Bradley and Fern Lewis (son and fiancée); Jessica and Ellis Morgan (grandchildren); Pauline Lloyd-Thomas and Angela Truman (sisters-in-law).

The bearers were Bradley Davies, Graham Morgan, Neil Truman, Jason Truman, Alan Thomas, Graham Thomas.

The service was led by Rev Andrew Davies, with lessons read by Joy Griffiths and Eira John. The eulogy was read by Brian Hilling and a poem recited by Laurie Dale.

There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu for HOPE, Honeyborough, Neyland, to W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mrs S. P. L. Hooper

Burton

The funeral of Suzanne (Sue) Hooper took place at Burton Parish Church on January 13th. She died at home on January 5th aged 60, following a long illness.

Sue was the only daughter of Philip and Phyllis Thomas (née Howell) of Burton, where she grew up with her older brother Glyn. She attended Burton School and Sir Thomas Picton School and at the age of 16 began work as a sales assistant with Stanley Downes Bakeries in Haverfordwest.

In 1968 Sue married Vince Hooper, a corporal in the army and moved to Germany, where they remained until 1973. Upon their return to Pembrokeshire they made their home in Neyland.

She had three children Carl, Donna and Christopher; six grandchildren Craig, Matthew, Niall, Amy, Liam and Kieran and a great granddaughter, Claire.

Sue was a busy, devoted mum who centred her life around her family. When her children were young she became a cub scout leader, and was very proud of her achievements. She worked for a short period at Tesco, Haverfordwest.

Sue spent the last 24 years of her working life as a cook at the Riverside Restaurant, Haverfordwest, where she made many good friends before retiring in June 2009. She had a lifelong love of music, which began as a young girl singing in her local church, and enjoyed reading, tennis and watching showjumping.

Sue leaves to mourn: Vince (husband); Carl and Dianne, Christopher and Julia (sons and daughters-in-law); Donna and Gary (daughter and fiance); Craig, Becci and Claire (grandson, partner and great granddaughter); Matthew, Niall, Amy, Liam and Kieran (grandchildren); Glyn and Queenie (brother and sister-in-law), with other relatives, friends and colleagues too numerous to mention.

The service was led by Rev Graham Lloyd, and the organist was Sue’s lifelong friend Diana Campbell. The bearers were Philip, Gary, David and Kevin Matthews (nephews).

There were family flowers only, with donations to the Paul Sartori Foundation, 31 Haven Road, Haverfordwest.

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

Mr G. B. Pegg

East Williamston

The funeral of George Barnett Pegg, of East Williamston, took place on December 9th at Parc Gwyn Crematorium.

Born in York in 1926 and educated at Nunthorpe School, George grew up in a farming family and carried on the tradition in his early career before serving in the Royal Navy. During his life he also worked as a bookkeeper and accountant, became a trained florist and pursued a number of varied interests and hobbies. After moving to Surrey in the early 1950s, he came to Pembrokeshire with his wife Maggie in 1966 as part of a team to set up a new division of the Solartron company in Milford Haven. Their sons William and Richard were born and educated in the county.

The family moved to Sussex in 1982, but George and Maggie returned to Pembrokeshire in 1998, where George involved himself in the rural life of East Williamston, serving for a number of years as vice-chairman of the community and hall association and also becoming the community council clerk.

A keen member of Tenby golf club since 1966, he played regularly every Sunday. Although in his 80s, George continued his accountancy work in London for one week every month and his floral skills were much in demand for the weddings of friends. He was a devoted family man and proud grandfather of Olivia, Elliott, Jack, Georgia and Olivia Beth.

The funeral service was led by Rev Roger Hart.

Principal mourners are: Maggie (wife); William and Sam (son and daughter-in-law); Richard and Karen (son and partner); and the bearers were Neil Duffy, Robert Griffiths, Franz Klau, Stuart Mackay, Doug McIntosh and Anthony Ratcliffe.

There were family flowers only, but donations for RNLI Pembroke Ladies Lifeboat Guild or the high dependency unit at Withybush Hospital can be sent to W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr H. H. J. Bowen

Llanteg

The death occurred at Woodfield Care Home, Narberth, of Howard Henry John Bowen, of Tig Brian, Llanteg, on December 4th. He was 72.

Originally from Milford Haven he was a engineer, and he retired from Devonport Naval Base, Plymouth.

His main interests were cars, his garden and his family.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Pam (wife); Lianne and Geraint (daughter and son); Adrian and Sharon (son-in-law and daughter-in-law); Iwan, Gareth, Carwyn, Rhydian, Corey (grandsons); Gareth and Ian (brothers); Molly and Jenny (sisters-in-law); and cousins and friends.

The funeral service was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and was led by Canon Michael Butler. The bearers were Iwan, Gareth, Carwyn and Rhydian (grandsons).

Donations, if desired for St Non’s Unit, Withybush Hospital, may be sent to E. C. Thomas and Son, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, SA67 8LT, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr I. J. Chapman

St Davids

The funeral of Idwal John Chapman took place recently at the Chapel of Rest, St Davids. He died at his home on January 4th, aged 86.

The service was led by Rev Dean Jonathan Lean and the bearers were Alyn Pugh, Gareth John, Malcolm Horsfall and Tony Pearce.

Born at Carfarchell, Idwal with his parents Mattie and Jack and sister Jean, lived in Llangama, Solva. He joined the Merchant Navy at 15 and was called up to the Royal Navy when war broke out.

Idwal was married to Mabel for 66 years and had two daughters Maureen and Jennifer, and a son David, who died aged 19. His grandson Anthony died at the same age.

He was an accomplished seaman, making a living as a lobster fisherman for many years and also owning a fishing tackle shop in Nun Street, St Davids, until he retired.

He liked nothing more than to be out at sea. He served on the St Davids Lifeboat for 12 years. His other love was his garden, and growing his own fruit, vegetables and flowers.

Left to mourn are: Mabel (wife); Maureen and Donald, Jennifer and Michael (daughters and sons-in-law); Belinda and Allan (granddaughter and husband); Charlotte (great granddaughter); Ashley (great grandson), plus cousins, friends and lifeboat crew members.

Many cousins and friends were unable to attend due to weather conditions.

There were family flowers only with donations for the Paul Sartori Foundation to Bernard Mathias, 62 New Street, St Davids who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr D. Davies

Pembroke Dock

The death of David Davies, of Pembroke Street, Pembroke Dock, occurred suddenly at Withybush Hospital on January 11th. He was 63.

David was born and brought up in Willesdon, north London, and moved to Pembroke Dock in 1969 with his family.

He worked as a self-employed painter/decorator until he retired due to ill health.

Left to mourn are: Gill (wife); Justin and Emma (son and daughter-in-law); Jason and Theresa (son and daughter-in-law); Sean, Michael, Collette, Shelby and Shannon (grandchildren); Brian (brother); Maureen and Ken (sister and brother-in-law); Terry (brother); Diana and Mervyn (sister and brother-in-law); Gordon and Gwyneth (brother and sister-in-law) and nephews and nieces.

The funeral took place at St John’s Church, Pembroke Dock, followed by interment at Llanion cemetery. It was officiated by Rev Nigel Thomas.

The bearers were Sean and Michael Davis (grandsons), Michael Cross and Alex Jenkins (friends).

There were family flowers only with donations for the Paul Sartori Foundation and the Ichthyosis Support Group.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by E. C. Thomas and Son, of Pembroke Dock.

Mr A. D. Jaap

Neyland

Alan David Jaap, of St Anne’s Place, Neyland died at home on December 29th, aged 74.

Born in Pembroke Dock, he had to relocate to Johnston when the family home was bombed during the Second World War. He attended Haverfordwest Grammar School, completing his education at Kings College, London.

He married Marjorie in August 1957 and the couple were married for 53 years.

They moved to London where he started his career as a civil engineer. In 1959 they lived in northern Nigeria constructing a railway and in 1965 went to Sierra Leone to extend the airport. Alan left Rendal Palmer and Tritton in 1968 when he went to work for the government of Fiji, eventually becoming the director of roads and airfields.

In 1977 the family returned to Pembrokeshire where he worked for Snamprogetti on the Texaco refinery, after which the couple moved to Antigua where he was the director of public works until 1988. On their return to this country, he worked with Pell Frischmann on the Thelwell Viaduct, until his retirement due to ill-health.

Alan loved his work and was fortunate that his chosen career provided a wonderful range of experiences and opportunities for his daughters Janet, Helen and Ruth and for his son Mark.

He was a sports all-rounder, running for Haverfordwest grammar school and the county and playing football for Johnston.

He continued to play football at Kings College, gaining his half colours, and throughout the years in Fiji. He retired from football aged 38, replacing it with squash. As a result of his travels Alan also developed a keen interest in photography.

The funeral was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium on January 7th, led by Rev Martin Evans.

The principal mourners are: Marjorie (wife); Janet, Helen and Ruth (daughters); Mark (son); Jeremy and Neil (sons-in-law); Alison (daughter-in-law); Nicola, Emily, Jamie, Rebecca, Phillip, Jason, David and Caitlin (grandchildren).

Family and friends left to mourn include Barbara Nash and her family, Joan and Terry Martin and family, Graham and Colin Venables, Stanley Nicholls and all members of the extended family along with friends both near and far.

There were family flowers only, but donations in lieu can be made to the Parkinson’s Disease Society.

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

Mr W. Davies

Neyland

The funeral took place on November 17th of Warren Davies (Waddy), of James Street, Neyland, who died at his home on November 10th, aged 80.

He was the second youngest of seven children, born to Warren and Annie Pretoria Jane Davies, of Burton.

He went to school in Llangwm and left at 14 to start work on a farm, Peters of Knapp, in Freystrop. He lived with his grandparents John and Martha Davies, in Hook, during the Second World War because his father was on active service.

Warren did his national service between 1947 and 1949 in the South Wales Borderers, and was stationed in Brecon, Leicester and Preston. He gained his cross-rifles badge as a marksman.

He did various jobs after leaving the army mainly on the land. He then worked on the mobile gang, a crew of 40 men attached to Great Western Railways carrying out maintenance work. After getting married in 1953, he worked on the railways based in Neyland for nearly ten years. A period followed where he worked on local refineries Esso, Regent (now Chevron) and at Gulf.

He then worked for the local council based in Haverfordwest until the mid-70s, and at weekends he worked at Benton Castle as a gardener/handyman. His last job before retirement in 1982, due to ill-health, was at Milford Haven Mine Depot.

Warren was married to Valerie Jean Davies for 55 years until she died in January 2009. They had four children.

His interests were gardening, painting and drawing.

The principal mourners are: Mark and Linda, Andrew and Michelle (sons and daughters-in-law); Janet, Julie and David (daughters and son-in-law); Cerith, Steven, Evan and Owain (grandsons); Aliyah (great-grandchild); Teddy (brother); Pat (sister); plus other close family, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbours too numerous to mention.

The funeral service took place at St Clement’s Church, Neyland and the officiating minister was Rev Paul Flavell. Also in attendance were the Royal British Legion standard bearer and bugler, and the reveille and the last post were played at the church and at the cemetery.

His eldest son Mark also paid tribute to his father by giving a eulogy about his life. The bearers were Mark and Andrew (sons); Chris Morris and Russell Wood (family friends).

There were family flowers only with donations for the children’s ward at Withybush Hospital to be sent to Madeline Richards, 12 Sydney Webb Close, Neyland SA73 1UB.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Glyn Thomas and Son, of Freystrop assisted by Susan Price.

Mrs P. V. Evans

Milford Haven (formerly of Waterston)

Phoebe Valerie Evans, of Marble Hall Close, Milford Haven (formerly of Waterston), died at Withybush Hospital on December 30th, aged 82.

The funeral took place on January 6th at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and was officiated by Rev Paul Bartlett.

Mr D. D. Brinn

Pembroke Dock

David Derek Brinn, of Lewis Street, Pembroke Dock, died at Fairfield Nursing Home, Johnston, on December 30th. He was 73.

Before retiring, he was a driver for the Army Ordnance at Pier Road, Pembroke Dock.

During the war he served with the Royal Artillery in Korea, Malaya, Hong Kong and Germany.

His main interests were his horses and spending time with his family.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Gwyneth (wife); David and Sharon (son and daughter); Carol and John (daughter-in-law and son-in-law); Gareth, Lewis, Laura and Ellie (grandchildren); Elizabeth (sister); Mair and Joyce (sisters-in-law).

The funeral service was held at St Patrick’s Church, followed by interment at Llanion cemetery and officiated by Rev Shirley Rayner.

The bearers were Gareth Brinn, Lewis Brinn, Michael Sheehan, Michael Bessant, Bobby Taylor and Dutty Taylor. A eulogy was read by Terry Taylor.

There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu for the Alzheimer’s Society, 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.

Mr J. H. James

Haverfordwest

The death occurred on December 20th at Withybush Hospital of James Henry (Jim) James, of Ratford Bridge, Dale Road, Haverfordwest. He was 83.

Originally from Portfield Gate, he served his apprenticeship as a wheelwright with Mr Evans, at Ratford Bridge, and bought the business in 1949 at the age of 23. Jim was still involved in the business until last autumn. In the early years he and his staff built haysheds, gates and cattle lorry bodies. Jim developed the business and made it a high quality joinery.

He promoted the craft of joinery and was a long-serving member of the Pembrokeshire Group Training Association, the Construction Industry Training Board and the Building Employers Confederation. He also served as a governor of Pembrokeshire College.

Jim was a keen gardener and active member of Walwyns Castle community and St James’ Church. He had also been a member of Haverfordwest Lions and had many good friends in both social and business communities.

He was predeceased by his wife Olwyn Iris James in 1995.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are: John and Clare James (son and daughter-in-law); Pauline and Richard Dawson (daughter and son-in-law); Robert James and Kate Collins (grandson and partner); David James and Clementine Llewellin James (grandson and wife); Richard James, Michael Edwards, Ian Edwards (grandsons); Molly Reynolds (sister); Mary Morgan (cousin); Joan and Michael Pickles (niece and husband); Selwyn Reynolds (nephew); Eileen and Alan Joliffe, Pat and Steven Griffiths (nieces and husbands).

Unable to attend were Gillian and Denzil Phillips (niece and husband).

The funeral service was held at St James’ Church, Walwyns Castle and was led by Rev Dr Rhiannon Johnston.

The bearers were Robert David and Richard James, Michael and Ian Edwards, and Selwyn Reynolds.

There were family flowers only with donations in lieu to the Paul Sartori Foundation c/o the treasurer, 31 Haven Road, Haverfordwest SA61 1DU.

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

Mr H. Daye

New Moat

The funeral of Hywel (Taff) Daye, of Stepaside Bridge, New Moat, Clarbeston Road, took place on January 2nd at St Martin of Tours Church, Clarbeston. He died on December 26th at Withybush Hospital, aged 77.

Hywel is survived by Beryl (wife); Stephen (son); Rosanne, Sharon and Philip (daughters and son-in-law); Sharalyn, Stuart, Stephanie and James (grandchildren); Noah and Joshua (great grandchildren). He was predeceased by his eldest son, Philip, in March 2000.

Other family members left to mourn are: Kathleen (sister); Quentin and Pam (brother and sister-in-law); Margaret, Talford, Nellie, Rose, Bronwen, Ritchie and Ida, Glyn and Pat (sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law); Hida and Bryn Turley, Betty Beckett (aunts and uncle) together with nieces, nephews and cousins too numerous to mention.

Unable to attend were: Dorothy Court (sister); Valerie Daye (sister-in-law); Hayden Davies and Glyn Eynon (brothers-in-law).

The funeral service was led by Rev Nicholas Cale, Rev Geoffrey Eynon and Rev Derek Davies. The eulogy was read by Jill Williams (niece) and the organist Sian Lewis.

The bearers were James Evans, Simon James, Richard Lawrence, Robert Voyle, Simon Voyle and Stephen Williams.

There were family flowers only with donations if desired to the Coronary Care Unit, Withybush Hospital to Dylan Davies, Benlyn, Clarbeston Road SA63 4XA.

Mr G. Cawood

Berea

The funeral of Gordon Cawood, of 2 Kites Well, Berea, took place on December 14th at Berea Chapel. He died at his home on December 9th aged 88.

Gordon was born in Leicester, and in 1943 enlisted as a wireless operator with the RAF at the outbreak of the Second World War, and was posted to St Davids.

While based at St Davids he met his wife-to-be Doris Tegan, of Solva Hill.

Gordon and Doris married in 1945 and they made their home in Leicester, but they both longed for Pembrokeshire and moved back in 1947.

Gordon considered himself a Welshman and was proud to be Welsh and to live in Pembrokeshire. He learnt to speak Welsh fluently and was honoured to be asked to present the welcoming speech at the National Eisteddfod in Fishguard in 1986.

Gordon served as chairman of Preseli Pembrokeshire County Council and Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority. He enjoyed life to the full and enjoyed many community activities. Although his life was busy he made time for his family, who he truly loved.

The principle mourners are: Doris (wife); Kathleen and Jim (daughter and son-in-law); Nigel and Anne-Marie, Mari and Adrian, Moira and Kevin (grandchildren); Geraint, Jessica, Emma, Jack, Nia, Rhys, Ben and Osian (great grandchildren); Colin and Joyce (brother and sister-in-law); Joan (sister); Joyce (sister-in-law), also close family, friends and neighbours too numerous to mention.

The bearers were Nigel (grandson); Kevin and Adrian (grandsons-in-law); Geraint (great-grandson); David Rees and Gordon Rowledge (family friends).

Rev Geoffrey Eynon led the service, assisted by Rev John Bennet, Rev Alan Salmon and Rev John Eatock, a family friend. The organist was Ruth Barker.

There were family flowers only, but donations for the Paul Sartori Foundation may be sent to David Price, Hafan, Croesgoch, Haverfordwest.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Paul Jenkins and Sons, of Fishguard.

Mrs S. E. Cole

Cresswell Quay

The death occurred after a short stay at Withybush Hospital on December 31st of Sarah Elizabeth Cole (Sally), of Pisgah, Cresswell Quay. She was 92.

She worked at Cresselly House for the Harrison-Allen family and later at the Cresselly Arms for Jim and Alice Davies. After her marriage she worked alongside her husband John in their butchery business at Pisgah.

Her main interests were her family, needlework, being a member of Pisgah Chapel and a life member of Cresselly Cricket Club.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Joyce and Alan Thomas (daughter and son-in-law); Glyn and Pauline Cole (son and daughter-in-law); Gary and Mel, Simon and Vivienne, Leigh and Michelle (grandsons and partners); Louisa and Ian (granddaughter and partner); Sophia Cole (great granddaughter); Mrs Vera James (sister-in-law), plus nieces, nephews and their families.

The service was held at Pisgah Baptist Chapel and was led by Pastor David Gooding. Val Evans was the organist and the bearers were Gary Thomas, Simon Cole, Leigh Thomas and Louisa Cole (grandchildren).

A tribute on behalf of the grandchildren was given by Louisa.

There were family flowers only with donations in lieu for Pisgah Baptist Chapel to be sent c/o Mr M. Cole, Cresselly Arms, Cresswell Quay, Cresselly, Kilgetty.

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