Tribute has been paid this week to a prominent member of the gypsy and traveller community in South Pembrokeshire.

A huge funeral cortege brought Pembroke to a standstill last Thursday for the funeral of Mr. Douglas Boswell, of Monkton, who died at the age of 82 last month.

The main road through the town was shut to allow the precession of more than 20 vehicles to pass through on their way to Westgate Chapel.

The funeral service was conducted by the chapel's Pastor Rob James.

In a tribute, he said afterwards: "Unlike his more famous namesake, Douglas Fairbanks Boswell was no film star. But the crowds that gathered to bid him farewell last week showed that he was just as special to those who knew him.

"Douglas, a prominent member of the gypsy and traveller community, was born in Carmarthen, but 'could never remember anything other than living in Pembrokeshire'.

"His wife Caroline died many years ago and he is survived by 10 children, 37 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

"Douglas's family were keen to talk of 'a brilliant father; a hardworking man who kept himself occupied until he could do more'.

"A local, who apologised for being unable to be present at his service, wanted it known that 'he was a lovely, lovely wonderful man. He was great to chat with, and always up for a joke'.

"I don't think Pembroke will ever be same. I can't imagine what it will be like to walk down the Main Street and not see Douglas's smiling face and to spend a few minutes chatting with someone who richly deserved the description of 'a gentleman'.

"As my wife said: 'It was always a delight to meet him. He was courteous, friendly and I always felt better for our chats'.

"Douglas was also a very committed Christian, and this was evidenced by the fact that four local pastors took part in his funeral service. All remembered his courteous nature and his remarkable (encyclopaedic) knowledge of scripture. He knew his Bible better than most and could quote chapter and verse with unnerving accuracy.

"I never thought of Douglas as being identified with any one denomination. I knew him, and enjoyed chatting with him because he was willing to tell everyone that he was a Christian. In fact, he was more than willing; he was desperately keen to let everyone know and just as keen that others should come to know Jesus too. This was seen in his unflagging efforts to share his faith through literature. You could not think of Douglas without thinking of a Christian tract!

"Douglas knew his Bible, but much more importantly he knew the one it talks of. He understood that Jesus loves us, whoever we are, whether we are rich and famous, and live in Hollywood, or whether we are relatively unknown and hail from West Wales. He knew that Jesus can forgive us, whatever we have done. He also knew that we all need forgiveness however good we think we are. He believed that Jesus had conquered death and, because of that he had a home in heaven. As one young lady said immediately following his death, 'He is upstairs with the King'.

"The large number of Christians who gathered to celebrate Douglas Boswell's life would echo that sentiment, but would want to add: 'And not with the King of Hollywood, but the King of Kings himself'.

"I have conducted many funerals in my ministerial career, and I count it a privilege to have done so. But this funeral was rather special. As someone who was present said in an email later that day: 'Fab funeral. If mine's half as good I'll be delighted'."

Mr. Boswell was also a familiar face at the Town Hall.

Town clerk, Hugh Colley said: "Mr. Boswell called into Pembroke Town Hall on virtually a daily basis and he always appreciated any help/advice given to him by council staff.

"He was a lovely man who was a highly respected member of the Pembroke community and he will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.

"The number of people that paid their last respects to Mr Boswell reflected the high regard in which he was held within the town."

As a mark of respect, Clr. Miss Mel Phillips (Deputy Mayor), Mrs. Suzie Thomas (responsible financial officer) and Mr. Colley stood outside Pembroke Town Hall as a mark of respect as the funeral cortege proceeded along Main Street en-route to Westgate Church.

Added Mr. Colley: "Mr. .Boswell had expressed a request for this. Unfortunately, the Mayor was unable to be present due to him being in the USA."