Obituaries, May 2nd 2012

Pembroke

Herbert Hughes of South Terrace, Pembroke passed away peacefully on April 7th after a short stay in Withybush Hospital aged 84 years.

Herbie as he was known, was born in Lawrenny on October 1st 1927 to Winifred and Edwin Sidney Hughes. He spent his early childhood at Newton Farm with his older brother Geoffrey and younger sister Hilda. Later the family moved to Norgans Terrace, Pembroke where he lived only a few doors away from Edna who he later married in 1953, they made their family home in South Terrace and remained there for almost 59years.

He started his working life at Nacky Stevens of Pembroke before being called up for National Service and went on to work for Sidney Griffiths of Monkton, Govan Davies Motors, Regent Refinery, and PFL Welders. It was while he worked at Scimitars he did some heavy construction of his own by building a steel trawler ‘Lady Winifred’ named after his mother, and later refitted a 36ft ex-ships lifeboat the ‘Kingfisher’ for fishing. Herbie spent his later working career at several refineries for Jenkins and Davies.

He leaves to mourn wife Edna; daughter Sandra; son Andrew; son-in-law Andrew; daughter-in-law Janice and grandchildren Grant, Kirsty, Jessie and Nick. The service at Westgate chapel was conducted by Rob James and internment at Monkton cemetery. The bearers were Geoff Hughes, Jay and Richard Gibby, Wyn Jenkins, Haydn Weatherall and Mike Cox.

If you would like to make a donation in his memory for the Angle life boat and Alzheimer’s Research Society it may be sent to Neil Roberts and son, Funeral Directors, 51 Bush Street Pembroke Dock SA72 6AN, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr P.J. Thomas

East Williamston

Philip James Thomas died at Woodland Lodge, Gumfreston on April 10th. He lived in East Williamston and was 97. He was pre-deceased by his wife Mary in 2003.

Philip, who was brought up mainly by his elder sisters Clara and Olive whilst his father was serving with the Royal Welch Regiment throughout the First World War, was proud of his Welsh ancestry. He lived in Selly Park, Birmingham and went to Selly Park School. Later he became a partner along side his brothers Dave and Bob in the family business, D.C. Thomas and Sons Builders. During the Second World War Philip served as a Leading Airman Wireless Operator in the RAF flying Anson reconnaissance planes against U-boats out of Newfoundland and subsequently in Gibraltar.

Prior to active service Philip served in the Air Raid Precautions (ARP) Rescue Service, where he and his brother Dave applied their building skills to the dangerous and harrowing task of recovering the living and the dead from bombed buildings in both Coventry and Birmingham. It was in this role he first met his future wife Mary, she administered First Aid and drove an ambulance.

Philip was a keen sportsman representing his district at football and trained at the Rowbotham Brothers gym at the Bournbrook Tavern, Selly Oak, to become a well regarded amateur boxer. His interest in boat building led to membership of Birmingham Athletic Institute (BAI) and Midland Sailing Clubs where he served as bosun.

Mary’s mother owned a bungalow in Saundersfoot where their love of Pembrokeshire and its people was born. They bought their own building plot in East Williamston where Phil built the bungalow, Mary manned the cement mixer and family members were roped in as labourers when we visited. Phil and Mary moved to East Williamston in 1974 and they became active members of the community and participants in events at the community hall including attending the weekly whist drives, and running the youth club.

Throughout his life Philip used his carpentry skills to make numerous toys, models, trolleys canoes and sailing dinghies. In his later years few people would be able to leave without being presented with a wooden feathered trophy. He had befriended a German prisoner of war interned near his home and been asked to sharpen a saw. In turn he was shown how to make wooden birds out of two pieces of wood.

He is mourned by his daughters Jacqueline and Janet, son Christopher, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also mourned by his cousin John and wife Shirley of Towyn, and Donald and Gwyneth Beynon and family who as close neighbours played such an important part in his life and care up to the end.

The funeral service to celebrate Phil’s life will take place at the Church of St Elidyr at East Williamston on April 27th followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium.

No flowers but donations may be made to support East Williamston Community Hall and St Elidyr Church East Williamston c/o EC Thomas and Son, Funeral Directors, ‘Archway’, Green Plains, Stepaside, Narberth, SA678LT, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mrs Pat Price

Goodwick

The funeral took place on April 5th of Pat Price of Hillside Close, Goodwick (formerly of Mill Farm, Manorowen), who died at Ridgeway nursing home on March 27th aged 86 after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease. Pat was born in York and remained proud of her Yorkshire roots (and cooking skills!). She developed a love for the countryside when she and her father John went walking on Wensleydale, and it was her aptitude for science and interest in farming that led her to take a degree in dairy science at Reading University. It was while later working as a research assistant at the National Institute for Research into Dairying that she met John Price to whom she was married for 62 years.

John and Pat moved to Talgaer farm, Pwllderi in 1953 to pursue their dream to be smallholders and for a time Pat also worked as a milk tester. In 1956 they moved ‘inland’ to a small holding in Manorowen. Their daughter Joanna arrived in 1959 and son Richard in 1964. In 1969 Pat returned to science, enjoying many years at Withybush Hospital as a Clinical Biochemist. Latterly she assisted John with his farm advisory business, greatly enjoying her visits to farms. In between work, the farm and raising her family Pat gave a lot to the community; she was a member of Fishguard School’s PTA, president of Rotary’s Inner Wheel, was a member of the Soroptomists and helped with Riding for the Disabled and Meals on Wheels.

Pat was a great listener and someone who was always there for other people whose concerns and troubles she put before her own. Even when Parkinson’s disease severely affected her quality of life, Pat remained self effacing and undemanding and her lovely smile, sense of fun and Yorkshire wit (at times sharp!) remained. Pat had many loves in her life, her family and friends, dogs, bird watching, watching films late at night, smoking, occasionally driving too fast, dipping bread in her gravy and enjoying a glass of wine. Her grandchildren Barnaby and Tilly gave her particular pleasure and comfort.

The funeral was officiated by Rev Paul Davies at Parc Gwyn Crematorium where a large gathering of family and friends attended to pay their respects. Her daughter Joanna gave a eulogy, her son Richard read Pat’s father’s favourite hymn and her grandson Barnaby read her favorite poem; ‘Warning-When I grow old I shall wear purple’.

The bearers were Richard and Barnaby, her nephew David Hamilton-Fox and John White, a close family friend.

There were family flowers only with donations given to the Parkinsons Disease Society c/o Paul Jenkins and Sons, Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

MR. W.A.T. SCOURFIELD

NARBERTH

Wyndham Alfred Thomas Scourfield died suddenly but peacefully at his home in Narberth on April 10th. He was 88.

Wyndham was born in 1923 and lived in Narberth all his life. After leaving school he started work as an apprentice for Plumbers, Herman Thomas of Tenby.

Following the outbreak of World War II, he joined the auxiliary fire brigade aged 17 years in August 1940 and was immediately involved in the huge oil-tanks fire at Pembroke Dock and later the blitz at Swansea. Both these events have been featured in TV Documentaries and are detailed in Wyndham’s book on the history of the fire service in Narberth, which can be consulted in Narberth Museum.

He served in the Welsh Regiment during and after the War, based in Brecon.

He worked throughout the county as a plumbing and heating engineer whilst continuing to serve in the fire service based in Narberth for many years.

A modest man with a keen sense of humour he loved all sports. Wyndham played football and cricket for Narberth, but it was in rugby that he particularly excelled, playing at openside flanker. He captained Narberth for four seasons between 1948 and 1955 and also represented the county.

He was a keen gardener, spending many hours growing vegetables, and in spite of his advancing age was able to enjoy a remarkably active and healthy life with his devoted wife and family.

Married to wife Mary for 63 years, Wyndham was very proud of his family.

He was very happy living in Narberth and took a great interest in the town and its people. A man who spoke his mind, but had a kind and soft nature under the surface. He will be missed very much by all his family.

A family service was held at his home followed by a well-attended funeral at Parc Gwyn, Narberth which included a representation by present day members of the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service. Officiating was the Reverend Chris Rees. Interment was at Bethesda Baptist Chapel, Narberth.

Bearers were lifelong friends and colleagues, Paul Morris, Glyndwr Nicholas, Colin Williams and Geoff Morgan.

Left to mourn are his wife Mary; Wyn and Sylvie, Nigel and Helen, Gary and Kay (sons and daughters-in-law); Tom, Liz, Samantha, Catherine, Emma and Leah (grandchildren) and their respective husbands and partners; Chloe, Lilly, Tyler, Poppy, Evie, Isobel (great-grandchildren) and numerous other relatives and friends.

There were family flowers only, but donations in lieu may be made to Narberth 1st Responders or Narberth Health Centre, c/o Messrs. W & M.J. Rossiter and Sons Ltd, Landsker House, 21 Station Road, Narberth, SA67 7DR who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mr Timothy George Eaton

Fishguard

The death occurred at Withybush Hospital on March 27th of Mr Timothy George Eaton, of Heol Preseli, Fishguard. He was 59.

As a native of Pembrokeshire he was formerly a self-employed painter and decorator.

He enjoyed music, reading, naturalist and enjoyed spending time outdoors.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are Joseph Eaton (son); Kelly Llewellyn (daughter); Evan and Olivia (grandchildren); Josie and Reg Owens (sister and brother-in-law); Peter and Anisa Eaton (brother and sister-in-law); Robert and Gaye Eaton (brother and sister-in-law); Susan and Brian Wood (sister and brother-in-law); Lynette and Alan Rich (sister and brother-in-law); Simon and Angela Eaton (brother and sister-in-law), plus many nieces, nephews and friends too numerous to mention.

The service was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium on April 3rd.

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

Mrs Mona Ashton

Haverfordwest

The funeral took place on April 17th of Mona Ashton of St Anthony's Way, Haverfordwest aged 92, the late wife of Robert (Bob) Ashton.

She died peacefully at Withybush Hospital on April 9th after a number of strokes over 17 years and had previously spent over a year at Highgrove Residential Home.

The service was officiated by Canon G Gwyther.

The bearers were Michael Hughes, Graham John, Christopher Ashton and Michael Statham (all family members).

The principal mourners were Robert Ashton (husband for almost 65 years); Lynne and Stephen Vincent-Davies (daughter and son-in-law); Robert and Sheila Ashton (son and daughter-in-law); Lindsey Hughes, Sarah John and Kathryn Ashton (granddaughters); Brenda Statham (Bob's sister) and family.

David Ashton (Mona and Bob's younger son) was unable to be present owing to residence in Brazil and various pressing commitments.

Dr Stephen Vincent-Davies gave an address about his mother-in-law's happy life, especially in Pembrokeshire, where she lived for the past 24 years on her husband's retirement from business in Manchester.

Mona was a loving and caring wife and mother, a capable pianist, and was skilful with many handicrafts. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

There were immediate family flowers only, but if desired, donations will be welcomed for the RNLI and can be sent to Mrs Kindsey Hughes, Chapel House, Dreenhill, Haverfordwest SA62 3TS.

Mrs D V Parnell

Milford Haven

Dorothy Parnell died peacefully on April 1st in Withybush Hospital. She was 87.

Born in Milford Haven, the second daughter of Sarah and Walter Smalldon, family butcher of many years.

During the Second World War she worked at the mining depot in Milford Haven, when she met Ernie who was stationed here from Leicester with the Royal Navy.

Dorothy and Ernie married in 1945 and continued to live in Milford Haven where they raised their three children.

Dorothy retired at the age of 60 from Rabaiotti's where she was a pastry chef.

They had a wonderful retirement until Ernie passed away in 2003.

The family left to mourn are Cheryl and Keith, Susan and David (daughters and sons-in-law); Stephen and Pam (son and daughter-in-law); Mark and Louise, Belinda and Daniel, Paul and Andrea, Samantha and John, Jamie and Amy, Stuart and Leanne (grandchildren and partners); Kieron, Liam, Lucy, Alfie, Jorden, Jasper, Jessica, Aidan and Kieran (great-grandchildren).

The funeral took place at Mount Zion Chapel, Hook on April 10th and was officiated by the Rev Steve Woods, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium.

The bearers were Mark Goodridge, Keith Goodridge, Paul Jones and Daniel Smethurst.

There were family flowers only with donations in lieu of Cancer Research which may be sent to Mrs Margaret Jones, 113 Waterloo Road, Milford Haven.

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

Mrs Margaret Jane Cavell

Haverfordwest

Mrs Margaret Jane Cavell of Milford Road, Haverfordwest, passed away on March 21st at Withybush Hospital.

She enjoyed gardening, cross-stitch, WI and she was an active members of St Thomas Church until she became housebound.

She was predeceased by her husband William (Bill) Cavell.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners are Michael and Lynn (son and daughter-in-law); David and Debbie (son and daughter-in-law); Stephen, Fiona, David, Carrie Ann (grandsons and wives); Paul and Hayley (grandson and granddaughter); Danielle, Jack, David, Hector and Layla (great grandchildren); Harry Phelps (brother-in-law); Rita and Beryl Knight (cousins); Sarah, Susan, Vivian and Sonja (nephew and nieces); Jack, Alex, Kai, Luke, Christian and Rhys (great nephews); Philip and Ann Swan (friends of family).

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

There were family flowers only with donations in lieu for the Heart Foundation.

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

Mr J. H. Bird

Pembroke (formerly of St Twynnells)

The funeral took place recently of Mr John Henry Bird who passed away peacefully after a short illness at Withybush Hospital on March 8th aged 85.

John was born in August 1926 in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, the son of Walter and Nellie Bird. He spent his youth as one of four children in the Bromsgrove area. He met his wife Marian while he was working in the RAF at St Athens airbase and she was working in the NAAFI. They married in 1947.

John and Marian started their married life, and raised their first three children in the Midlands where he worked at Hams Hall Power Station. In 1956 they moved to the cleaner air of South Devon for the sake of his health and another three children were added to the growing family. John worked at Newton Abbot Power Station until 1974 when they moved with the three youngest children to Pembroke to take up a new job at Pembroke Power Station.

During his early years John enjoyed his time as a Scout and developed a love of nature, wildlife and the countryside. He enjoyed both road and track cycle racing and was also a motorbike enthusiast. Later, in addition to bringing up a family, he also found time for hobbies such as vegetable gardening and allotments, fishing, bird watching, target rifle shooting and wine making.

When the family moved to Pembroke, and once he retired, he developed new interests with his wife Marian. These included helping run the local Cub Scouts, which allowed him to pass on his love of the countryside. They went to wood carving and painting classes and produced some fine work for various members of the family. He was involved with Marian in the Wildlife Trust, rescuing birds affected by oil spills, cleaning them up and releasing them back into the wild. He was an active member of the Bat Society and also of the Dowsing Society. He contributed to discussions in the local press and was an active opponent of the proposals for a Wind Farm locally.

During his later years John enjoyed watching their grandchildren and great grandchildren grow and develop.

The funeral service was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium on March 19th where a large congregation of family, friends, carers and work colleagues gathered to celebrate his life. This was officiated by the Reverend Geoffrey Howell. He was laid to rest with Marian in St Twynnells Church cemetery.

John was the much loved husband of Marian who passed away in November 2011. Sadly missed brother of Edna with husband Derek. Dear father of Jim, Steve, Ceri, John, Robert and Rosemary with partners Donna, Eric, Annie and Mark. John was also grandfather to 12 grandchildren and four great grandchildren and will be greatly missed by all his family and friends.

There were family flowers only, with donations received for The Alzheimers Society by John Roberts and Son, Pembroke Dock who also carried out the funeral arrangements.

Mrs Margaret Rose Moseley

Pembroke Dock

Mrs Margaret Rose Moseley, of Clarence Street, Pembroke Dock died on March 11th 2012 at Withybush Hospital. She was 73.

Rose was born in Pembroke Dock in 1939. She attended Pennar School and Coronation School before leaving to go to work at the woollen factory in London Road. During this time she met her husband Albert Moseley, who sadly died just 14 months ago. They married in 1958. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Her interests included playing darts for the Rose and Crown, watching all sports and baking.

The family left to mourn and principal mourners were Brian, Paul and Frank (sons); Ness, Sian and Carol (daughters-in-law); 13 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren, also one brother and eight sisters.

The service was held on Tuesday 20th March 2012 at St Johns, Pembroke Dock, followed by interment at Llanion cemetery and was officiated by Rev Thelma Williams.

The bearers were Dean Moseley, David Moseley, Harley Moseley, Adam Moseley, Ben Moseley and Michael Moseley.

There were family flowers only with donations in lieu for The Paul Sartori Foundation which may be sent to Mr Graham Thomas, 34 Charles Thomas Avenue, Pembroke Dock SA72 6UR.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by E C Thomas and Son, Funeral Directors, 31 Stockwell Road, Pembroke Dock.

Mrs. Joyce Dezille

Pembroke (Formerly of Saundersfoot)

The funeral took place on April 13th of Mrs. Joyce Dezille, of Pembroke, who passed away peacefully at her home on March 28th. She was 95. The service was at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

Lillian Joyce Dezille was born at Rushy Lake in Saundersfoot on January 12th 1917. She was the first of four children for Lilly and Dai Evans. Known as Joyce to her friends and family, she has two brothers Horace and Leonard and a sister, Truda. She spent all of her childhood in Saundersfoot and it was there that she met her first husband, Charles Sillick, who she married in 1942. Tragically, Charles was killed during the Anzio landings in Italy in 1943 and Joyce became a young widow.

In 1945 she met Lancastrian Frank Dezille who had been stationed with the army in the Tenby area. They married in St. Teilo's Church, Tenby on April 26th 1946 and made their home in Saundersfoot with Frank, Joyce had three more children, two sons, Eric and Roger and a daughter, Yvonne.

In the early 1970's the family moved from Saundersfoot to Pembroke to be closer to Frank's place of work, The Power Station and it is here they were to spend the remainder of their 64 happy years together, Joyce finding her niche as a great mum, cook and home maker until Frank passed away in May 2010.

The chief mourners were Terry and Phyllis Sillick, Roger and Jean Dezille, sons and their wives, Eric Dezille, son, Truda and Stephen Roblin, sister and nephew, Stephanie and John Amos, grandaughter and husband, Gemma Amos, great-grandaughter.

Unable to attend were Yvonne Ford, daughter, Leonard and Janet Evans, brother and sister-in-law, Shaun and Sarah Sillick, grandson and wife, David and Helen Dezille, Samantha Ford, grandchildren, Carl Amos, great-grandson, Huw Roblin, nephew and Heidi Evans, neice.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by John Roberts and Son, 51, Bush Street, Pembroke Dock SA72 6AN.