Obituaries, February 17th 2010

Haverfordwest

The death occurred at Bush House, Pembroke, of Eddie Thomas, of Meadow Croft House, Old Hakin Road, Haverfordwest, who died at the age of 81 on January 22nd.

A native of Tiers Cross, he was a farmhand as a young man, a quarry-man/lorry driver at Bolton Hill Quarry and a garage proprietor, from where he retired in 1994.

His interests were fishing and boating.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Elizabeth Mary Thomas (wife); Philip, Jason and Julian (sons); Tina (daughter); Jenna, James, Daniel, Scott and Shannon (grandchildren).

The service was held at Tiers Cross Chapel and was taken by Rev Martin Evans. The bearers were Philip, Jason and Julian Thomas (sons); Steve Hooper (son-in-law).

There are donations in lieu of flowers for the Parkinson’s Society and the funeral arrangements were carried out by Tom Newing and Sons, Milford Haven.

Mr W. G. Williams

Llangwm

William George (Bill) Williams, of Glan Hafan, Llangwm, died on January 13th at Withybush Hospital. He was 83.

Born at Webbs Hill, Walton West, Broad Haven, he married his wife Jean in 1949, and they moved to Llangwm where they spent all their married life.

During his working life, and after his discharge from the 1st Battalion, Parachute Regiment in 1946, he started work as a bakery rounds man before moving on to work for Greens Motors.

He joined Electrolux as a service engineer in 1964, where he stayed until his retirement in 1991.

Bill’s main interests were boating and fishing and he often fished off St Anne’s Head.

He loved his garden and stocked his freezer every year with the vegetables he had grown. He always looked forward to visits from his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife Jean in 1983; Ronald (brother); Gwyneth Butler (sister); and Ieuan Phillips (great grandson).

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Alun and Iris Williams (son and daughter-in-law); Dawn and Keith Baker (daughter and son-in-law); Andrea and Tim Phillips, Justine and Martin Beeley, Lindsey and Scott Davis (granddaughters and husbands); Lee and Rozanne Baker (grandson and wife); Mitchell and Nathan Phillips, Kyle and Rhiannon Beeley, Cody Davies (great grandchildren); Joyce Thomas (sister); Dorothy and Arnold Allen (sister-in-law and husband); Michael Butler and Peter Thomas (nephews); Susan and Gerald Ingram (niece and husband); Brian and Jill Allen, Michael and Juanita Allen (nephews and wives); John and Shirley Brock.

Unable to attend were Dawn and Keith Baker (daughter and son-in-law, USA); Lee and Roxanne Baker (grandson and wife USA); Lindsey and Scott Davis (grand daughter and husband USA); Tim, Mitchell and Nathan Phillips (USA); Kyle and Rhiannon Beeley (Germany) and Cody Davis (USA).

The service, held at Parc Gwyn, was officiated by Rev Cale.

There were immediate family flowers only, but donations for the coronary care unit, Withybush Hospital, can be sent to Shirley Brock, St Julian, 20 Rectory Road, Llangwm, Haverfordwest SA62 4JA.

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

MR J. D. G. SCOURFIELD

BEGELLY

The funeral took place on January 28th of James David George Scourfield, aged 71, of Windberry Top Farm, Begelly.

David was born in the old Tenby Cottage Hospital and was the eldest of three brothers. His entire life was lived at Windberry Top Farm where he worked hard to build up his dairy farm. In his younger days, David also helped his uncle who farmed at Gilfach, driving the combine harvester at harvest time. He was a dedicated farmer and was well respected by all who knew him. Due to ill health, he had to retire from farming 18 months ago.

David never married, but found love with Diana, whom he had known for 15 years. They enjoyed holidays together in Scotland and Ireland and were very happy together.

During busy times at the farm, extra men were asked to help out and nobody turned David down as he was a fair and kind boss. Diana’s cooking and high-teas were something David was proud to share with his work force.

He was close to his brothers and their families. He also became close to Diana’s children and grandchildren, especially Callum.

David leaves to mourn his partner Diana; his brothers Gwyn and Gareth; sisters-in-law Diane and Alison; nephews, nieces and their children and Diana’s children and their families.

A family service at the farmhouse was followed by a service led by Rev Elwyn John at Parc Gwyn Crematorium.

Bearers were Glyn Williams, Hywel Davies, Peter John, Gwyn Morgan, Huw Scourfield and Callum Lowe.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made for Wales Air Ambulance, c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, who carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mrs L. M. Rees

Johnston

Lilian May Rees, of Bulford Road, Johnston, died at South Pembrokeshire Hospital on January 22nd, aged 94.

She was born in Caerau, Bridgend, and came to the county at the age of 14 to work in service on the farm at Dudwell, Keeston. While there, she met Ivor and attended Keeston Chapel, where they were married in 1934. They then moved to Hook and settled in Johnston in 1955.

In her early years her interests were her home, gardening and her family. In her later life she enjoyed her TV and reading and the company of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She attended Keeston Chapel and Mount Zion Chapel in Hook.

She was predeceased by Ivor in 2001, her son George in 1976, her eldest grandson Tony in 1999 and her daughter Betty in 2009.

The principal mourners are: Sylvia and Robert Blockwell (daughter and son-in-law); Gerald and Sylvia Rees (son and daughter-in-law); Manuel Lloyd (son-in-law); five grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

The service was held at Tiers Cross UR Church followed by interment in Tiers Cross Cemetery. It was officiated by Rev Martin Evans.

The bearers were Jeremy Rees, Stephen Lloyd, Jeff Thomas and Phillip Devonald.

There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu for the Sunderland Ward, South Pembrokeshire Hospital, being sent to Mr D. Edwards, Northways, Brickhurst Park, Johnston, Haverfordwest SA62 3PA.

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

Mr A. Barrington

Martletwy

The funeral of Alan Barrington took place on February 8th at Parc Gwyn Crematorium. After a short stay in Withybush Hospital he died on February 2nd aged 81.

Born in Stockport, Cheshire, he then moved to Martletwy in 1966 and worked as a herdsman at Newton Farm until he retired in 1991.

Alan was married to Rosemary for some 25 years, but in 1975 she was tragically killed in a horse riding accident.

He was an excellent and dedicated farmer who enjoyed his work and working the land. His interests were his family and his garden and the countryside.

He had three children Chris, Jean and Phil; six grandchildren Andrew, Darren, Scott, Rachael, Emily and Alice; and great granddaughter Ami.

Family left to mourn are: children Chris, Jean and Phil; daughters-in-law Marilyn and Katherine; grandchildren Andrew and his wife Gail, Darren and his wife Alison, Scott, Rachael, Emily and Alice and great granddaughter Ami.

Funeral arrangements were carried out by W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons.

Mrs M. E. Coombes

Pembroke Dock

Mary Elizabeth (Hilary) Coombes, of St Telio’s Road, Pembroke Dock, died at her home on January 5th.

She was originally from Londonderry and was predeceased by her husband David George Coombes.

Family left to mourn are: Elaine (daughter); Terry (son) and Melissa (partner); Ian (son); Karen, Jonathan, Richard, Albert, David, Emma, Lucy-Ann, Ben, Stacey (grandchildren); Leo and Ellie (great grandchildren).

The service was held at St John’s Church and was officiated by Rev Robin Webley. The bearers were Peter Burke, Martin Mills, Mark Jones and Colin Kayac.

There were family flowers only, with donations for Cancer Research being sent 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.

Mrs G. Thomas

Penycwm

The funeral service of Gwen Thomas, Erw Lon, Penycwm took place on January 22nd. Gwen died on January 17th at Withybush Hospital in her 89th year.

She was pre-deceased by her husband Frank, her son Glanville and was the sister of the late Elvet and Letty.

A private service was held at the family home and was followed by a public service and interment at Trefgarn Owen Chapel Cemetery. The service was officiated by her minister, Rev Geoffrey Eynon who was assisted by Rev D. Carl Williams.

Principal mourners are: Pam Thomas, Barbara Howells and Dyfrig Williams (nieces and partner); Huw Thomas and Jane (great-nephew and partner); Wyn and Cathy Thomas (great-nephew and wife); James Thomas (great-great-nephew); Edna John, Rita Miles, Joan John, Helen Harding, John Charles, Neil and Zena Blowers, Malcolm Phillips, Lyn Davies, John Price (cousins); together with other relatives, friends and neighbours too numerous to mention.

Unable to attend were: Christopher, Bethan, Andrew, Richard and Jane (great-great-nephews and nieces); Betty Harries and Martin Phillips (cousins).

The bearers were Wyn Thomas, Huw Thomas, James Thomas and Malcolm Phillips.

There were family flowers only with donations in lieu for ward seven, Withybush Hospital.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Rhydian Eynon of Paul Jenkins and Sons, Fishguard, who are collecting any donations.

Mrs E. F. Halliday

Haverfordwest

The death occurred at Withybush Hospital of Mrs E. F. Halliday (Betty) on January 19th. She was 94.

Originally from Reydon, Suffolk, she was a housewife, and a mother of four children. While she took her civil duties seriously, she was never happier than when surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was a dinner lady at Prendergast School, Haverfordwest, from where she retired.

Her interests included working for the WRVS for 50 years and the Darby and Joan Club. Also she enjoyed knitting, sewing, gardening and travelling.

She was predeceased by her husband Eric Halliday.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Richard Halliday, David Halliday (sons); Janet Phillips and Pamela Frank (daughters); plus their wives and husbands; 11 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and three great great grandchildren.

The service was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and was officiated by Rev Nicholas Cale.

The bearers were David Halliday, Paul Frank, Ifan Phillips and Bryan Phillips.

There were family flowers only, with donations to Withybush Hospital League of Friends, Haverfordwest.

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

Miss J. E. Colley

Pembroke

The funeral of Joyce Colley took place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium on January 22nd. She was the youngest daughter of the late Alderman T. W. Colley and Mrs E. E. A. Colley.

Born in Pembroke, she joined the ATS at the start of the Second World War. On leaving the ATS in 1945 she moved to London and worked there for several years, returning to Pembroke to help care for her mother. In 1961 she became secretary to the headmaster of Pembroke Grammar School, staying on after it became a comprehensive until her retirement.

Lately she became involved in the Pembroke 21C/Digital story project.

The funeral was led by Rev Rob James. She will be greatly missed by all her nieces and nephews, great and great great nieces and nephews.

There were family flowers only, but donations may be sent to the Pembroke and Monkton Local History Society c/o John Roberts and Son, 51 Bush Street, Pembroke Dock, SA72 6AN, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mrs K. V. Vickers

Milford Haven

Kathleen Violet Vickers died at Withybush Hospital on December 25th. She was 89 and lived in John Lewis Street, Hakin, Milford Haven.

A native of Worcester, she worked for a family in London between 1938 and 1945, then she spent six years working for Cadbury, in Worcester, and seven years working for Russell and Dorrell in the stockroom in Worcester. She moved from Worcester to Milford Haven in 1960.

She was predeceased by her husband Henry Gilbert Vickers in 1984.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Alan and Elizabeth (son and daughter-in-law); Alexander and Harriet (grandchildren); Ashley Sheppard (nephew) and his wife Alison; Megan, Caitlin, Ffion and Anwen (great nieces); Jean, Betty and Ann (sisters); Alan and John (brothers); Graham and Wendy Middleton, John and Myfanwy Boswell, Mark and Gillian Warren, Neil James, Colin and Janet Robery.

The service was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and was officiated by Rev Martyn Evans.

There were no flowers, with donations in lieu for RNIB Talking Books.

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

Miss C. M. Cole

Lawrenny

Miss Catherine Mona Cole (Kitty), of Coedcanlas, Lawrenny, died on December 28th at South Pembrokeshire Hospital.

Kitty worked all her life with the Merriman family at Coedcanlas Farm. She worked in the house and was an expert cook as well as milking the cows twice a day.

When Kitty retired she became carer of James Merriman. Following the death of Arthur Merriman, Kitty and James looked after each other until she was taken ill in 2009.

She loved cooking and was devoted to her two chapels, Martletwy Baptist and Burnetts Hill. She worked hard to support them both as she did every organisation in the area.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are: John and Anne Cole, Christine and Gwyn Frearson, Susan Davies (nieces and nephews); Simon and Carrie Davies, Paul Pridmore, Darren Pridmore, Martin Pridmore, Richard Cole, Steven Cole, Angela Cole, Julie Frearson, Barry Frearson (great nephews and nieces); and her adopted family James Merriman (godson); David and Susan Merriman, Hayley Merriman, Rebecca Merriman and Nicholas Merriman.

The service was held at Martletwy Baptist Chapel followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn. The bearers were Roy Eynon, Phillip Eynon, Nicholas Merriman, Hugh Richards, Dennis Richards and Campbell Richards.

Donations in lieu of flowers for The Avenue Centre, Tenby and Burnetts Hill Chapel c/o Mr S. Treharne, E. C. Thomas and Son, 31 Stockwell Road, Pembroke Dock, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Miss S. Harries

Narberth

THE death of 16-year-old Shelley-Louise Harries occurred at the Heath Hospital, Cardiff, on January 14th.

Shelley, who lived in Panteg Uchaf, Station Approach, Narberth, was a waitress at the Angel Hotel, Narberth during the summer holidays and also Café Q, Narberth.

Her interests included playing football, hockey for her school, being a town crier for Narberth, singing, music and writing poetry.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are: Paul and Beverley (mum and dad); Shannon and Tiegan (sisters); Jennifer Gwilliam (nannie); Tony Hawkins (Chappie); Lynette and Philip, Debbie and Stephen, Ian and Julie, Kevin and Charlotte (uncles and aunties); Matthew and Vicky, Claire and Nigel, Daniel, Leanne and Steve, Amy, Charlotte and Andrew (cousins and partners); Katrina, Chris and children (close family friends), plus many friends and relatives too numerous to mention.

The funeral was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium and was officiated by Rev Michael Rowlands and Rev Elwyn John.

The bearers were Daniel Morgan, Matthew Evans, Christopher Connor and James Thomas. Shelley’s white coffin adorned with pink daisies was conveyed from her home to Parc Gwyn in a glass carriage drawn by two black plumed horses.

There were family flowers only with donations for the Teenage Cancer Trust, University of Cardiff c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside SA67 8LT, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

MR. T. D. PHILLIPS F.C.A.

NARBERTH

Large crowds gathered at Parc Gwyn Crematorium to pay their respects to Thomas Delme (Tom) Phillips, who died peacefully at his home, Four Winds, Narberth, after a long fight against illness.

He was the eldest son of the late Mr and Mrs Gwilym Phillips, Llandissilio. His brother Graham died in 1981, but Peter is left to mourn.

Tom is survived by his wife Kathleen; son Julian; daughter Vanessa; daughter-in-law Clare; grandchildren Kate and Harry; Peter and Myfanwy Phillips (brother and sister-in-law); Marlene Phillips (sister-in-law); Peter and Mandy Phillips, Paul and Tracey Phillips, Nigel and Tania Phillips, Leighton and Donna Phillips, Caroline and Paul Jenkins (nephews and nieces); John and Margaret Mathias (brother-in-law and sister-in-law), Jayne, Brian and Christopher Thomas, Jonathan Mathias (niece and nephews, as well as many more relatives and close friends.

He was a lifelong member of Blaenconin Chapel, Llandissilio.

After leaving Narberth Grammar School, he joined the Royal Navy and was proud to have served on the aircraft carrier HMS Ocean. In 1947, after his service, he became a member of the accountancy firm of Llewellyn Davies, and qualified as a chartered accountant eventually becoming senior partner and consultant – a role he enjoyed so much due to the loyalty and friendship of colleagues and clients and the long-serving staff.

Throughout his life, he showed a great interest in all sporting activities having played soccer for his school, the Clynderwen club and was always a keen supporter of Tottenham Hotspur. In his early days, he played hockey for Haverfordwest, was a keen golfer, liked bowls and watching cricket.

Rugby played a significant part of his life and he was an avid supporter of Wales, often travelling to Cardiff in the past, but latterly joining his friends as television match experts. Tom was one of the group of local professional men who for many years supported the club and who enjoyed great friendship and gained the title the ‘Four Half Pinters’. Sadly only one remains.

Tom and Kathleen met as pupils in the old Grammar School at Narberth and were married at Ludchurch Church in 1954 by the late Canon Hilton Grey.

Tom loved travelling and his holidays in Austria and Italy were of particular interest, as were the Canadian and Paris journeys they took with his friends Gary and Ann Thomas.

His professional qualifications enabled him to help numerous organisations with their accounts. As Narberth was so dear to his heart, he served as a town councillor and for many years as treasurer of the Queen’s Hall. He was a past member of the Narberth and Whitland Rotary Club and treasurer of the Old Pupils Association.

He became a keen gardener and took great pride in his vegetable garden and the grounds at Four Winds.

The service at Parc Gwyn was led by Rev Sarah Geach who paid tribute to Tom’s life. A personal euology was given by his daughter-in-law Clare and a poem read by his niece Jayne Thomas.

The bearers were Julian (son); Jonathan Mathias (nephew); and great friends Gary Thomas and John Morris.

His ashes were later interred at Ludchurch.

There were family flowers only, but donations for the Paul Sartori Foundation may be made c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, Narberth, who carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mrs M. A. Hart

Milton

The death at Withybush Hospital of Margaret Ann Hart occurred on January 19th. She lived in Summers Villas, Milton and was 81.

Originally from Maesteg, she moved to Pembrokeshire in the 1940s. She married Frederick Hart, of Carew, and settled here and brought up her family. She worked in Angelton Hospital in Bridgend and worked in factories in Pembroke Dock.

She enjoyed socialising with friends and neighbours and also liked playing darts in the local community. She was predeceased by her husband Frederick Hart in 1994.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners were Ken (son); together with close family.

A large number from throughout the community came to pay their respects at Pisgah Baptist Chapel, where the officiating clergy was Pastor David Gooding.

The bearers were Paul Hay, Maurice Cole, Terry Brace, Stewart Treharne and the organist was Elizabeth Treharne.

The were a large number of floral tributes, as Mrs Hart loved flowers.

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

Mr W. N. Gould

Neyland

The funeral took place on December 11th at Steynton Church of Walter (Wally) Noel Gould, of College Park, Neyland, who died on December 6th, aged 72.

He was held in high esteem by all who knew him, which was shown by the large attendance at the church and Honeyborough Cemetery.

He was a loving family man with a wonderful sense of humour, with a quick wit and an answer for everything.

He was married to Shirley for almost 49 years and they had three sons of whom he was so proud, Paul, Stephen and Nigel; two daughters-in-law Sharon and Gayle; and three granddaughters Sian, Rhiannon and Jasmine.

The service was led by Rev Derek Davies, and the bearers were Ralph Potter, Mel Horne, Tony Robinson and Dominic Gianuzzi.

There were family flowers only, but donations in lieu for the Social Activity Centre may be sent to Paul Gould, 9 Westfield Drive, Honeyborough, Neyland, SA73 1SB. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Tom Newing and Sons, Milford Haven.

Mr J. Dougherty

Tenby

John Dougherty died peacefully on January 20th at Brooklands Nursing Home.

He was born on August 23rd, 1933 at Cross Keys, Newport, Gwent. He was educated in Newport and went on to win a scholarship at Cwmbran Art College, where his talent was evident from many paintings he produced over the years.

John moved to Tenby with his family in his late teens. It was during this time that he met and married his first wife Gwyneth and together they had two children, Vanessa and Shane. John loved family life and would do anything to help anyone. Sadly in 1979 Gwyneth died after a long battle with cancer during which John cared for her throughout.

John’s love of music came to the fore in 1961 when he joined his first band The Tremeloes (not the Tremeloes). It was while playing with the band Aqua Marina at Kiln Park that he met his second wife Anne and gained two step daughters Susan and Julie. John was a doting grandfather to Alex, Amy, Shannon, Leah, Luke, Amy, Kirsty, Kieron and Andrew.

Throughout his life John had various jobs such as a pipefitter at Pembroke Power Station, Esso and Texaco. In the early years he was based at Manorbier Camp with the TA’s and also at Tenby Laundry. He was also a bingo caller at Booths Arcade. In later years John took to painting and decorating.

John and Anne had been married for 21 years when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Despite this blow they continued to enjoy many happy years together including various coach holidays to Austria, Switzerland and Germany.

After many years of being cared for at home by Anne and a team of dedicated carers, in November 2009 John went into full time residential care at Brooklands Nursing Home up until his death at the age of 76.

He will always be remembered, not only for his talents as a musician, but as a loveable character, with a brilliant sense of humour, always ready for a laugh and a joke.

The funeral service was held at St Mary’s Church and was attended by a large gathering of family and friends.

Family left to mourn are: Anne (wife); Vanessa and John (daughter and son-in-law); Shane and Karen (son and partner); Susan and Julie (step daughters); Alex, Amy, Shannon, Leah, Luke, Kirsty, Kieron, Andrew and Amy (grandchildren); William (brother); along with family and friends too numerous to mention.

The bearers were Bob Creese, Richard James, Colin Price and Andrew Griffiths.

There were family flowers only but donations may be sent to Brooklands Nursing Home c/o W. M. Rossiter and Sons, Narberth Road, Tenby.

Mr J. E. Thomas

Carmarthen

It is with great sadness the death is recorded of J. Elwyn Thomas, of Glyn-y-Coed, Peniel, Carmarthen on October 19th.

A native of Felinfach, he was the elder son of the late Mr and Mrs J. Thomas, Blaenpant House, and brother of Gwynne.

His career was in banking and he served many years with banks throughout Dyfed, until his retirement as manager of the Midland Bank, Narberth in the mid-1980s.

He and his wife Mercia moved to live at Glyn-y-Coed, Peniel in 1989. Elwyn had many interests and was a member of the West Wales Pony Breeders Association, the South Pembrokeshire and Vale of Cletwr Hunts and the British Legion. He also served on the committee of the Pembrokeshire County Show for many years and gained an enormous amount of pleasure from his involvement with the show.

There was a private service at the house led by Rev Ken Williams. A service of thanksgiving at Parc Gwyn Crematorium was officiated by Rev B. Witt assisted by Rev Eifion Lewis, Rev Dr E. Lewis and Rev Ken Williams.

The chief mourners are: Mercia (wife); Eleri and Linda (daughters); Carys and Angharad (granddaughters); Mike (son-in-law); Gwynne and Ceinwen (brother and sister-in-law); also many relatives and friends.

The bearers were Emyr Jones, Alun Morgan, David Morgan, William Bibby, Wynne James and Clive Davies.