Obituaries published June 15th, 2005

MR T. G. PARRY HAVERFORDWEST A former chairman of Dyfed County Council and mayor and sheriff of Haverfordwest, Councillor Thomas G. Parry, of 151 Haven Road, Haverfordwest, died at Withybush Hospital, on Monday, June 6th, aged 84. He made his mark in local government in the area and proved a doughty defender of Haverfordwest and a tireless campaigner for many worthy causes. Born in Llanelli, Mr Parry's first job on leaving school at 14 was driving a horse and goods cart for the Great Western Railway. He then trained as a plumber before enlisting in the Royal Marine Commandoes, in which he saw active service as a Sergeant overseas during World War Two. Having worked for the Labour Party in Llanelli, he first came to Haverfordwest in 1951 as parliamentary agent for Labour MP Desmond Donnelly, living in a flat above what is now the Labour Club. After a brief return to Llanelli in 1955, when he relinquished the Labour agent's post, he returned to Haverfordwest in 1962 as manager of the Guardian Royal Insurance in Bridge Street. He then became actively involved in local government in Haverfordwest Borough Council, becoming mayor in 1965-66, sheriff in 1967 and mayor again in 1993-94. He was made an Alderman in 1970 and polled a record number of votes when he gained a seat on the new Dyfed County Council in 1974, on which he served until its demise in 1995, chairing various committees and becoming chairman in 1984-85. An indefatigable worker for Haverfordwest and for Pembrokeshire, he fought determined campaigns to improved rail services west of Swansea and improve traffic provision in Haverfordwest. He battled successfully against the controversial plan to drive a dual carriageway down Barn Street, with the proposed demolition of Bethesda Church, and was one of the leaders in the successful fight to build the St Davids relief road. He was proud to have seen it named Thomas Parry Way in his honour. He chaired the Haverfordwest National Eisteddfod fundraising committee in 1972, played an active role in the Hospital Action Watchdog Committee to save Withybush Hospital from reduced status and spearheaded the beautification of Picton Playing Field with trees and shrubs and a public footpath. He was made a Burgess of Haverfordwest Gild of Freemen in 1988 and was a Freemason and a member of the RAOB. He was president of Arthritis Care from 1989 to 2003, a cause which he eagerly espoused because his wife Gwen was a sufferer. He was a founder member of Haverfordwest Festival Committee, which he served for 15 years, for many of them as chairman. He was also a past chairman of the Dyfed-Powys Police Authority, the Fire Authority, Fenton School and Portfield Special School governors and Portfield Recreation Committee. He deeply felt the loss of his wife Gwen in 1989 and of his great-granddaughter Jessica in 1996, but soldiered on with the support of his family during ill-health in the last two years. He leaves to mourn his son Derek, daughter Delyth, grandchildren Nicola, Helen, Jonathan and Sian, great-grandchildren Ben jamin, Hannah, Jemma, Jack and Jade. He was a member of Tabernacle Congregational Church, where his funeral service was held on Monday, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn. After leaving the chapel, the cortege drove along Thomas Parry Way and back before heading for the crematorium. There were family flowers only but donations in lieu for Arthritis Care may be sent c/o Mr Bernard Caldicott, Springfield, Nolton Road, Simpson Cross. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Roy Folland and Son, Haverfordwest.

DR W. F. CLIFFORD TENBY The funeral took place yesterday (Tuesday) of Dr William Francis Clifford, of 2 Pier Hill, Tenby. Aged 80, he died on Sunday of last week at Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen. Predeceased by his wife Evelyn, he is survived by his son John and daughters Jayne, Lynne and Ceri. He was father-in-law to Heather and Chris and Pops to Liam, Jake, Jamie, Ross, Lucy and Ethan. The funeral service at Holyrood and St Teilo's Catholic Church, Tenby, was followed by interment at Tenby New Cemetery. There were family flowers only, with donations to RNLI Tenby, c/o Mr J. Hunting, 18 Nyth Gwennol, Saundersfoot. The funeral arrangements were carried out by W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons Ltd, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby.

MRS H. A. NALLY JAMESTON The funeral took place on Monday, of Mrs Hilary Amelia Nally, of 4 Bush Terrace, Jameston. Aged 68, she died on Saturday of last week at Withybush Hospital. She is survived by her husband Shay, son Patrick and daughter-in-law Sue, son Mark and daughter-in-law Delma, son Andrew and daughter-in-law Sarah, grandchildren Jessica, Kara, Daniel, Damien, Raymond and Christopher, sisters Winnie, Margaret, Dolly and Delia and brother Sam. The funeral service at St James' Church, Manorbier, was followed by interment in the churchyard. There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu to ward ten, Withybush Hospital, c/o the funeral directors, W. and M.J. Rossiter and Sons Ltd, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby.

MRS T. I. SIMMONDS MILFORD HAVEN The funeral took place on Friday, of Mrs Thelma Irene Simmonds, of 11 Pointfields Crescent, Hakin, Milford Haven, who died at Ashdale Care Home, Pembroke, on June 5th, after a long illness. Aged 89 and a native of Whitland, Mrs Simmonds was a hairdresser until she married in 1937, when she devoted her time to being a housewife and mother. In later years she looked after elderly relatives. From 1937 to 1965 she lived in Redhill, Surrey, before retiring to Milford Haven. Her main interest, apart from being with family and friends, was flowers and gardening. She attended St Mary's Church, Hakin, and belonged to its sisterhood until ill-health intervened. Predeceased by her husband, Tom Scott Simmonds, she leaves to mourn her son Robert, son and daughter-in-law Hilliard and Ann Simmonds, grandsons Neil and Jamie Simmonds, granddaughters and husbands Tracy and Les Davies, Elaine and Andrew Lewis and great-grandchildren Thomas, Macauley, Paige, Jack, Courtney and Shannon. The funeral service in St Mary's Church, which was followed by interment in Milford Haven Cemetery, was conducted by Rev Alan Chadwick and the bearers were Neil and Jamie Simmonds, Andrew Lewis and Les Davies. The principal mourners were: Robert Simmonds (son); Hilliard and Ann Simmonds (son and daughter-in-law); Neil and Jamie Simmonds (grandsons); Tracey and Les Davies, Elaine and Andrew Lewis (granddaughters and husbands); Thomas, Macauley, Paige, Jack, Courtney and Shannon (great-grandchildren); Frank and Celia, Leggatt, Valmai, Ian, Margaret, Barry, Linda, Sylvia (nephews and nieces). Unable to attend were Leggatt (nieces and nephew, Scotland), Edward and Wendy (nephew and niece). The funeral arrangements were carried out by Tom Newing and Sons, Milford Haven.

MR N. T. JONES MILFORD HAVEN The funeral took place on Sunday, of Mr Norman Trevor Jones, of 50 Croft Avenue, Hakin, Milford Haven, who died at Canterbury House, Priory Road, Milford Haven, on June 5th. Aged 82 and a native of Herbrandston, Mr Jones worked on the fish market on leaving school, later joining the Dry Dock Company for a number of years. He was employed for some time by John Bros Builders, and for the rest of his working career as a JCB driver on construction sites until his retirement. In 1942, he enlisted in the Royal Navy on HM Patrol Services, beoming a Leading Seaman Gunner. His major love was cricket and he dedicated his entire cricket career to Herbrandston Cricket team. In his earlier years he was a leading figure in Herbrandston Parish Council. Predeceased by his wife Gwen, he leaves to mourn his daughters Christine and Cheryl, sister Vera, brother-in-law Glyn, nephew Nigel and family, cousin Phyllis, brother-in-law John and family, brother-in-law Phillip and wife Cynthia. The funeral service took place at St Mary's Church, Herbrandston, followed by burial in the churchyard when Rev Alan Chadwick officiated. The bearers were Nigel Banner, Andrew Lloyd, Peter John, Paul Hood, Alan McClennan and Andy Williams. The principal mourners were: Chrstine and Cheryl (daughters), Vera and Glyn Banner (sister and brother-in-law), Nigel and Pauline and family; Phyllis, John and family. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Tom Newing and Sons, Milford Haven.

MR B. GREEN JOHNSTON Mr Bernard Green, of 28 Brickhurst Park, The Vine, Johnston, died at Rickeston Mill Nursing Home last Wednesday. He was 87. Mr Green was a native of Tilbury and served in the Royal Navy from 1934 to '48 serving with Atlantic, Malta and Russian convoys and worked with South Wales Electricity from 1950 to '83. His main interests were driving and walking. Predeceased by his wife, Margaret, in March 1982, he leaves to mourn his son John. The funeral took place yesterday (Tuesday) at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, when the principal mourner was his son, John. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Tom Newing and Sons Ltd, Hamilton Court Funeral Home, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven.

MRS M. M. GRIFFITHS LLYSYFRAN (formerly of Hayscastle) The death occurred on May 2nd, at Withybush Hospital, of Mrs Margorie May Griffiths, of Maes-y-bryn, Llysyfran. She was 82. Mrs Griffiths was a native of Mountain Cott Farm, Hayscastle, and after raising her family of five, worked at RAF Brawdy, until retirement. She was a member of the FIR Club in Maenclochog and Wolfscastle Senior Citizens' Club. Margorie was predeceased by her husband, Emlyn Griffiths, in 1996. The funeral took place on May 10th, at Pen-y-Bont chapel, Wolfscastle, followed by interment at Newton Cemetery, Hayscastle and was conducted by G. Eynon and Rev Brian Vaughan. The bearers were Paul Griffiths (grandson), Robert Jones, Roy Jenkins and Tudor Griffiths (family friends). Principal mourners were: Thelma Gronwe, Ann, Jean, Alistair, Dil and Phillip (daughters and sons-in-law); Michael and Linda (son and daughter-in-law); Andrew, Susan, Cienwen, Mandy, Rhian, Benjamin, Emma, Lisa, Paul, Mark, Sarah-Lee and Jason (grandchildren); Rhys, Carys, Carwyn, Aled, Alex, Jon, Osian, Aimee, Arran, Bethan, Billy, Harry, Glesni, Teleri, Catherine and Mark (great-grandchildren). Unable to attend were: David, Susan, Glesni and Teleri, Ron, Cienwen, Catherine and Mark, who are from the USA. The funeral arrangements were carried out by William Lewis, Wolfscastle.

MR W. I. MORGAN HAYSCASTLE Relatives, neighbours and friends throughout north Pembrokeshire were saddened to learn of the recent death of Mr William Idris Morgan, of Nantymynydd Farm, Hayscastle, Haverfordwest. Aged 60, he had been unwell for the past year and had undergone lengthy periods of treatment at Withybush, the West Wales General and Singleton hospitals, all of which he endured with a strong sense of faith that he would eventually overcome his illness. The only son of the late Morian and Martha Anne Morgan, he was born at Ffynnongain Farm, Penffordd, grew up at Heathfield Farm, Letterston, and attended the local primary and secondary schools. He worked closely with his family in their farming enterprise until his marriage when, with his wife, Mary, they obtained the tenancy of a smallholding at Llangloffan, near Mathry. While running this holding, he also worked for a number of years at Morfa Farm, Mathry, before buying their own farm, Nantymynydd, in 1982. In later years, he again obtained work off the farm and readily made a whole new circle of friends in the highways department of the county council. As a young man he followed his father with a strong interest in competitive ploughing and achieved a large measure of success across west Wales. More recently he had been taking a renewed interest in this field by encouraging and passing on some of his expertise to new enthusiasts - not least those using vintage tractors and equipment for which he had developed a strong passion. Much preferring to take something of a back seat in most things, he was yet always very supportive of his wife's involvement with their local Baptist chapel, the primary school, WI and show committee. He took a keen interest in the interests and achievements of their four sons and he particularly delighted in his young grandchildren. Idris was a man who always thought of others and would always offer help. He was also the one who always kept in touch with everyone. As a very dear husband, father, grandfather, friend and neighbour he will be sadly missed. His popularity was manifest by the exceptionally large attendance at the funeral on Wednesday of last week. The services at the house, Noddfa Newton Baptist Chapel and adjoining cemetery were conducted by his minister Rev Aled Jenkins, assisted by Revs Emlyn Jones and Geoffrey Eynon. Rev Gwyn Rogers was unable to attend. The organist was Miss Rhiannon Evans, Rhoslan. The bearers were John Evans, Philip Williams, Dyfrig Davies, Mike Sherman, Gwyn Davies and Wayne Phillips. The principal mourners were: Mrs Mary Morgan (wife); Owen and John Morgan (sons); Huw and Louise Morgan (son and daughter-in-law); Marc Morgan and Nerys Thomas (son and fiance); Mrs Brenda Evans (mother-in-law); Nan and Dai Llewellin and Betty and John Devereux (sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law); Wyn and Janet Lewis and Darrel and Eirlys Evans (brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law); Helen Lewis, Gareth, Rhiannon and Peter Llewellin, Eleri Evans, Sarah and Hywel Knight (nephews and nieces), Mrs Enid Thomas, Mr and Mrs Trefor Evans, Mr and Mrs Gary Rowlands and Mr and Mrs John Evans (uncles and aunts). Rhys and Anna Devereux and Nerys Evans (nephews and nieces), Mr Idris Griffiths (uncle) and Mrs Eunice Morgan (aunt) were unable to attend. There were family flowers only, but donations in lieu, for ward ten, Withybush Hospital and Ataxia UK c/o Mr Len Davies, Plaindealings, Hayscastle, Haverfordwest. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr William Lewis, of Ford Bungalow, Wolfscastle.

MRS H. M. EDWARDS TENBY The funeral took place on Friday, of Mrs Heather Margaret Edwards, formerly of 41 Upper Hill Park, Tenby. Aged 82, she died the previous Friday at Tenby Cottage Hospital. She was predeceased by her husband George. The funeral service was held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium. There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu to Macmillan Cancer Relief, c/o the funeral directors, W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons Ltd, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby.

MRS M. E. THORNBURROW HAVERFORDWEST The death occurred of Moira Elizabeth Thornburrow, on May 30th, at her family home, at 6 Baring Gould Way, Haverfordwest. She was 57. Moira had spent eight weeks in Withybush Hospital before requesting to return to home, where her courage and determination were inspirational to her family and friends. The funeral took place on June 6th, at Tabernacle Congregational church, Haverfordwest, and was followed by interment at City Road Cemetery. Rev C. Gilham conducted both services. Moira was born in Haverfordwest and spent all her life there. She was a kind and considerate lady who led a simple life, living for her children and grandchildren. Her interests included bingo, knitting and travelling. Moira leaves to mourn her three daughters, Michelle, Mandy and Melloney; sisters Davina and Sonia; brothers Roy and Wynn (Richard); grandchildren Jamie, Hayley, Thomas and Jarred; along with numerous nephews, nieces, uncles and cousins. The bearers were Wynn (brother), Mark (nephew), Richard and Gavin (nephews-in-law). There were flowers. Roy Folland and Sons carried out the funeral arrangements.

MRS D. THOMAS LLANGWM (formerly of Manchester) The funeral took place on June 6th, at St Ismael's church, Rosemarket, of Mrs Doreen Thomas, who died at home on May 30th. She was a native of Manchester and was 76. Her husband Trevor predeceased her in 1996. Doreen was a very active member of the Labour Party and supported her husband Trevor at election time. She had been a Lady Mayoress of Manchester in 1978-79, supporting Trevor, who was Lord Mayor. They completed 1,500 civic duties for the city and travelled to many parts of the world. Doreen had worked for Massey Ferguson in Manchester, but later devoted her time to the family. Once her children were old enough, she spent time in retail trade, having her own ladies wear business, then a newspaper shop, before moving to Neyland, when she ran the local grocery/sweet shop on Kensington Road. Doreen became a member of Neyland Town Council and during her time with the council served as mayor. She was an active member of Burton Wednesday afternoon club and she was a keen committee member and past chair. She was also involved in Neyland WI, Arthritis Care, and was a supporter of many community events especially bingo in Rosemarket village hall, and in Merlins Bridge village hall. She attended St Ismael's church, supported all church activities and until recently was a member of the Parochial Church Council. The family left to mourn and principal mourners at the funeral were: Jean and Stephen Jones, Pauline and Alex Mackie (daughters and sons-in-law); Sarah, Jaclyn, Victoria and Richard (grandchildren); Dillon (granddaughter's husband); along with many friends too numerous to mention. The bearers were Chris Campbell, Derek Mycock, Reece Jones and Denise Wheeler. There were family flowers only, with donations to the ward ten trust fund, or The Burton Wednesday Club, which may be sent to Mrs Margaret Wildman, Da-Mar, Lucy Walters Close, Rosemarket, Milford Haven, SA73 1JW. Roy Folland and Son, Haverfordwest, carried out the funeral arrangements.

MRS M. JENKINS HAVERFORDWEST The death occurred on May 19th, at Lynnefield Care Home, Merlins Bridge, Haverfordwest, of Mrs Mattie (Pat) Jenkins. She was 87. Mrs Jenkins was a native of Pontypridd, but moved to Pembrokeshire as a child. In her early life she served as a governess/nanny, then the Women's Army during the war, serving at Dale, where she met her husband, David Jenkins. They set up home and she supported her husband in his work and hobbies, especially sailing and helping him in the development of Neyland Yacht Club. Pat's other interests revolved around her home and family. She was an accomplished dress-maker and knitter, and enjoyed sailing with her late husband. Her early life centred around the chapel in Trefgarn Owen and she loved Welsh male voice choirs and the chapel festivals. Predeceased by her husband in 1974 and her daughter, Sandra in 1999, family left to mourn are: John, Marc and David Lee (grandsons); Alan and Ann Mabey (nephew and wife); Patricia and Alan Bowkett (niece and husband); Eifion Davies, Glyn Thomas, James Thomas; great-nieces and nephews and cousins. The funeral took place on May 27th, at Penuel Baptist church, Roch, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn, and was conducted by Rev Peter Gwyther. Principal mourners were: John Lee and his fiancee Sharon; Alan and Ann Mabey; Patricia and Alan Bowkett; Eifion Davies; Glyn Thomas; James and Anita Thomas; Sydney and Elvira James; Mr and Mrs Hugh Morgan; Mrs Winnie Evans; Mr Colin Brown; Mrs Pearl Davies; Mr Alec Davies; Mrs S. Gwyther; Mrs Beryl Payne; Mrs Patricia Williams; Mrs S. Lewis; Mr A. Lindley; Mr Sean Bassett; Carers from Lynnefield. Unable to attend were: David and Marc Lee (grandsons); and David, Ellen and Angie Bowkett. Donations in lieu of flowers are for ward ten, Withybush Hospital. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Glyn Thomas, Hook.

MR V. DISTRI AMBLESTON The funeral has taken place of Mr Vincenzo Ditri, of Parc-y-Llyn Nursing and Rest Home, Ambleston. Ditri died at Parc-y-Llyn on May 25th, aged 84. Born in Campobasso, Italy, he was a hairdresser before the war. He served in the Italian Army from 1940 until 1946, when he was taken a prisoner-of-war. He was an agricultural worker in the Carmarthen area before becoming a woodsman in the early 1960s for Picton Castle Estate, retiring in 1985. He enjoyed shooting, fishing, growing his own vegetables and grapes, and making wine using home-grown and picked ingredients. His wife Elizabeth Srei (known as Jenny), predeceased him in November 2000, and his brother Antonio Ditri died in January. He leaves to mourn Elizabeth and Rod Smith (daughter and son-in-law); Christina Ditri (sister-in-law); nieces and nephews Viola, Carmella, Vincent, Dily and family, and nephews Dominic, Pasquale and family, London. The funeral service at the Chapel of Rest of Roy Folland and Sons, Cartlett, Haverfordwest, was followed by interment at City Road Cemetery. Officiating was Father McCreal. The bearers were Rod Smith, Vincent Ditri, Viv Griffiths and Edward Cooper. The principal mourners were Elizabeth and Rod Smith (daughter and son-in-law); Viola and Vivian Griffiths and Dewi; Carmella Ditri; Vincent and Thelma Ditri, Tracey and Stephen Griffiths, Beryl and Edward Cooper, Dily Simms, Jane Fisher, Bernie and Gaynor. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Roy Folland and Son, Haverfordwest.

MR W. J. NEWMAN LLANSTADWELL The funeral took place with cremation at Parc Gwyn, last Wednesday, of Mr William James Newman, who died at his home, Llanstadwell House, 53 Church Road, Llanstadwell, on June 6th, aged 61. Rev Martyn Evans officiated. He had spent 17 years in the Army (RAOC, originally in Transport Corps), and served in Bahrain, Germany, Libya, Jamaica, Northern Ireland, Malaya and Kenya. He also spent five or six years in the oil industry in the Middle East in Sudan and Saudi Arabia then in Shell in the UK until retirement. His main interests were boating and DIY. He was predeceased by his wife, Susan Jane, 18 months ago. Principal mourners were son Michael James Newman; daughter Karen Jane Hammett; grandchildren William Jarad Newman, Rebecca G. M. Newman and Danny Hammett. Donations in lieu of flowers to ward ten, Withybush, and Cancer UK. Tom Newing and Sons Ltd, Milford Haven, carried out the funeral arrangements.