Gareth Scotcher passed away peacefully on Friday, November 2, at Withybush Hospital, aged 48.

Gareth was born in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, on March 28, 1970; the second son of Dudley and Shirley. The family moved back to Tenby in 1978 where Gareth soon became ‘A Tenby Boy’. He attended Tenby Junior School followed by Greenhill. He was an enthusiastic sportsman, playing rugby and football for Tenby. He excelled at swimming and held the Tenby Dolphins 100m Butterfly record for over 30 years.

He continued his education at the University of Glamorgan, obtaining a degree in Electrical Engineering whilst spending his holidays working as a life guard at Kiln Park. After a brief spell working for the family business Gareth joined the staff at Oakwood Theme Park, becoming a popular manager. He travelled extensively, both at home and abroad, in search of the perfect ride. He loved his job.

Gareth married in 1998 and soon followed his children, Dylan and Daisy.

In 2003 he was diagnosed with MND. Despite the prognosis, Gareth quickly came to terms with the situation, determined not to let his illness define him. His ‘glass’ was always ‘more than half full’.

Gareth was devoted to his children, supporting them in whatever they did, in and out of school; taking them on holidays, both at home and abroad. He was fiercely independent, choosing to live on his own with the help of his ‘army of carers’.

Gareth loved rugby and with the help of his childhood friends watched matches at Tenby United, Scarlets, Ospreys and Wales in Cardiff. He was an active user of social media, particularly Facebook on which he had hundreds of friends.

In 2013, Gareth Scotcher and Nicky Rees entered the Long Course Weekend. After completing the swim, cycling and marathon they triumphantly returned to Tudor Square with Dylan and Daisy by their side. Gareth could not praise Nicky enough for his effort and help on the toughest but best day of his life.

The funeral to celebrate and give thanks for Gareth’s life took place in St. Mary’s Church, Tenby and Parc Gwyn Crematorium on November 15, conducted by Rev’d. Canon Andrew Grace.

The tribute was written and read by Dylan Laurance. The bearers were his friends John, Tim, Gerald, Dylan and Dean together with his brother Gavin. At Parc Gwyn, Polly read a poem by Jack London and one of Gareth’s own.

Gareth will be greatly missed by Dylan and Daisy (son and daughter), Dudley and Shirley (father and mother), Jill (grandmother), Gavin and Tracy (brother and sister-in-law), Elliot and Polly (nephew and niece) and their partners, Ria and Jason.

There were family flowers only, donations if desired for My Name’5 Doddie Foundation (MND Research) c/o Rossiter and Sons, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby who carried out the arrangements with kindness and sensitivity.

MRS. E. L. BREADNAM

The death has occurred at Queen Alexander Hospital, Portsmouth of Elsie Louisa Breadnam. She had been admitted to deal with an infection but she did not respond to the medication and died peacefully on Thursday, November 15. Her daughter and son-in-law, Elaine and Glyn Macken, were with her. Her other daughter, Pam Buckton, had said a last goodbye a few days earlier.

She celebrated her 106th birthday in hospital on November 2.

Elsie came to Tenby in 1951 with her husband Bob Breadnam who was stationed at the missile range at Manorbier. Bob died in 1961 just a few months after leaving the Army.

Elsie worked for many years at T.P. Hughes. She started as a seamstress and finished as head of department and buyer of the children’s department. She was a devout member of St. Mary’s Church and a long-time member of the Mothers’ Union. She served on many charitable committees.

Elsie left Tenby in December 2014 to live with Elaine and Glyn in Stubbington, Hampshire.

Elsie will be cremated at a private ceremony and there will be a service of thanksgiving for her life on December 8 in Stubbington. There will be no flowers or donations.