One of Tenby’s most familiar faces and Pembrokeshire’s oldest residents has sadly passed away shortly after his 104th birthday.

Mr. Elwyn Bowen, of Clareston Court, Station Road, passed away at Tenby Cottage Hospital Ward, on Saturday, only weeks after celebrating his 104th birthday.

2017 had been a busy year on Mr. Bowen’s calendar. Back in March he joined South Pembrokeshire MP Simon Hart at a special reception with Prime Minister, Theresa May, at Number 10, Downing Street, to celebrate St David’s Day, and in the same month, 76 years after serving as a warrant officer at MOD St. Athan, he was invited back for a tour of the camp and lunch in the officers’ mess, enthralling staff with tales of his time at the unit.

“Although I only knew Elwyn in later years he was a delightful advisor and companion, full of wisdom,” commented Mr. Hart on learning of his passing.

“There wasn’t much he hadn’t seen or done and he will be remembered in Tenby as a delightful, polite and enormously respected local personality.”

Mr. Bowen was a well-known face around town, especially at the Sainsbury’s Store just around the corner from where he lived, and was affectionately regarded as their ‘unofficial ambassador’ after opening the store back in 2009 alongside the Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, who said that she was ‘very saddened’ to learn of his passing.

“I was privileged to be Mayor when Mr. Bowen celebrated his 100th birthday. He had so much knowledge on the history of the town and so many fascinating stories to tell. It was always a joy to be in his company and spend time with him,” said Clr. Mrs. Lane.

Predeceased by his wife Millie, Mr. Bowen is survived by many nephews and nieces.

His funeral will take place on Monday, at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 1 pm.