4 minute read

Pause for thought...

from The Pembrokeshire Herald 21/07/2023

from The Pembrokeshire Herald 21/07/2023, page 68

death notices

. I couldn’t help comparing Arnold Schwarzenegger’s depressing thoughts on death with the uplifting atmosphere I encountered when I attended a close friend’s funeral the other day. As I wrote the other week when asked what happens when we die Schwarzenegger replied ‘Nothing. You’re 6 feet under. Anyone that tells you something else is a …. liar,’” Schwarzenegger, who says he is uncomfortable with death added ‘We don’t know what happens with the soul and all this spiritual stuff that I’m not an expert in, but I know that the body as we see each other now, we will never see each other again like that”.

My friend died very unexpectedly, and both my wife and were ‘knocked for six’ when we heard the sad news. But we have been just as staggered by the reports we have heard of how she reacted when told how ill she was. Everyone has talked about her confidence and sense of peace she possessed, and I am delighted to see that her family are enjoying that same peace too. There is a simple explanation for this of course: it is the conviction that she has entered the presence of the Lord she loved and served so well, and the day is fast approaching when she will be resurrected in glory.

‘Hope is the enemy’

Henry Miller wrote in his well-known novel ‘Tropic of Cancer’. I can understand why he said that because there is the kind of hope that refuses to face reality and is always looking for something better to turn up. My friend didn’t want to die of course, nor did her family. But as that day drew nearer, they faced their pain in the sure and certain confidence that the God who raised Jesus to life again was with them and was for them. As a result of all this I feel challenged to get stuck into my ministry again with a renewed vigour.

I met a young mother some years ago when leading a Christian holiday group in Turkey. She told of the grief she was feeling the day she was kneeling beside her husband’s grave and a butterfly suddenly emerged from a chrysalis. She drew enormous comfort from this because it reminded her of these well-known words: ‘Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed— in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed’.

Encouraging words indeed, and far from tempting us to do nothing they challenge us to keep on serving God enthusiastically knowing that nothing we do for Him will ever prove futile. The size of the congregation at my friend’s funeral was proof enough of that!

ROB JAMES

For up to date news please check our social network channels www.pembrokeshire-herald.co.uk

25th July, 12:00 noon at Walwyn’s Castle Church followed by interment at Tiers Cross Cemetery. Further enquiries to F. G. Rees & Sons, Haverfordwest. Tel: 01437 764418.

M RS S ARAH A NN

E IRWEN H IPPARD

Mrs Sarah Ann EIRWEN

HIPPARD Fishguard

Peacefully at her home on Wednesday 12th July Eirwen, aged 100 years. Beloved wife of the late Ron, loving mother of Lesley & David, much loved grandmother of Non, Helen, Rachel, Amy & Beth, cherished great grandmother of Anthony, Alex, Rhys, Cari, Charlie, Jacob & Delia and a dear sister to Rhiannon and the late Rowena, Mair & Levi. The family wish to thank Meurig and Diane for their loving support. Funeral service on Monday 24th July at Tabernacle Chapel, Fishguard at 2pm, followed by interment at Tabernacle cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu, if desired, made payable to ‘Fishguard Health Centre’ c/o Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel - 01348 873250.

B ARBARA R ACE

Mrs Barbara Race

Goodwick Peacefully on Sunday 9th July at Withybush Hospital, Barbara of Goodwick. Beloved wife of Dave, loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Funeral service on Tuesday 25th July at the Chapel of Rest, Fishguard at 11:30am followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn, Narberth at 1pm. Immediate family flowers only. Donations in lieu if desired, made payable to the ‘Paul Sartori Foundation’ c/o Paul Jenkins & Sons Funeral Directors, Feidr Castell, Fishguard, SA65 9BB. Tel: 01348 873250.

E DITH M AUD yO l AND Mrs. Edith Maud Yolland Milford Haven In her 100th year, Edith Maud Yolland passed away peacefully on Friday 14th July surrounded by her family. She is now reunited with her husband George and daughter Susan. Remembered lovingly by her daughters Ann and Jane, her grandchildren and her great grandchildren. Many thanks to Harbour Care and Fairfield nursing home for all the care she received. The funeral service is at North Road Baptist Chapel, Milford Haven at 11:00 am on Friday 28th July followed by cremation at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth at 12.15 pm. Family flowers only but donations in her memory can be made for the benefit of the Chapel cheques to be sent to Mrs Afril Miles, 53 Mount Pleasant Way, Milford Haven, SA73 1AA. All enquiries to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd., Funeral Directors,

Milford Haven. Telephone 01646 693180.

J ANET GIBSON

GIBSON Janet In the early hours of Sunday 16th July, Mrs Janet Gibson passed away peacefully at home aged 85 years. Founder of the Bowlings Riding School she remained active in the business until her death. Her interest and love of the business, her riders and the horses never waned. She follows her beloved husband Alan, who died less than a month ago. She leaves to mourn 3 children, Sara, David and Amanda, 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. The family are comforted in the thought that Dr G and Mrs G, as they were fondly known, are now reunited. The funeral service and burial will take place on Wednesday 26th July 2023, 3:00pm at St. Michael’s Church, Rudbaxton. Casual colourful dress please. Family flowers only are requested. If you wish to make a donation in lieu of flowers then these will be received by Mrs Jo Goldsmith, 26 Lower Quay Road, Hook, SA62 4LR on behalf of The Pembrokeshire RDA and the The Paul Sartori Foundation, made payable to ‘Pembrokeshire RDA’ or ‘Paul Sartori Foundation’ Further enquiries to F. G. Rees & Sons, Haverfordwest. Tel: 01437 764418.