NORMAN WILLIAM OSBERNE D’ARCY
As reported recently Norman D’Arcy died at Highborder Lodge Care Home in Leonard Stanley, Gloucestershire. He was aged 83.
Born in Penrhiwceiber, Glamorgan, in 1933, he spent his early years here, before moving to Tenby in time for secondary school,where his father had been based during the war.
The eldest son of John and Molly D’Arcy, he showed a natural ability for team games at Greenhill which was originally a football school but changed over to rugby in 1948/49. He started playing rugby for the school in the morning and football for Tenby Rovers in the afternoon until the head, Graham Gibson, got wind of it and ended the outside school activity. He was an opening bowler of pace and skill and in one school match against Narberth Grammar, took all ten wickets. He played rugby for the Pembrokeshire secondary schools in the back row.
In those days after the war before TV, widespread consumerism, and mobile phones, youngsters played outside and for him this meant touch rugby, football or cricket down the beach with the likes of Ian Nicholls, Oscar Thomas, Gwyn Llewellyn, Howell Daniells and Terry Morris.
Leaving school, he joined the Civil Service and worked at Manorbier Army Camp. He played cricket for Cresselly in the summer and was part of the team with his younger brother, Carey, that won the Harrison Allen Trophy in 1960. The winter saw him play for Tenby Rovers. There were also a few seasons of football for Kilgetty and cricket for Tenby. He moved to London and worked near Trafalgar Square. He joined Harrow Rugby Club and Stanmore Cricket Club, adjoining each other on Stanmore Common.
Stanmore in the competitive Middlesex league, staged charity matches. They consisted of famous cricketers and stars of stage and screen. In one was Garfield Sobers and Frank Worrall, of West Indian fame, together with Ian Carmichael, a popular film actor of the time. Facing Sobers, one of the greatest all rounders of all time, he said that each ball was different. He didn’t bat for very long! but managed to take some valuable wickets, including that of the Hampshire, captain, Colin Ingleby Mackenzie. During this time, he opened the bowling for the Civil Service against United Banks, the Army, RAF and the Royal Navy.
During the ’60s, he played rugby for Harrow as an uncompromising back rower with the ability to keep the ball alive with his footballing skills. He also started a trend which saw other Tenby rugby players join Harrow over the years, including, Mike Howells, Jimmy Jenkins and Tom Nicholls. Moving to Bath to work in the Admiralty he took up walking and joined the Bath Ramblers. One of his more adventurous hikes was half-way up Everest. It was a tradition to give the sherpa who looked after you, your warm clothes after the walk had finished. He did so, but froze in his hotel for two days before flying home.
A crossword enthusiast, his flat was full of reference books and biographies of famous figures like Lloyd George, Churchill, and Dickens.
Like many of his contemporaries, he was not that keen on professional rugby but he did watch Bath for a few seasons. He went to many of the memorable Wales v France matches in the ’70s and was at Stradey Park for Llanelli’s victory over the All Blacks. He was a regular visitor to Scotland and was particularly fond of the Western Isles.
He had a stint working back in Pembrokeshire at Pendine in the early ’70s when he again played for Cresselly. He helped them win the Pembs. league in ’72 and the Harrison Allen Bowl the following year. One of his regrets owing to ill health was being unable to visit Pembrokeshire in the last few years.
He will be sadly missed by his family and friends in London, Bath and Pembrokeshire.
MRS. M. OWEN
WHITLAND
Peacefully on Friday, October 21, at her home, Marianne, of 17 Millfield, Whitland.
Beloved wife of David, a dear mother of Charles, Nicola and James, cherished nanny of Lewis, Holly, Alex, Charlotte and Isobel, and a respected mother-in-law of Catherine, Deborah and Steve. She will be sadly missed by her loving family and many friends.
Funeral service Wednesday, November 2, at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 2.30 pm.
Family flowers only please, donations in lieu if so desired for The Carmarthen Oncology Fund and Diabetes UK, c/o D. Morris, 2 Llwyn Meredith, Carmarthen.
Further enquiries to David E. Morris and Son, Hywel Evans Funeral Directors, tel. 01267 222917 or (01834) 860439.
Mr. A. Asparassa
formerly of Pembroke Dock
The funeral has taken place of Mr. Anthony Asparassa, affectionately known as Tony, formerly of St. Patrick’s Road, Pembroke Dock
Age 87, he passed away on Saturday, October 1, at The Meadows Care Home, Johnston, where for the last 18 months he had been cared for by the wonderful staff there.
A boiler-maker by profession, his main interest was sport. He played rugby for Pembroke Rugby Club in his younger days, but cricket was his passion. For the last 20 years, he would be found at Treleet, supporting Pembroke Cricket Club, with his good friend John Morgan; the banter and humour would be something to behold. Glamorgan Cricket Club was also a passion for Tony. A proud Welshman, Tony would eagerly await the Six Nations tournament and would vociferously support his beloved Wales.
He was predeceased by his wife Violet.
Family left to mourn: father to Chris and Sharon, father-in-law to Carol and Bill, cherished grandad to Katie and Tara.
The funeral service took place at St. Michael and All Angels Church, Cosheston, on October 12, followed by interment in the church cemetery. Rev. Carolyn Wood officiated.
Bearers were Simon Smith Wrench, Stuart Longhurst, Steve Ronald and Bill Molineaux.
Donations: if so desired for National Autistic Society, c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, also at 31 Stockwell Road, Pembroke Dock.
Mrs. E. R. Norman
Pembroke
(formerly of Lamphey)
The death occurred peacefully at Ashdale Nursing Home, Pembroke, on Thursday, October 20, of Mrs. Enid Rosa Norman. She was aged 92 years.
Predeceased by her husband Bill, Enid will be sadly missed by son and daughter-in-law Stephen and Daryl, daughter and partner Madeleine and Mike, daughter and son-in-law Elaine and Chris, grandchildren Barrie, Jeffrey, Nathan, Tiffany and Amy, great-grandchildren Kirsty, Cara and Libby.
The funeral service takes place on Thursday, November 3, at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 1.45 pm.
There will be family flowers only, with donations if desired made payable to Dogs Trust, c/o funeral directors, Messrs. W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons Ltd., The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, or Landsker House, 21 Station Road, Narberth, to whom all inquiries should be made.
MR. R. J. MORGAN
SUMMERHILL
The death occurred suddenly, but peacefully on Saturday, October 22, of Mr. Ronald James Morgan, affectionately known as Ron, aged 64 years, of Summerhill.
Loving husband of Carol, much-loved brother of Daphne and Dylan, brother-in-law of Paul and Sharon, dearly-loved dad, step-dad, grandad, great-grandad, uncle and great uncle.
Ron will be sadly missed by his family and many friends.
The funeral service will take place on Friday, November 4, at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 3.15 pm.
There will be family flowers only, with donations if so desired, for Macmillan Cancer Support, c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, who are conducting funeral arrangements.
MR. R. T. JONES
MILTON
The death occurred peacefully on Sunday, October 23, of Mr. Richard Thomas Jones, aged 93 years, of Paskeston Lane, Milton.
Beloved husband of Enid, much-loved dad of Avril and Colette, father-in-law of Kevin, cherished Taid of Natalie, Tom and Tako.
The funeral arrangements have not been finalised, please direct all enquires to E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Llanteg, tel. (01834) 831876, who are conducting funeral arrangements.
MR. B. HARTLEY
Brian Hartley passed away, on September 13, in Izmir, Turkey. Aged 72, Brian is a former member of Tenby Golf Club. He is survived by his devoted partner Lynda and will be fondly remembered and missed by his many friends.
MRS. J. E. THOMAS
LUDCHURCH
The death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital on Monday, October 24, of Mrs. Janet Elizabeth Thomas, aged 62 years, of Ludchurch.
Loving husband of Tudor, cherished mum to Angela, much-loved sister and sister-in-law to Bill and Jean, also brother-in-law and sister-in-law to Bernard and Doreen.
The funeral service will take place on Wednesday, November 2, at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 1.45 pm.
There will be immediate family flowers only, with donations, if so desired, for Withybush Hospital Cancer Day Unit Appeal, c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, who are conducting the funeral arrangements.
Mr. J. D. Humphreys
Saundersfoot
The death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital on Friday, October 21, of Mr. John David Humphreys. He was aged 81 and lived on Stammers Road, Saundersfoot.
Predeceased by his wife Mary, John will be sadly missed by daughter and son-in-law Emma and Andy, grandchildren and all the family.
The funeral service will be strictly private.
All further inquiries should be made to funeral directors, Messrs. W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons Ltd., The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, tel. (01834) 843160, or Landsker House, 21 Station Road, Narberth, tel. (01834) 861300.
MRS. J. BOWEN
WHITLAND
The death occurred peacefully at Morriston Hospital, Swansea, on Tuesday, October 18, of Mrs. Joan Bowen, of St. George’s Avenue, Whitland.
Beloved wife of the late Donald, a dearly-loved mam and nanna.
The funeral service will take place on Monday, October 31, at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 2.30 pm.
There will be family flowers only, with donations, if so desired, for Cardiac Intensive Care, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, who are conducting the funeral arrangements. Tel. (01834) 831876.
MRS. J. PULLEN
STEPASIDE
As reported previously, the death occurred peacefully at home on Monday, October 17, of Mrs. Joan Pullen, aged 93 years, of Stepaside.
Joan will be sadly missed by her family and friends.
The funeral service will take place today (Friday, October 28), at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 2.30 pm.
There will be family flowers only, with donations for The Paul Sartori Foundation, 31 Haven Road, Haverfordwest.
The funeral arrangements are being conducted by E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg.
MRS. G. JOHN
PENTLEPOIR
(formerly of Stepaside)
As reported previously, the death occurred peacefully at Park House Court Nursing Home, Tenby, on Monday, October 17, of Mrs. Gwyneth John (nee Scourfield), affectionately known as ‘Gwyneth the Mill,’ aged 91 years.
Gwyneth suffered a stroke three-and-a-half years ago.
Devoted wife of the late Gordon, loving mum of Stephen and partner Mary, dearly-loved sister of Gerald, much-loved aunt of Vivienne.
The funeral service will take place tomorrow (Saturday, October 29), at Stepaside Methodist Chapel, Pleasant Valley, at 11 am, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 12.15 pm.
There will be family flowers only, with donations, if so desired for Wales Air Ambulance and The British Heart Foundation, c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, who are conducting the funeral arrangements.
MRS. A. KINGSTON
AMROTH
The death occurred peacefully after a short illness at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest, on Wednesday, October 19, of Mrs. Ann Kingston of Cliff Road, Amroth.
The funeral service will take place on Saturday. November 5, at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 1 pm. No black ties by request. Afterwards, refreshments will be held at The Smugglers Restaurant, Amroth, to celebrate Ann’s life.
There will be flowers or donations, if so desired, for Cancer Research UK (local branch), c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Llanteg, who are conducting funeral arrangements. Tel. (01834) 831876.
In memory of Doug Perry
It was a sad day when we heard about the passing of Doug Perry.
Doug had a long association with Tenby Museum and Art Gallery, stretching back over many years. He served as a trustee, was a loyal volunteer prepared to do any task, exhibited as an artist on several occasions, was a teacher of children with art events where he shared his enthusiasm and talent with younger generations, gave his time as a craftsman where his creativity shone through.
Doug’s artistic talents bridged so many mediums and genres. He was adept at landscapes in watercolour, pen and ink and acrylic and, in his 80th year, he discovered a new interest in abstract expressionism, particularly through the action painting works of Jackson Pollock, which saw him produce a whole new body of paintings. He would often speak at enthusiastic and excited lengths about these exciting new works. Drip and pour became his favourite form of artistic expression in his latter period of painting.
Doug taught me all I know about hanging an art show, granting me the tricks of the trade that made the physical task so much easier. I recall writing, 20 or so years ago, a diary for a museum qualification that gave praise to Doug’s many skills. Even today there is a measuring stick used to level paintings that is fondly referred to as ‘Dougie’s stick’ as the museum’s outside store, where he would undertake many carpentry tasks, is still called ‘Dougie’s shed.’ His presence here, even in his absence, is still strongly felt.
Above all, we who had the good fortune to work with him, knew him as a friend. Doug was a gentle man and a gentleman, but was never afraid to say what was on his mind and more often than not this resulted in the giving of support when you most needed it. I last saw him on my birthday in July of this year, visiting him in Park House. It was always good to see him, despite the circumstances. We briefly chatted. For one poor reason or another, I did not get to see him again and for that I am sorry. He will be very sadly missed by us all.
Mark Lewis,
Tenby Museum and Art Gallery