Mr. E. B. Johns
Kilgetty
The funeral took place recently of Mr. Edward Benjamin (Ben) Johns, of Fountain View, Ryelands Lane, Kilgetty.
Aged 92, he passed away peacefully on January 12 at Withybush Hospital, where he had been a patient for 11 weeks.
Ben was born near Molleston, Templeton, in 1916, and until his death lived at his home, Fountain View, Ryelands Lane, Kilgetty.
He was one of four children, his brothers, who all predeceased him, being Willie, Ivor and Jack.
They lived with their parents at Clyne Cottage, Martletwy, and attended Martletwy School, and along with their parents were members of St. Marcellus Church, Martletwy.
Ben's father, mother, his grandparents and his wife Eva are all buried in the churchyard.
Ben had a varied working life, starting as a farm labourer in Llawhaden, then as a collier at Broom Colliery, Thomas Chapel. Later he served in the army during the war and was stationed at St. Anne's Head, Dale. He became a motor mechanic, a grocery delivery driver and, during his final occupation, he along with colleagues survived a serious bus accident on Pendine Hill. The courageous bus driver was killed in this accident.
Ben had a love of people and animals alike; he was a well-known greyhound trainer and had several champion dogs.
Ben will be remembered by everyone for his happy, pleasant personality and always had a smile on his face for everyone.
He will be sadly missed by his children and the rest of his family.
Predeceased by his wife Eva Mary Johns in December 1990, he leaves to mourn: Christopher (son); Terry and Diana (son and daughter-in-law); Malcolm and Betty (son and daughter-in-law); Raydene (daughter); Shirley and Peter (daughter and son-in-law); Tina and Glen, Linda and Nigel, Elaine and Spiro, Sarah and Gareth, Tracy and Stephen, Carole and Philip, Joanne and Dean, Simon and Karen (grandchildren and spouses); Ben, Becki, Josh, Lydia, Carmen and John, Rhiannon, Gethin, Hannah, Adam, John, Chloe, Lucy, Hollie, Josh, Matthew, Darcy, Joel, Jamie and Sammi (great-grandchildren); Ella (great-great-granddaughter); together with numerous other relatives.
The funeral service was held at St. Marcellus Church, Martletwy, on January 20. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Rev. Michael Needs officated.
Bearers were Simon Johns, Spiro Jovic, Philip Langston, Stephen Lewis, Gareth McLuckie, Dean Rossiter, Ben and Joshua Randall.
Principal mourners were the family left to mourn, together with Don and Amy Cole (nephew and wife); Gwyneth and Helen Bowen (niece and great-niece); Roy and Maureen Jones (nephew and wife); Marianne (niece); and numerous friends and neighbours.
Unable to attend were: Enid Davies (sister-in-law); Delsea James (cousin); Tony and Ann (nephew and wife); Elizabeth, Beryl, Olive, Melvyn (nephews and nieces) and families; Eric and Astrid (nephew and great-niece); John, Glen and Becki.
There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu, if so desired, for St. Marcellus Church, Martletwy, c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, who carried out the funeral arrangements.
In memory of
MRS. C. EVANS
The family of the late Mrs. Ceri Evans would like to thank all who sent donations in her memory, amounting to the sum of £1,360.50.
The money has now been forwarded to the Lluest Pony Trust, and Ward 10, Withybush Hospital.
Grateful thanks go to Elizabeth and Stewart Treharne for managing the donations.
MR. D. G. CLIFT
TENBY
There was a farewell tribute by the RAF to one of the Few, when a Hawk Jet trainer from 19 Squadron swooped low over Parc Gwyn Crematorium, and dipped its wings in salute, following the service on January 8 for D. G. (Doug) Clift.
Born in London on March 15, 1919, Doug joined the RAF as a pilot in January 1939. After his training at Hanworth and Shawbury, he joined fighter command converting to his much-beloved Hurricanes aircraft and joining 79 Squadron at Biggin Hill, where he was involved in many dog fights over the English Channel, Kent and London, downing several aircraft during the Battle of Britain.
The squadron was then posted to RAF Pembrey for a short rest, where he met his wife Joyce. He remained in fighter command until volunteering for the Merchant Shipping fighter unit in 1941, guarding convoys, with his Hurricane perched high on one of the ships in the convoy waiting to be catapulted off if anything attacked and having to land in the sea and hoping to be picked up.
He married Joyce during that period and had only a two-day honeymoon as he found on their return to base, at RAF Speke, that he was to guard the next convoy to Canada. He remained on flying duties until posted to the Royal Indian Air Force.
After the war, Doug served with 34 Squadron until its disbandment in 1947. Remaining in fighter command, including service in Germany and Singapore, he then spent some years at the radar establishment at Malvern, and subsequently a year as an advisor to the Imperial Iranian Air Force. His last posting was to West Drayton on the 'Linesman' project, retiring in 1974 as a Squadron Leader.
Moving to Tenby in 1977, he took up a post at Kiln Park until his full retirement in 1983.
He is sadly missed by his wife Joyce, his sister-in-law Sheila and nephew John.
The funeral service was conducted by Rev. Andrew Davies.
Donations in lieu of flowers were to Wales Air Ambulance.
Funeral arrangements were conducted by Messrs. W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons Ltd., The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby.
MR H. J. GRIFFITHS
TENBY
Howard John Griffiths, who died on Monday, January 5, aged 92, was well known in the Tenby and Saundersfoot area as a former electrical engineer with the South Wales Electricity Board (SWEB). During a career spanning 42 years in the electricity supply industry, broken only by wartime service in the Royal Navy, he was closely involved in the supply of electricity to homes and businesses throughout Pembrokeshire.
Howard was born on May 14, 1916, at Plantation Cottages, Stammers, Saundersfoot, the youngest son of John and Eunice Griffiths. He was educated at the village primary school and then at the Grammar School in Tenby. After leaving school, he worked at the plumbing firm of Hermann Thomas, before joining the West Cambrian Power Company as an electrical apprentice.
At the outbreak of war, he joined the Home Guard and in 1942 volunteered and entered the Royal Navy as an electrical artificer. After basic training at Chatham, he was posted to several warships that were part of the Royal Navy fleet in the Pacific campaign. On demobilisation as a Chief Petty Officer, he returned to Tenby to resume his career in the local electricity supply industry, which had been nationalised to become the SWEB.
Much of his work in the 1950s and early 1960s was involved with the programme of rural development, taking electricity by cable from the national grid to small communities and farms. One new supply project that he particularly enjoyed working on, was that to provide a supply from the mainland to Caldey Island.
In addition to his rural development work, he became well-known in the area when he worked from the SWEB offices in The Norton on appliance sales. He then supervised a team working from the SWEB depot in the Salterns, who were employed in electrical contracting in the Tenby area. Following this, he transferred to the SWEB Withybush offices in Haverfordwest to work as a commercial engineer, before retiring in 1977.
In his retirement, Howard enjoyed a relaxed life with his family, in particular with his daughter Sue, son-in-law Nick and three grandchildren Kate, Jane and David, to whom he was always supportive and caring. Sadly, Howard was predeceased by his loving wife Dorothy in 1974.
In recent years, he spent most of his time with his family in Somerset and he died at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton.
The funeral at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, on Friday, January 16, was conducted by the Rev. Andrew Davies.
There were family flowers only and donations, in lieu, may be made payable to Breast Cancer Care, c/o Messrs. W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons Ltd., The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, who carried out the funeral arrangements.
MRS. C. H. BLEINES
TENBY
The funeral of Mrs. Catherine Helen Bleines, of Walmer House, Tenby, took place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, on Friday.
The ceremony was attended by a gathering of family mourners from near and far.
Floral tributes came from close family. Moving organ music was played for arrival and departure.
Tributes were paid by Helen's son David, reading verses from a favourite poem, and by her daughter Catherine whose extended eulogy was kindly read by the celebrant, Mr. Brian Ceinen. Time was given for personal reflection and memories of Helen.
The funeral was very kindly directed by Messrs. W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons.
MR. W. E. LEWIS
TENBY
The death of Mr. William Ernest Lewis, known affectionately as Ernie, occurred peacefully in his sleep on Friday, January 16, at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest. He was 81.
Having spent most of the last year being kindly cared for by the wonderful staff at the Cottage Hospital Ward at Park House Court in Tenby, he leaves to mourn his brother Freddy, Katrina and Gavin, sister-in-law Betty, plus many nieces and nephews, great-nephews and great-nieces, too numerous to mention.
Ernie was at his happiest surrounded by family, spending the last 17 years living with Katrina and Gavin, where he called his home.
Ernie was born in Museum Cottage on Tenby's Castle Hill, where he enjoyed swimming and fishing on the harbour sands.
He spent most of his working life with Tenby and South Pembs. Council, before finishing with Craig's Dairy on the milk with Kevin.
The funeral service was held at St. Mary's Church, Tenby, on Monday, January 26, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn, Narberth.
Bearers were Ernie's nephews, Mike Day, Derryn Harries, Gary Lewis and Thomas Lewis.
There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu for Ward 10, Withybush Hospital, c/o the funeral directors, Messrs. W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons Ltd., The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, or Landsker House, 21 Station Road, Narberth.
Mrs. D. P. P. Phillips
Pembroke
(formerly of Cresselly)
The death occurred peacefully at the home of her daughter, West Furzton Farm, Maidenwells, on Sunday, February 1, of Mrs. Dorothy Primrose Patricia Phillips. She was 79.
Affectionately known as Dot, she was of The Green, Pembroke, and formerly of The Norton, Cresselly.
Beloved wife of the late Dennis George Phillips, she was the dearly loved mother of Denise, Patricia, Roger, Tim, Rodney, Dennis and Nicola, treasured grandmother to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and much-loved sister to Eugene (Williamson) and Allan (Thomas) and sister-in-law to Vera (James) and Barbara (Thomas).
The funeral service will take place on Tuesday, February 10, at St. Jeffrey and St. Oswald Church, Jeffreyston, at 2 pm, prior to interment in the church cemetery.
Family flowers only, with donations in lieu, if so desired, for The Ruth James Trust Fund, c/o Mr. G. Thomas, 34 Charles Thomas Avenue, Pembroke Dock.
Funeral arrangements are being conducted by E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, 31 Stockwell Road, Pembroke Dock.
Mrs. B. L. Hancock
Saundersfoot
The death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, on Saturday, of Mrs. Beatrice Lucy Hancock, aged 84, of Frances Lane, Saundersfoot.
Formerly of Llanishen and Rhiwbina, Cardiff, she was known affectionately as Lucy.
She was the beloved wife of the late Jim, and a dear sister, aunt and friend to many.
The funeral service will be held on Thursday, February 12, at St. Issell's Church, Saundersfoot, at 11.30 am, with the cremation service taking place on Friday, February 13, at Thornhill Crematorium, Cardiff, at 2.15 pm.
Family flowers only, with donations in lieu, if so desired, for Wards 10 and 12, Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside, who are conducting the funeral arrangements.
Canon G. Evans
St. Florence
(formerly of Saundersfoot)
As reported in our last issue, the death occurred suddenly, but peacefully at home, on Wednesday, January 28, of Canon Glyn Evans, aged 98, of 3 Flemish Close, St. Florence.
Well-known and much-respected in the local community, he will be sadly missed by his family, colleagues and all with whom he was acquainted during his ministry.
The funeral service has been arranged to take place today (Friday) at St. Issell's Church, Saundersfoot, at 12.30 pm, prior to cremation at Parc Gwyn, Narberth, at 1.45 pm.
There will be family flowers only, with donations in lieu, if so desired, for St. Issell's Church, Saundersfoot, Redberth Church and St. Florence Church, c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Archways, Green Plains, Stepaside.
GAVIN RICHARD PROCTOR
The funeral of Gavin Richard Proctor, whose death was reported in a previous issue, took place yesterday (Thursday) at St. Jeffrey and St. Oswald Church, Jeffreyston.
Predeceased by his brother Sean, he is survived by his parents Gary and Valerie, sisters Jackie and Joanne, brother-in-law Craig, nephews Andrew and Hayden and nieces Bethany and Sharon.
There were family flowers only, but donations, if desired, may be made payable to 'Muscular Dystrophy Campaign', c/o the funeral directors, W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons Ltd., The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby.
Mrs. E. Davies
Pentlepoir
The death occurred at Withybish Hospital, Haverfordwest, on Sunday, of Mrs. Edna Davies, of Green Park, Pentlepoir. She was 91.
Predeceased by first husband Ron and second husband Bill, she is survived by daughter Jane, son-in-law Steve, grandchildren Vicki, John and James and great-grandchildren Kieran, Georgia and Olivia.
The funeral service takes place on Wednesday, February 11, at St Issell's Church, Saundersfoot, at 1.30 pm, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn, Narberth, at 2.30 pm.
There is a request for family flowers only, donations if desired may be made payable to either St. Issell's Church, Saundersfoot, or Save the Children, c/o funeral directors W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons Ltd., The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, or Landsker House, 21 Station Road, Narberth.
MRS. A. KERR-BONNER
LAWRENNY
The death occurred peacefully on January 28 at Withybush General Hospital, Haverfordwest, of Mrs. Audrey Kerr-Bonner, of Lawrenny.
Aged 81, she will be sadly missed by her husband and family.
The funeral service will be held today (Friday) at Burnett's Hill Chapel, Martletwy, at 2 pm.
There are to be family flowers only, but donations, if desired, may be made payable to the Tinkers Hill Trust, c/o funeral directors, Messrs W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons Ltd, Landsker House, 21 Station Road, Narberth, tel. (01834) 861300, to whom all inquiries should be directed.
Mrs. P. M. Ross
Tenby
The death occurred on Saturday, January 31, of Mrs. Phyllis May Ross, who lived and died at Park House Court Nursing Home, Tenby. She was 88.
Predeceased by husband Ken, sister Margaret and brothers Peter and Bonzo, she is survived by sister Mary, cousins Pat and Pauline, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews too numerous to mention.
The funeral service takes place on Monday, February 9, at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 1.45 pm.
Family flowers only, donations if desired may be made payable to Ty Hafan Children's Hospice, c/o funeral directors W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons Ltd., The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, or Landsker House, 21 Station Road, Narberth.
MRS. M. JONES, SWANSEA
(formerly of Saundersfoot)
The death occurred peacefully on January 30, at her home, surrounded by her family, of Mrs. Maureen (Mo) Jones (nee Griffiths), of Mayals, Swansea, and formerly of Saundersfoot.
Beloved wife of John, she was also a devoted mother, grandmother and sister.
The funeral takes place next Thursday, February 12, when a service at St. Benedicts RC Church, Clydach, at 11.15 am, will be followed by cremation at Llanelli Crematorium at 12.30 pm.
There are to be family flowers only please, but donations in lieu, if so desired, may be made to S.P.I.C.E., c/o St. James Funeral Home, 31 St. James Gardens, Uplands, Swansea.