A well attended funeral family and friends of Anthony William Skyrme (affectionately known as Tony) was held at St Mary’s Church, Tenby on Tuesday, November 16.

The funeral service was conducted by Reverend Canon Andrew Grace. The choir performed with the congregation and also sang the uplifting ‘Land of my Fathers’ accompanied by Dr John Harrison.

Tony passed away at home with Gill by his side after over 50 years together.

Aged 74 following a long battle with cancer of which he always bore with such strength, determination and positivity during the last 18 months of his life.

He had wonderful support from Emma, his pallative Care Nurse and in his final days excellent care from the District Nurses, the Care at Home Team and the Paul Sartori Nurses all of which the family were so grateful. Even during lock-down Withybush Hospital offered him all the necessary treatment he needed.

Tony leaves to mourn his wife Gill, son Mark, daughter Michelle and their partners Heidi and Brian and grand-daughter Ellie. Brothers David and Michael and partners Sylvia and Sue and sister Yvonne, in-laws Dave, Angela and Barbara and many more family and friends.

It was marvellous that Michael made the journey all the way from the Isle of Wight even with his own ill health.

Born in Manorbier to his parents Irene and Lewis. Tony was the third of four brothers, Michael, David and Frank (pre-deceased in 2008) and sister Yvonne.

The family spent many happy years in Manor Crescent. Manorbier headland and the beach became their early playground. Tony attended the Coronation School in Pembroke Dock.

Tony met Gill in the Crackwell Club Penally and moved to Tenby in 1972 when they married. They moved into their present home, Whitehaven, where they lived for 40 years.

Tony completely renovated their home, practically rebuilding it and he was very happy there enjoying the sun in their garden surrounded by many family and friends especially during lockdown and the summer months. It became his ‘Castle’.

He was a much loved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend and he was very kind, caring and loving.

You could often hear Tony whistling before you could see him and he had a wicked sense of humour which everyone who met Tony remembers as a great attribute. He lived life to the full providing for his family and giving them love and security for more than 50 years.

Graham Thomas (Tony’s brother in law) wrote and read a personal and heartfelt eulogy and niece Samantha Skyrme Blackhall read a very emotional poem and sang with the choir. All were excellent.

The bearers were - son Mark, nephew David Thomas, Michelle’s partner Brian Spencer and friends Kevin Lewis and Mally Coates.

Tony was first employed as a Groomsman and second whip in Cresselly. He worked for Clodes Ship Chandlers in the Haven and had many amusing stories about meeting the incoming ships and socialising with the different Captains onboard their ships.

Tony trained as a carpenter, with his Son Mark following in his footsteps. This led to Tony starting his own business which later became Skyrme Builders trading for over 45 years.

He employed many fine tradesmen who became close friends. His blue Toyota pick up truck was often seen around the area filled to gunwales with enough ladders and kit to supply Tenby Fire Brigade!

Tony was a well known and well respected character in Tenby and enjoyed frequenting the Ex Servicemans Club where he would enjoy evenings chatting, debating and joking with many close friends including Mally and Tracy who kept his stool reserved for him at the corner of the bar. He also served for many years on the Committee.

A founder member of the Tenby Male Voice Choir, Tony and Gill enjoyed socialising at the different venues after the concerts.

Gill had wonderful support from Michelle, Ellie, Mark, Barbara, Yvonne and David and their families especially during the last few months.

Tony and Gill loved travelling and enjoyed many holidays together and in recent years were converted to cruising with shipmates Jeff and Barbara and have many wonderful memories to treasure. Barbara continues to be a great support to Gill.

The funeral was directed expertly by W & M J Rossiter & Sons.

There were family flowers only but if desired in memory of Tony, donations can be made to the Paul Sartori Foundation c/o W & M J Rossiter & Sons Funeral Directors.