The funeral took place recently of Mr. John Newton Lewis Griffiths – known as Newton, of Millfields Close, Templebar Road, Pentlepoir, and previously Pentlepoir Farm.

Aged 96, he passed away, peacefully at Woodfield Nursing Home, Narberth on Thursday, December 2.

Born and raised in Pentlepoir, Newton attended Pentlepoir and Greenhill Grammar schools, prior to working alongside his parents Jack and Katie at Pentlepoir Farm until their retirement when he took over the farm.

He went on to establish successful camping and caravan sites at the farm. Newton had a particular interest in breeding pedigree dairy cattle, both dairy Shorthorns and Friesians.

After moving on to farm sheep, he and his wife Cicely eventually retired to nearby Millfields Close in 1990, though he retained not only some land, but also his enthusiasm for farming and he continued to attend agricultural shows and events.

Newton was a lifelong member of Sardis Congregational Chapel, Kilgetty and served not only as a deacon, but also as secretary. He was honoured by the chapel in 2018 for his many years of dedicated service.

Newton attended Martletwy YFC and met his wife Cicely through the Young Farmers’ movement. One of the founders of Martletwy Show, Newton was among its first chairmen and was proud to have attended every show.

He remained on the organising committee through seven decades - as a stalwart part of the team involved in preparing the showground and as chief cattle steward. Latterly, he continued to attend and remained a vice-president.

Following his retirement, he and Cicely joined both Saundersfoot and Heatherton bowling clubs and he continued to play competitively for many years.

They also enjoyed travelling during their retirement, particularly trips with bowling friends in the UK and Europe.

Newton always enjoyed watching sport, particularly cricket and rugby and regularly attended Tenby United RFC fixtures and keenly followed Wales.

He was also a member of the Liberal Democrat party and remained interested in politics throughout his life.

Known for his encyclopaedic knowledge of South Pembrokeshire, its communities and families, this passion was reflected in the enjoyment he gained from being a member of Saundersfoot Historical Society.

Above all though, Newton was a family man and will be best remembered as a loving and much loved husband, father, grandad and great-grandad.

Predeceased by his wife Cicely in 2005, he is survived by his children Hugh, Annie and Kathy, their partners Christine, David and Richard, grandchildren Rhiannon, Dan and Stella and great-grandchildren Griff, Howie and Gwen, cousins and many friends.

The bearers were David Shepherd, Richard Thomas, Gavin Hay, Aled ap Neill, David Jenkins and Hugh James.

The funeral was held at Sardis Congregational Chapel, Kilgetty on Tuesday, December 21, and was led by Rev Norman Gilbert.

Donations in lieu of flowers, if so desired, for The Paul Sartori Foundation may be sent c/o E.C. Thomas & Son, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home Llanteg, Narberth SA67 8QH and 21, Main Street, Pembroke SA71 4JS.