Gwyneth Mary Irene John (Nee Garratt), passed away peacefully at Withybush Hospital on July 21.

Gwyneth was born and brought up at Morgans Farm, Jeffreyston, with her parents and younger brother Haydn. In her youth she enjoyed singing and competed very successfully in eisteddfods as a soloist as well as duets with her friend Jessie. She was a member of Martletwy YFC and it was through the YFC movement that she met her husband Leslie. They married in 1957 and moved to Panteg, Station Road, Narberth. In 1960 they moved to Penygraig Farm in Templeton where they farmed for a few years before moving to Chapel Hill Farm in 1966.

In 1987 Leslie and Gwyneth opened Herons Brook Animal Park and Golf Course, which they ran together successfully until Leslie’s death in 1999.

Gwyneth’s interests were varied; she was superintendent of Templeton URC Sunday School for over 40 years, Club Leader and advisory member of Templeton YFC, where she helped to organise the Annual Show, Carnival and Senior Citizens Christmas party. She was a member of Haverfordwest Operatic Society and of Templeton Ladies Choir. She enjoyed flower arranging and competed in many local shows and completed a City and Guilds in Floral Art. Her hobbies included gardening and knitting and she was very interested in politics both locally and nationally. She was an avid fan of tennis and snooker on TV. She loved life and to laugh and will be remembered for her wonderful smile!

The most important things in Gwyneth’s life were her faith and her family.

Predeceased by her husband Leslie, baby daughter Melanie and son Richard; she leaves to mourn Meirion and Elwyn (Daughter and Son in Law), David and Marian (Son and Daughter in Law), Jonathan, Vincent, Bryony, Andrew, Matthew, James and Holly (Grandchildren).

Gwyneth’s funeral was held at Templeton URC on Saturday August 6 and was led by Rev’d Nanette Lewis Head, together with Rev’d Stella Hayton and Rev’d Martin Cox. Many friends and family travelled from far and wide to attend and the Chapel was filled with singing to celebrate her life.

This was followed by refreshments in the Village Hall, where the family enjoyed hearing the many wonderful stories about Gwyneth’s life from the large gathering of family and friends.