G. C. ‘Chan’ Thomas

Saundersfoot

The death has occurred of Chan Thomas.

Gwynne Channing Thomas, known as Chan, died on September 30 at Glangwili Hospital, Carmarthen. He had lung cancer. His wife Carol and daughter and son Shelley and Rob were at his side. He was 82.

Chan is survived by his wife Carol, his daughter Shelley and her husband John and their daughter Lucy, his son Robert (Jazzy) and his wife Maria, and their children Alanya and Harry, his stepdaughter Rebecca, her partner Richard, and her son Vincent, also many nieces and nephews, cousins and very many close friends.

Chan was so very proud of the achievements of both his children and grandchildren.

Chan was born in Llanelli, but at two-days-old returned with his mother to the family home the Delphi Hotel and Garage, South Parade, Tenby, where he with his sister Marlene had a wonderful childhood (even during the war.)

Chan attended school in Tenby and then at St. Michaels in Llanelli, and the sixth form back in Tenby at Greenhill Grammar School, followed by two years National Service, mostly spent in Oswestry.

As a schoolboy and young man, his speed and performance on the rugby field became legendary. As a young man, he worked for his father in the garage on South Parade, Tenby, and with his grandfather in the woollen mill and shop called Channings in Llandysul.

In 1963, Chan married Jill from Penclawdd and bought the business the Jazz Sweet Shop on White Lion Street, Tenby. Shelley and Rob were born and the family enjoyed many happy years growing up and socialising in the heart of the Tenby community, being very involved with the Round Table and other organisations in the area. Golf became Chan’s game with many years as a member of Tenby Golf Club. He was privileged to serve as both captain in the year 2000 and president in 2012.

In the 1980s, Chan and Jill divorced and remained friends.

Then Chan met Carol, Saundersfoot potter and widow of the late Piet Brinton.

Chan and Carol married in 1988 at St. Johns Church Tenby, and had many happy years running the pottery, travelling extensively, playing the game of golf and enjoying the company of a wide circle of friends. Chan had a firm and questioning christian faith and it is that reassuring faith in Jesus Christ, and the steadfast support of family and friends that will strengthen and comfort Carol and his family and friends at this sad time.

A service of celebration for the life of Chan was held yesterday (Thursday) at St. Johns United Reformed and Methodist Church, Warren Street, Tenby, followed by a service at the Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth. Refreshments afterwards were at Tenby Golf Club.

Bearers were Rob Thomas (son), John Morris (son-in-law), Jonathan Boot and his son Henry Boot (nephew and great-nephew), Ian Duffy and his son Eddie Duffy (Chan’s sister Marlene’s son-in-law and grandson).

There were family flowers only, but donations in Chan’s memory can be made to Cancer Research and/or the Padarn Ward, Glangwili Hospital, c/o W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby.

MRS. J. M. GILSON

TENBY

(formerly of Stepaside)

As reported previously, the death occurred peacefully at Tenby Cottage Ward, Park House, on Friday, August 14, of Mrs. Jessie Maud Gilson, of Wesley Close, Pleasant Valley, Stepaside. She was aged 105.

Born in Birmingham, one of eight children, her first job was with a local company wrapping delicate china for export. She married Walter two weeks after the outbreak of World War Two and they lived in the Birmingham area for the next 35 years, Jessie being the secretary of a local business by that time. They retired to Pleasant Valley, Stepaside.

Well past her 100th birthday, Jessie was a regular attender at Stepaside Methodist Chapel, organising the Senior Citizens Club at Kilgetty and attending Summerhill WI.

Predeceased by husband Walter in December 1994, family left to mourn are brother Howard and numerous nephews and nieces.

The funeral service took place on August 19 at Stepaside Chapel, followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn, Narberth. Officiating was Rev. Lorette Hinson.

Donations for Cancer Research (Saundersfoot Branch) may be made c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth, who carried out the funeral arrangements.

MRS. B. M. HIGGS PEMBROKE DOCK

As previously reported, the death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital last month of Mrs. Brenda May Higgs, of 61 Meyrick Street, Pembroke Dock.

Aged 94, she was a native of Pembroke Dock. She worked in many pubs and clubs around Pembroke Dock and was well-known and liked around the town.

Wife of the late Charles Higgs, family left to mourn are Kevin, Janet and grandsons Adam and Alistair Higgs, Graham and Ala Higgs, Alex and Anya Higgs.

The funeral service took place on Friday, September 11, at Pisgah Baptist Chapel, Cresswell Quay, followed by interment in the chapel cemetery.

Officiating was Rev. Norman Gilbert, while bearers were Byron, Dorian, Terry and Stewart.

During the service, the eulogy was given by nephew Ray Hulley, who said:

We are here to celebrate the life of Brenda May Turner who was born at Whitehall, Cresselly village on Sunday, May 7, 1922.

On a visit to Cresselly several years ago, she even pointed out to me in which bedroom she was born, the one on the left at the front of the house, which is still there. She was the youngest of four girls born to Frederick James Turner and Martha Ann Morris and, although the youngest, she was probably the most feisty of the four!

She went to Cresselly junior school at the top of the hill and was taught by Miss Reynolds, who lived in a bungalow at Lanes End just past the entrance to the drive. Her father worked in Tom Brace’s bakery on the lane at Lanes End, leading to Market Gate and she would have helped him in the bakehouse when old enough to do so. In 1930 the family moved to The Stores in Cresselly village, and her father became the village baker. Brenda, the eager beaver, eventually took charge of the grocery shop and ran it with a firm but fair hand. She used to give me and my brother and sister a bottle of pop each for sweeping the yard and keeping things tidy. During the war she even worked as a signal-woman at the signal box at Saundersfoot railway station.

She was always an active person and used to take us blackberry picking along the local hedgerows, together with Buddy, her black Labrador, whom she adored. She was a strong-willed girl and I can remember an incident while we were living at The Stores when one of her sisters, who shall remain nameless, crossed her and did the fur fly! However, they made up to each other and were firm friends once more.

Her life took a turn for the better when Charles Higgs came into it. Although a few year older than her, he guided her like a father-figure and they made the complete couple. Their son Graham was born at Cresselly in 1950 and after the Stores had been severely damaged by a fire, the family decided to up sticks and move back to Pembroke Dock, where her father had started his working life 47 years before.

They lived at 2 Meyrick Street together with Graham and their second son Kevin who was born in 1952. Because she was a loving daughter to her parents, Fred and Martha Ann, she welcomed them into her home, settled down to a happy family life and took care of them until the end of their days.

Her life was all about her family; she was devoted to Graham and Kevin and to her husband Charlie. She even organised an interview for her nephew Dennis to join the army when he missed his first interview, thus starting his career in that service.

Not content with being normal householders, Brenda and Charlie went into the licensing trade and became mine host and hostess at several pubs and clubs in Pembroke Dock. Brenda was in her element behind the bar in all of them and she made lots of new friends.

They first started their new life at the Queen’s Hotel, then moved in turn to the Edinburgh, the Alexandra, the Three Crowns, the Three Tuns, the RAFA Club and the Royal Engineer’s Club. Brenda remembered this last place particularly well, because she once fell clean through the open cellar hatch and landed on the shoulders of a drayman who luckily was standing at the bottom of the steps. He was in more shock than Brenda!

During this period, Brenda and Charlie were two of the town’s most loved characters, thanks to their friendly and welcoming approach to all those who received their hospitality.

When they had had enough of running a pub, they settled down with Gampy Turner in a house in Queen Street, near the centre of town. She loved baking and even made some elderflower champagne for his birthday. Her favourite pastime was to go to the Bingo sessions and usually had that lucky streak that passed by most of us, still, someone had to win, and why shouldn’t it be Brenda! Charlie was quite happy for her to go - after all he gave her the money to win all the prizes, and would have been given some of them.

After the marriages of both sons, and the passing of Gampy in his 97th year, they moved back to Meyrick Street, this time to number 61, where Brenda spent her last days after the passing of her dear husband Charles in 2000.

Brenda was an inspiration to her family and a friend to dozens of Pembroke Dock folk. Her sense of humour came through in many ways and she was a determined, but lovable person who brought happiness to those around her. She will be sadly missed but always remembered by all those whose lives she touched. God Bless you Brenda, and thank you for bringing joy to all our lives!

Donations in lieu of flowers, if so desired, may be made for the Parkinsons Society, c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, Funeral Directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth, who conducted the funeral arrangements.

MR. S. J. DAVIES

ST. FLORENCE

The death occurred peacefully at Withybush Hospital on Tuesday, September 29, of Mr. Spencer John Davies, aged 93 years, of St. Florence.

A loving husband, dad, grandad, great-grandad and brother.

Spencer was adored by everyone who met him.

The funeral service took place on Thursday, October 8, at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

There were family flowers only, with donations, if so desired, for the Paul Sartori Foundation and the Royal British Legion, c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, who are conducting the funeral arrangements.

Mr. C. T. Davies

Pembroke

Mr. Clifford Thomas Davies, of Upper Lamphey Road, Pembroke, passed away peacefully at home on September 6 with his family around him. He was 87 years of age. A devoted husband, father and grandfather, he will be sorely missed.

Clifford was brought up in Pembroke Dock, living for some of his infant years on The Warrior, the iron warship now restored at Portsmouth when it was moored at Llanion. His family then moved to Church Street.

He enjoyed his school days, attending Llanion School, the Coronation School and then the grammar school. He had vivid memories of air raid drills during his time at the grammar school.

In 1945, he entered Trinity College, Carmarthen, to train as a teacher. After college, he had to complete his National Service which he served mainly in Gibraltar. When he returned home, he joined the Air Training Corp becoming a pilot officer. His love of flying continued in later life as he joined the South West Wales Gliding Club at Withybush in 1971 and became an instructor in 1976.

Clifford had many interests. He was a member of the Penvro Amateur Dramatic Society and later St. Michael’s Church Dramatic Society taking part in plays and pantomimes. He loved riding motorbikes and often in his younger days went with his friends to motorcycling racing circuits to watch the races taking place.

His first teaching post was at Angle School, first travelling by bus from Pembroke Dock and then on his motor cycle. He then transferred to Pennar Junior School and it was here that he met his future wife Mavis who was teaching at Pennar Infants School. Later in his career, he became assistant headteacher at Orielton School.

Mavis and Clifford were married in 1960 and had two children, Elizabeth and John. They had 55 happy years together. In 1972, Clifford became headteacher at Orielton School and remained there until his retirement in 1988.

Just before he retired from work, he decided to start a degree with the Open University in computer science and was awarded Bachelor of Arts in 1991.

For all the things Clifford achieved in his lifetime, the most important thing to him was his family to whom he was devoted. Clifford was the rock on which they all built their lives. He was always calm, kind, thoughtful and loving.

A capacity congregation attended the funeral service at Parc Gwyn on September 15.

The principal mourners were Mavis (wife), Elizabeth and Chris (daughter and son-in-law), John and Jacqui (son and daughter-in-law), Jemma (granddaughter - unable to attend). Other relatives and friends attended the funeral, but are too numerous to mention.

The service was conducted by the Venerable Graham Davies and Canon Roy Doxey.

A reading, A Reflection on an Autumn Day, was given by Chris Griffiths, son-in-law, and the eulogy read by the Venerable Graham Davies.

The bearers were John Davies, son, Chris Griffiths, son-in law, Stephen Williams and Gary Williams, wife’s cousins.

Donations, if desired, for the Pembrokeshire branch of the Parkinson’s Disease Society may be made c/o John Roberts and Son, funeral directors, 51 Bush Street, Pembroke Dock.

MR. D. C. RICHARDS

LAMPHEY

As reported previously, the death occurred peacefully at South Pembs. Hospital, Pembroke Dock, on September 23, of Mr. Douglas Claude Richards, aged 85, of Whitehill Cottages, Lamphey, and formerly of Cosheston.

Affectionately known as Dougie and ‘The Bear’, he served his time with Macky Stevens as a mechanical fitter and after finishing his National Service in Lincoln, he was employed by Parsons at the Power Station. Later he worked for Esso, Texaco and then on to Haven Automation. Finally, after working in the REME at Castlemartin Camp, he was involved in an accident incurring such injuries that meant he had to take early retirement. He also ran a garage with Paul Brown.

He was a very colourful character and an avid supporter of all sports. He was a member of Carew cricket team for over 15 years and was a superb bowler. He loved snooker, darts, rugby, but was particularly keen on horse racing which he followed passionately.

Dougie had open wounds on his leg for nearly 27 years. He never complained and was always cheerful. The latter months had been difficult for him, but he stoically managed to carry on. He was indebted to neighbours and friends for their help and called them all ‘magic’. He was admitted to Withybush Hospital and later to South Pembs Hospital where he passed away.

Predeceased by his wife Gwendoline Frances Mary, family left to mourn are his brother-in-law Mr. Trevor Howells, who was unable to attend the funeral, and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

The funeral service took place at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, on Friday, October 2, and it was lovely to see so many old work and sporting colleagues attending.

Officiating was Venerable Graham Davies, while a tribute was read by niece Eira.

Bearers were Graham Thomas, Terry Brace, Mark Parsell and Paul Hay.

Donations in lieu of flowers were kindly requested, if so desired, for the charity Paul Sartori Foundation, c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, Narberth, who conducted the funeral arrangements.

Mrs. M. James

Pembroke Dock

The funeral took place on September 25 at St. Johns Church, Pembroke Dock, of Megan Victoria James, who died peacefully at her home on September 14.

Megan was predeceased by her husband William and three of her sons, David, Tony and Michael.

As a young girl, she was brought up in Military Road, Pennar, and later married and moved to the Quay in Pembroke, until she moved back to Pembroke Dock.

Six of her grandchildren were bearers, Mark, Glen, Neil, Jamie, Wayne and Hannah.

Megan leaves to mourn seven children, John, Ken and Dawn, Brian, Margaret and Michael, Hyden and Rowena, Monica and Jonathan, Linda and Nigel and daughter-in-law Stella, 25 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

There were family flowers only, with donations, if desired, for Cancer Research, c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg.

MR. D. J. THOMAS

KILGETTY

As reported previously, the death occurred peacefully at home with his family on Wednesday, September 30, of Mr. David John Thomas, aged 72 years, affectionately known as Dai the Butcher, of Station Road, Kilgetty.

Devoted husband of Ann, a loving dad of John and Julie and respected father-in-law to Ron, precious bampi to Lowri, Tomos and Honor, much-loved brother of Violet, Peggy and Peter and brother-in-law to Audrey, Mary, John and the late Spencer and the late Hugh.

The funeral service will take place on Saturday, October 17, at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 1 pm.

There will be family flowers only, with donations, if so desired, for Saundersfoot Medical Centre, c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, who are conducting the funeral arrangements.

Mrs. M. E. Edwards

Tenby

The death occurred at Brooklands Nursing Home on Sunday, October 4, of Mrs. Marjorie Eileen Edwards, aged 86.

Predeceased by her husband Ted, in November 2013, mourned by her family Steve, Greg, Tim and Denise, along with her grandchildren Roy and Liam.

Funeral service takes place on Thursday, October 15, at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 1 pm.

There will be family flowers only, but donations if desired can be made payable to Alzheimer’s Disease Society, c/o funeral directors, W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons Ltd., The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, or Landsker House, 21 Station Road, Narberth.

MRS. J. BINGHAM

PENTLEPOIR

The death occurred peacefully at home on Monday, October 5, of Mrs. Joan Lillian Bingham, aged 88 years, of Millfields Close, Pentlepoir.

Joan will be sadly missed by all her family and friends.

A private funeral service will be held at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

There will be family flowers only, with donations if so desired for Cancer Research UK, c/o E. C. Thomas and Son, funeral directors, Zoar Chapel Funeral Home, Llanteg, who are conducting the funeral arrangements.

Mr. W. A. Henwood

Saundersfoot

The death occurred peacefully on Tuesday, October 6, at his home in Castle View, Saundersfoot, of Mr. William Arthur Henwood. He was aged 94.

Known as Bill, he was predeceased by his wife Mary, but is survived by son Nick, daughter Gill, sister Joan and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The funeral takes place on Friday, October 16, with a service at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth, at 1.45 pm.

There will be family flowers only, with donations if desired made payable to PDSA, c/o funeral directors, Messrs. W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons Ltd., The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, tel. 843160, to whom all inquiries should be made.