Obituaries published in the Western Telegraph on Wednesday 24th May 2006

She was a native of Wolfscastle. Her first job was as a domestic/cook at Sealyham TB Hospital, for three years, and she farmed at Cornel Bach Farm, Tufton between 1971 and 1995. She married Owen Onfel Rees Howells, who died in 1995.

Her interests were her family, gardening, visiting garden centres, crosswords, reading, knitting, Merched y Wawr, socialising and going on trips. She went to chapel regularly in Siloh, Tufton.

The service was at the Chapel of Rest, Fishguard on May 19th, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn. The Rev Geoffrey Eynon was assisted by Canon Geoffrey Gwyther, Rev Gwyn Rogers and Rev Anne Rendell.

The bearers were Derek Jones, Dai James, Stuart Griffiths and Frank Brick.

Family left to mourn and principal mourners were Arwyn and Pauline Howells (son and daughter-in-law), Gillian Howells (daughter), Delyth and Matthew Williams (daughter and son-in-law), Robert Howells, Rhys Howells (grandchildren), Mair and Peter Jones (sister and brother-in-law), Colin and Val Mathias (brother and sister-in-law), Sian Oates, Cerry Jones, Susan Elliott, Jane Elliott, Helen Mathias, Moira Edwards (nieces), Stephen Elliott (nephew), Brenda Mathias (sister-in-law), Brian and Eileen Mathias (nephew), Barbara and Melvyn Vaughan (niece), Bruce Mathias (nephew), Anthony and Stephanie Mathias (nephew).

Donations were in lieu of flowers to Cancer Research, c/o William Lewis, Ford Bungalow, Wolfscastle who also handled the funeral.

Mrs s. davies HAVERFORDWEST The funeral took place on Friday, May 5th of Sylvia Eunice Davies (nee Jones), a well-known antique dealer, of Haverfordwest.

There was a service at St Ishmaels Church, Rosemarket, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn. Rev Chris Barnes officiated at both services. The bearers were friends Tony and Nicky Young, Graham and Mark Utting, Jamie Griffiths and Dave Thomas, representing the China Town of Vancouver Rotary Club.

Sylvia was taken ill in Vancouver, Canada, in October 2005 and had emergency brain surgery to save her life. She returned to Haverfordwest in December, 2005 after an appeal for funds for a hospital flight home.

Born in Chepstow on November 21st, 1945, Sylvia spent her early childhood in a children's home in Tredegar before being fostered to Mr and Mrs Philips, of Hanbury Road, Pontnewynydd.

She nursed at Llanfrecfa Grange Hospital and did assembly work at Glas Coed Ordnance factory, near Usk.

She married John in 1967 at Pontypool, setting up home in Fairwater, Cwmbran. In 1969 they moved to Pentrecourt, Llandysul, John being transferred with his work. They then moved in 1970 to a larger house, with their children Paula and Gwyn.

In 1971 they moved to Pembrokeshire, settling at Brickhurst Close, Johnston, where her interest in antiques started. In 1984 she moved to Haverfordwest to co-run a book/antique shop in Dew Street, Haverfordwest. In 1985 she rented the antique shop in Dark Street, eventually buying the shop in 1988.

She leaves to mourn John (husband), Paula and Dave Keeper (daughter and son-in-law), Gwyn and Jane (son and daughter-in-law), Megan, Ethan and Dylan (grandchildren), Majorie Jones (stepmother), Bill and Babs Jones, Dave and Margaret Jones (brothers and sisters-in-law), Mary and Neil Butcher, Veronica and John Jones (sisters and brothers-in-law).

There were family flowers only, but a wreath was received from the China Town of Vancouver Rotary Club, which had been so supportive to the couple while they were stuck in Canada.

Donations in lieu of flowers are to go to ward ten Withybush Hospital, c/o Mrs S. Worby, Oakfield, Burton Ferry. Funeral arrangements were carried out by Glyn Thomas and Son, Maddocks Moor, New Road, Freystrop.

Mrs N. davies haverfordwest The death occurred at Torestin Nursing Home, Tiers Cross of Nora Davies on April 28th, aged 80. She was from Milford Haven and worked in Brawdy (RAF) in the early 1970s and then became a full-time housewife.

Her interests were her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A loyal member of St David's and St Patrick's Catholic Church, she also took a great interest in Mary Immaculate school, where her children attended.

She was predeceased by her husband Bertie Lionel Davies, a plumber. Family left to mourn are Kevin and Maree Davies, Michael Davies (sons and daughter-in-law). Bernadette and Jimmy Davies, Jane and Barry Armstrong, Maria and Anthony Reynolds (daughters and son-in-laws), grand children and great-grandchildren.

The funeral was at St David's and St Patrick's Catholic Church on Friday, May 5th, with interment at City Road Cemetery, Haverfordwest. Father O'Mcgreal carried out the service. The bearers were Jimmy Davies, Martin Davies, Kevin Webb and Brian Sandow.

There were family flowers only with donations to Mary Immaculate School c/o St David's and St Patrick's Church Haverfordwest. Funeral arrangements were by Roy Folland and Son.

Mr D. B. THOMAS HAVERFORDWEST David Brynley Thomas (Bryn), of Hawthorn Rise, Haverfordwest, died at Withybush Hospital on May 4th. He was 92.

Born in Woodstock in 1914 into a farming family, music influenced his life from an early age.

His father was a renowned tenor, and from the age of six Bryn taught himself the piano.

By 14 he was organist at Henry's Moat Church, and accompanist to his father in local eisteddfoddau.

He was married to Elizabeth Francis (Bessie), who was organist at Hen Capel, Maenclochog, by special licence following his call-up to the Army in 1940.

During the war he was a corporal in the Royal Engineers and took part in the Normandy invasion, but also helped provide entertainment for the troops in Garrison concerts.

Following the war he continued his career as a clerk of works and his final project before retirement was supervision of the construction of Llysyfran Dam for the Welsh Water Board.

He and Bessie had three children, Vivienne, Richard and Herbert. Bessie died in 1972.

He was later married to Mair Jones, who also pre-deceased him in 1983. More recently he lived at Highgrove Residential Home, Haverfordwest.

He became church organist and choirmaster at St David's Church, Prendergast in 1953, retiring in 1995 at the age of 81, following 43 years' loyal service.

During this time he was accompanist to a number of soloists and played for several local ballet schools.

His funeral took place on May 4th.

A private service at his family home was followed by a service at St David's Church, Prendergast, followed by interment at City Road Cemetery. Canon Geoffrey Gwyther officiated and the bearers were his grandsons.

Principal mourners were his three children Vivienne, Richard and Herbert, Barbara (daughter-in-law), four grandchildren Adrian, James, Amy and Matthew, great-grandchildren Jessica and William.

The funeral was also attended by nephews and nieces with their husbands and wives, family friends, church colleagues, neighbours and staff of Highgrove.

Funeral arrangements were carried out by Roy Folland and Son.

Mrs E. Jones Goodwick The death occurred on May 10th at Singleton hospital of Elvira Jones, of Llandovery House, Dyffryn, Goodwick at the age of 83.

She was originally from Newport and worked in RNAD Trecwn during the war, moving to Goodwick and marrying Vincent in 1943. She was predeceased by Vincent in 1969 and her son Terry, who was lost at sea in 1988, aged 29.

She leaves to mourn Christine (daughter), Ken (partner), Maelor (brother), Marsley and Dave (sister and brother-in-law), Mair (sister-in-law), Elaine (daughter-in-law), Steven and Heather, Allan and Jayne (grandsons and wives), Karl and Charlene (grandson and partner), Richard, Mark, Lucy, James, Lauren, Niamh, Liam and Michael (great-grandchildren), Nigel and Gwen, Rosemary, Alec, Eric and Ray, Gareth, Suzanne and Dilwyn, Caroline and David (nieces and nephews), great nieces and nephews too numerous to mention.

There were family flowers only with donations in lieu to Fishguard and Goodwick RNLI c/o HSBC Fishguard.

The funeral was held on May 17th at the Chapel of Rest, Fishguard, followed by interment at Llanwnda cemetery. The service was conducted by Rev Emlyn Jones.

The bearers were Steven, Allan and Karl (grandsons) and Nigel (nephew).

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Jenkins and Phillips, funeral directors, Fishguard.

MR E. BETTY TAUNTON, SOMERSET Eric Betty, formerly of Goodwick, died on Wednesday, May 10th, in his 93rd year.

He was the husband of May, and father of Nancy and the late Hugh and Norman.

Eric was also an uncle, step-father, grandad and father-in-law.

Mrs D. A. Evans MATHRY The funeral took place on Monday, May 15th, of Dorothy Ann (Doris) Evans formerly of Brynhedydd, Mathry, who died at Langton Residential Care Home on May 8th, aged 89. The service was conducted by Rev Geoffrey Eynon and the organist was Cerwyn Davies.

The second of four children of John Henry and Elizabeth Davies, of Brynheulog, Mathry, Doris was born at Wauncaerfarchell, moving to Tretio and Tai Bach before moving to Brynheulog.

She met Reggie, her husband of 67 years, while in service at Lochmeylor with the Martin family, and lived at Crosswen. They later moved to Vagwrelw where they farmed until 1975, when they retired and moved to Brynhedydd, Mathry.

Both Doris and Reggie have been cared for at Langton Care Home for more than two years.

Doris leaves to mourn her husband Reggie, brother-in-law George Morris and Ynyr Evans, sister-in-law Lena Harries, nephews and nieces Len Davies, Les and Ann Morris and Gloria Davies, Margaret and Ken Durham, Brian and Margaret Harries, Dorothy and John Williams and other family members and friends too numerous to mention.

The bearers were Len Davies, Les Morris, Brian Harries and John Williams.

There were family flowers only with donations to the Noah's Ark Appeal, c/o Mr Brian Harries, Cromwell Court, Spring Gardens, Haverfordwest, SA61 2EJ.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr David Price, Yr Hafan Croesgoch.

MAUREEN ANN SIMMS haverfordwest Maureen Ann Simms, also known as Ann Mattson, of Slade Lane, Haverfordwest, died on May 12th at Withybush Hospital, aged 63.

Ann was brought up in the Canaston Bridge area by her grandfather, Tommy Bowen.

In 1960 she married Brian Mattson and initially they lived in the Forestry Commission houses at Canaston Bridge before moving to Prospect Place and then to Scotchwell View, Prendergast, Haverfordwest.

Together Ann and Brian raised their three children - Diane, Tracy and David. Ann was predeceased by their infant son Paul who died in December 1961 and her remains will be interred with him. Ann will be fondly remembered for her perceptive quick wit and tremendous sense of humour. Ann's greatest love was reserved for her family and the love that she shared with her grandchildren ensured she remained young at heart. In 1995 Ann married John Simms, who predeceased her seven years ago.

It was only when Ann's health deteriorated two years ago that she had to give up the work which she had enjoyed pursuing for the past ten years as a carer. She was at her happiest when she was giving help to others. Since becoming housebound, Ann loved to maintain contact with her many friends.

Principal mourners were Diane and Trevor (daughter and son-in-law), Tracy (daughter), David and Caroll (son and partner), Gareth, Gemma, Keith, Yana, Anita, Jessica, Fiona, Shaun, Charlotte and Richie (grandchildren), Luke-Ethan Mattson (great-grandson born May 15th, 2006), Pat and Eddie (sister and brother-in-law), Ann, Margaret, and their families, Brian Mattson, Peter and Margaret, Mandy and Derek, Lisa.

Unable to attend were Gloria Van-de-Cappelle, Yvonne and Vic (Bridgend), Doreen Mason and family (Scotland), Jane Orchard.

The funeral service was conducted by Rev Martyn Evans at Parc Gwyn Crematorium on Thursday, May 18th. The bearers were Gareth Mattson (grandson), Michael Davies, Aubrey John and Verdon John (friends).

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

Mrs E. A. Thomas NEYLAND The death occurred on Friday, May 5th, at Withybush Hospital, of Mrs Evelyn Annie Thomas, aged 99, of Rock Cottages, Neyland and formerly of Kensington Road, Neyland.

Evelyn was the mother of three sons, Derek, Tudor (Bobby - deceased) and Brian, mother-in-law of Margaret and Muriel, grandmother of Neil and Ralph, Lynne and Ann and great grandmother of Olivia, Dominic, Joshua, Sian and Rhian, David and Rachel and step-great-grandson Conor, niece and nephew Anne (Dinky) and Robert.

A native of Neyland, during the war years Evelyn worked at Farrow's Grocers, Charles Street, Milford Haven, which she left in 1945 to run the family grocery shop at Kensington Road, Neyland and became known as Thomas the shop' until she retired at the age of 70.

She was a member of the Wednesday Club, Mothers' Union, Llanstadwell Women's Institute, Darby and Joan, the Federation Club and a faithful member of St Clement's Church, Neyland.

Her main interests were crochet, knitting and sport.

The funeral took place on Monday, May 15th at St Clement's church, Neyland conducted by Rev Paul Flavell followed by internment at Neyland Cemetery.

The bearers were Neil Thomas (grandson), Robert Thomas (nephew), Michael Tennick and Jonathan Swales (friends).

The principal mourners were Brian and Margaret (son and daughter-in-law), Muriel (daughter-in-law), Neil and Kerry (grandson and wife), Lynne and Mark (granddaughter and husband), Robert and Ann (Dinky) (nephew and niece), Sian and Rhian (great-granddaughters). Unable to attend were Ralph and Trudi (grandson and partner), Ann and Stan (granddaughter and husband).

There were family flowers only with donations in lieu for the Paul Sartori Foundation c/o Mr Michael Tennick 11 Westfield Drive, Honeyborough, Neyland, SA73 1SB.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Glyn Thomas and Son.

Mrs g. m. luke davies Formerly fishguard The death occurred on Wednesday, May 10th, at Blaenmarlais Care Home of Gladys Mary Luke Davies, who was formerly of Fishguard. Gladys Mary was one of eight children to the late Mr and Mrs David and Sarah Luke, of Maildy Uchaf Farm, St Nicholas.

She was known as Mair to her family and friends. Aged 89, she was predeceased by husband Pugh in 1982.

At the age of 19 she left home to study nursing at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Middlesex, for two years. She was transferred to the Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel for a further four years. She then went on to specialise in children's neurology at Harold Wood Hospital.

On completion she was promoted to the position of night superintendent at the Florence Nightingale Hospital. As a result of the death of her father David, she returned to the family home. Her love of nursing resulted in her returning to the Royal National Hospital, London to specialise in ear, nose and throat. For four years after her marriage to Pugh she returned to farm at Llwyn yr Ysgaw, Fishguard.

Once again her love and dedication to nursing resulted in her being appointed to the position of night superintendent over the three local Haverfordwest hospitals: Withybush, The County and St Thomas, where she remained until her retirement in 1970.

She lived with her husband Pugh, mother Sarah and sister Betty in Hill Street until Pugh's death in 1982.

Betty and Mair then moved to Weston Super Mare to be near their other sister, Nancy, who lived in Bristol. They then moved back to Tenby and were residents in the Royal Gate House until Betty died in 2000.

Within the past six months Mair had been cared for at Blaenmarlais Residential Home in Narberth.

The cremation took place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium on Wednesday, May 17th. It was officiated by Rev Roger Hart.

Principal mourners were Mr and Mrs G. F. Jellicoe, Mr and Mrs W. Scriven, Mr and Mrs D. G. Luke, Mr and Mrs P. Luke, Mr R. Luke, Mr and Mrs J. Davies, Mrs Mair Luke, Mrs J Davies, Mr D. Davies, Mr and Mrs N. Phillips, Mr N. Griffiths, Mrs A. Howells, Mrs G. Arnold and Mrs S. Davies.

Unable to attend was Mrs N Griffiths. There were family flowers only and the funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr Glyn Thomas and Son, Freystrop.

Mr E. G. Peach haverfordwest The death occurred at his home of Ernest George Peach, of Cherry Grove, Haverfordwest at the age of 94, on April 21st.

He was a native of Langport, Somerset. His working life was 21 years as a trained chef in the Merchant Navy, many years in the licensing trade, finishing with 15 years at the Rose and Crown, Queen Street, Pembroke Dock.

During this time, Ernie also worked as a chef on the Empire Netta admiralty tug boat out of the dockyard.

Following his retirement, he took seasonal work at Castlemartin camp. He served 21 years' deep sea in the Merchant Navy Service.

His main interest were his family, gardening, reading and in latter years attending Meadow Park Day Centre.

He was predeceased by his wife Anita Peach.

The funeral service was held at Parc Gwyn on April 28th and Rev Illtyd Protheroe officiated the service with Rev Joe Morgan and Rev Geoffrey Eynon assisting.

The bearers were Basil James (son-in-law), Matthew and Nicholas James (grandsons), Eirvil Evans (neighbour).

The family left to mourn are Susan, Mary and Ann (daughters), Basil and Geoff (sons-in-law), Matthew and Ceri, Nicholas (grandchildren). Unable to attend was Susan (daughter) Lesotho, Africa.

There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu to be divided equally between Pembrokeshire Care and Africa Inland Mission (food and blanket fund).

Donations may be sent to the funeral director - John Roberts and Son, 51 Bush Street, Pembroke Dock.