West Briton, The

Mr J Pearce Harburn, West Lothian THE DEATH in Scotland, a fortnight before Christmas, of John Pearce, after a brave fight against cancer, brought to the end the remarkable life of a Truro- born visionary, whose work in and for the community, both in the UK and abroad, earned the respect and admiration of many.
He was born in Redruth and grew up in Truro, where his father was an accountant and Methodist lay preacher. John was a passionate Cornishman who raised the Cornish flag at home in West Lothian each March 5, serving up delicious home-made pasties in celebration of St Piran's Day and all things Cornish.
He closely followed the fortunes of Redruth Rugby Club; as a member of Mebyon Kernow, he supported the campaign for a Cornish Assembly and towards the end of his life was learning Kernewek. Throughout his life he kept in close contact with friends and relatives in Ks ernow and visited often.
John was a major and influential force in community development and in particular was a pioneer in community enterprise - the precursor to social enterprise.
For nearly 50 years, John's ideas, inspiration and exceptional talent for clear thinking were a driving force behind people- centred development, focusing on the principles and practice of collective and community enterprise.
He won a scholarship to Truro School and then went on to St Catharine's College, Cambridge, where he studied mediaeval French and German.
While at university he participated in CHV (Children's Holiday Ventures) running summer holiday camps in the mountains of Austria for children of refugee families from Yugoslavia.
After Cambridge, he was a VSO volunteer teaching at the University of Nigeria. On his return to the UK in 1964, he studied for a diploma in social administration at the London School of Economics.
Two years prior to this, the foundations had been laid for groundbreaking work in Nepal through a chance encounter with the Dalai Lama's sister at a Pestolozzi Children's project in Sussex.
With two other friends, he spent nearly two years working with Tibetan refugees, helping to found a village settlement near Pokhara, in eastern Nepal, which was completed in 1967 and named by the Dalai Lama as Tashi Ling or "Happy Place".
John maintained links with Tibet and Tibetans throughout his life.
In 1968 John, met and married Joanna Richardson, an artist, to whom he was still most affectionately married when he died.
He went on to work for the Young Volunteer Force Foundation in Bideford, Devon, and headed up one of the Community Development Programmes setting up community development projects in post- industrial west Cumbria from 1972 to 1977. In those days, John cut a flamboyant figure with long hair and an extravagant moustache, disguising an innovative approach and steely determination.
Following the end of the West Cumbria CDP, the family moved to Harburn, in West Lothian.
From around this time, John was deeply involved in the Industrial Common Ownership Movement and chaired its lending committee, ICOF.
He helped to found the Scottish Cooperative Development Committee and established the Local Enterprise Advisory Project (LEAP), working with people living in disadvantaged urban housing schemes in the west of Scotland.
In the early 1980s, Strathclyde Community Business (SCB) grew out of LEAP and saw staff numbers and workload both grow, becoming a model for publicly funded community enterprise development units, which in the 1980s covered most of the Scottish regions.
John brought a rare vision to community development that encompassed the simple idea that people who are disadvantaged for whatever reason can engage directly with economic solutions that will create jobs and services in their own communities, and so take steps towards improving their quality of life.
He was a thinker who managed to turn theories into practice and directly helped the development of communities in Scotland, in other parts of the UK, and wider afield.
John edged towards retiring but never got there. For the last 20 years of his life he worked freelance. There are countless reports and research documents that bear his name and six books - perhaps the most celebrated being Social Enterprise In Anytown, published by the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation in 2003.
He also developed the ideas, policies and practices of social accounting and audit which enables organisations with a social purpose to account and demonstrate their true social value to society. He was a founder member of Community Business Scotland, the Social Audit Network, the Scottish Community Enterprise Investment Fund and the West Calder Workspace Group of Community Companies.
His energy, clarity of thought and the ability to gather people around ideas extended John's influence out across the UK and to Europe, through the European Network for Economic Self-help and Local Development; and to India, Australia and New Zealand through COMMACT (now the Commonwealth Association for People Centred Development).
In Harburn, John had a smallholding and was central to much local community action.
He raised pigs for many years, grew vegetables and planted thousands of trees. His friends recall him as stubborn, not always patient, at times peremptory, generous, cooked a great fish pie, practical, organised but with a curious tendency to collect stuff.
He was a great walker who twice covered the 300-mile coastal path around Cornwall and enjoyed tramping in New Zealand.
John's contribution to the development of social enterprise and community development in its most practical and truest form will be remembered by many.
In 2002 he wrote in his book, Social Enterprise In Anytown: "Social enterprise is about a different way of doing things, based on shared values. It is about a vision of the way people and organisations might work together for the common good, where private gain is tempered always by consideration for the needs of people and the planet" - and this is one of his legacies.
Throughout John's life, he kept a library of papers and documents; he has made a major archive contribution to the Social Enterprise Collection (Scotland) at Glasgow Caledonian University as well as donating an archive to the exiled Tibetan government in Dharamsala. John led a truly remarkable life that managed in a simple and straightforward way to live and contribute locally, while at the same time extend his ideas and thinking globally.
He was active on the local residents' association in Harburn while at the same time sustaining and supporting community development non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in India.
John never forgot his Cornish roots and was affectionately known as 'Oggie ' to many friends.
Only last May he attended the reunion of his initial school year (1952), at Truro School, along with 26 of his former classmates, where, despite his illness, his sense of humour and friendly disposition shone through as he met up with many he had not seen for over half a century.
He is survived by his wife Joanna, sons Matthew and William, their partners Victoria and Hope, his grandchildren Jack and Pirran and his brother Philip.
Mr M Tanton Portreath THE FUNERAL service has taken place at Treswithian Downs Crematorium, Camborne, of Michael Tanton of Portreath, who has died at St Julia's Hospice, Hayle, at the age of 76.
Tributes were read by Major Ken Bartlett, and also Carol and Lynne and also on behalf of Terry Kirton. A poem was read by Roxanne on behalf of Diana, Mike's sister.
Michael Tanton was born on February 7, 1935, in Mold, North Wales. He had an eventful and fulfilling life. He would spend time working at his father's printers. He loved sport and was an amateur boxer.
He did two years' National Service and signed up for a further three years in the Parachute Regiment.
After serving in the military, he decided not to continue working for his father and got a job at a local paper. He was a well-read and a gifted writer, which meant that although starting at the bottom, his potential as a journalist was soon realised and he was given the job of interviewing local sports personalities.
His writing and prose style was soon noticed and he was offered a job as a sports journalist for The Daily Telegraph.
Mike loved his job, in which he excelled; he loved sport and was able to interview some famous sporting personalities. Mike then decided he needed a change and set up his own PR business. His creative gifts ensured that the business flourished, although on realising he was giving so much business to his father's printing company, decided to buy him out!
After some time Mike once again needed a change, needed to give something back and so found himself working in a care home.
He was head of house and it was here he experienced a momentous turning point in his life. It was here he met the absolute love of his life - his wife, Carol.
And so another move was made, this time to Kendal in Cumbria. Mike was hugely involved in fundraising and helping with local charities, especially the Derian House Hospice for Children. He was a longtime member of Rotary. People loved him and respected him. They knew he could be relied upon.
Health problems necessitated another change of scene and Mike and Carol moved to Scotland, where he continued with his Rotary work and enjoyed retirement.
Out of the blue Mike suddenly announced that he had always wanted to live in France. So another move was made and off they went to Brittany. They made some fabulous friends, especially Isabelle and Henri, the Picard/Poulain family, and the Renault family.
Wonderful times followed and it was while living in France that Mike was asked to return to Scotland to receive the Order of St John in recognition of his charity work.
A final move, this time to Cornwall, was made to be near their daughter Lynne. Once more, his sense of fun and ease, his sharp wit and good humour made him very firm friends, especially Bridget and Vernon, who have been a tower of strength.
Unfortunately Mike's health was deteriorating and having suffered from PBC for many years, was now diagnosed with cancer.
Many trips to Derriford Hospital followed and sadly Mike passed away in St Julia's Hospice.
His wife Carol, who he absolutely adored, was by his side.
Mike and the family wanted to acknowledge the help and care he received from the PBC Foundation and also to St Julia's Hospice, both organisations in great need of funds to continue their essential work.
When giving a talk, perhaps on behalf of one of the charities, he would often finish by saying: "Finally, shirt collar size 16 1/2, sock size eight to eight and a half ". That was an illustration of his humour and wit.
Chief mourners were: Carol Tanton, wife; Lynne and Terry Vigus, daughter and son-in-law; Terry Kirton, son; Scott, Demi and Reece Kirton, grandchildren; Diana Keeley, sister; Rebecca and Theo Niotis, niece and husband; Beryl Browning, sister; Ian, Andrew and Ross, nephews; Maria and Solomon Kirton, daughterin-law and grandson; Kathy Cottage, sister-in-law; Jason and Lauren Cottage, Gary and Kim Cottage, nephews and wives; Sarah Jane and Martin Locke, niece and husband; Margaret and Steve Cuthbert, cousins; Bridget and Vernon Matthews, close friends.
Chosen bearers were: Gary Cottage and Adam Rule.
Kind donations of Pounds 509 was received and will be split between the PBC Foundation and St Julia's Hospice.
Funeral director: Vincent Young of Colin Matthews Funerals, Cambor ne.
Mr R Stephens Truro THE FUNERAL service has taken place at Trelawney Chapel, Penmount Crematorium, Truro, for Roy Stephens, who has died at the age of 80.
The Rev Christopher Epps conducted the service.
Roy was born at St Day and went to school there until he was 14.
He was then a porter at Chacewater railway station, until he signed up for National Service. He served with the Army, and was sent to fight in the jungles of Malaysia for two and a half years. On his discharge he went to work at Falmouth railway station as a lorry driver, where he met Janet going to catch a train home to Truro, after finishing work in Falmouth.
They started courting in Whitsun 1954 and were engaged in December, and married on February 11, 1956, at St George's Church.
When Falmouth goods yard closed in 1962, rather than go to work in Penzance, Roy went to drive for Watney's Brewery, at Penryn, which later moved to Truro.
In 1972, Roy became a bus driver for Western National, and ten years later became the caretaker at Truro High School for Girls, at Falmouth Road, where he stayed until his retirement aged 65.
Roy always missed driving lorries and buses, but enjoyed playing euchre, snooker, being a member of the Truro Conservative Club, and his hobbies of model railways and model boats, which he sailed at St Clements with his friends.
Family mourners were: Janet Stephens, wife; Robert Stephens, brother; Brenda Stephens, Sylvia Trewin, sisters-in-law; Nicola, Simon, Liam and Caitlin Bray, Susan, Adrian, Carrie and Stephanie Saundry, nieces and nephews; Adrian Roberts, Kingsley Wright, Ivy Wright, cousins. Funeral arrangements were by WJ Beswetherick and Son Ltd, Truro.
Mr CC Callaway Hayle THE FUNERAL SERVICE of Clive Christopher Callaway, aged 72, of Hayle, has taken place at Hayle Methodist Church, followed by cremation at Penmount Crematorium, Truro.
The service was conducted by pastor Kenny Bassett and the organist was Jim Cothey.
Clive was born on April 15, 1939, at 16 Clifton Terrace, Hayle, to Erna and Norman Callaway and was raised at 15 Clifton Terrace.
He grew up in Hayle and attended Penpol primary school, then Bodriggy secondary school, in Bodriggy Street, Hayle. Clive regularly attended Foundry Methodist Chapel Sunday School, where he later joined the choir alongside his mother and father.
Due to his love of singing, he would often duet with members and friends in the choir. When Foundry Chapel closed, Clive joined Hayle Methodist Church and became a steward.
At 15 years of age, Clive left school and served a five-year apprenticeship with the South West Electricity Board (SWEB).
At 21, Clive joined the Army with the Royal Engineers and completed a two-year National Service. During this time, Clive was posted to Kenya in East Africa.
Although they were neighbours, in 1973, Clive became friends with Betty, and in 1975 they married at Hayle Methodist Church and set up home at Copper Hill, Hayle. In 1979, Clive and Betty had a son, Christopher.
Clive loved Clifton Terrace, and in 1997, he and Betty returned to Number 13 - the home of Betty's father, and then to Number 15 when his mother passed away.
Clive will be sadly missed by his wife and family.
There were family flowers only and donations were requested for Kerrier Complex Care and Dementia Team.
Family mourners were: Mrs Betty Callaway, wife; Mr Chris Callaway, son; Mrs Stacey Callaway, daughterin-law; David Thomas, cousin, rep Betty Thomas, aunt, Hillary Edwards and Jack Callaway, cousins.
Friends attending were: Mr Deryck Williams, Marion Coombe, Mr and Mrs Colin Pike, Mrs Carly Thomas, John Martin, Mr and Mrs P George, Elizabeth Sowden; Mr and Mrs W Glanville, rep Mrs S Jeffery; Dennis Philp, Alan and Joy Jones; Karen Brokenshire and Matthew Warren, rep Treloweth School; Margaret Lello, rep Chris Lello; Mr and Mrs T Maxfield, rep Mr and Mrs D Hickenbottom; Julie Petterson, rep Kate and Daisy; Mr and Mrs J Reardon; Mike Webb, rep Mrs Angela Webb; Mr M Luke, rep Mrs P Luke; David Moyle, Paul Martin, Bob and Hilary Jose; Rosemary Farrar, rep John Farrar; Mr and Mrs J Dark, Mike Rundle, Mrs Delma Robinson; Beatrice Hollow, rep Mr Chris Hollow; Mr AD Berryman; Simon Pollard, rep Charlotte Pollard; Alan Thomas, rep Betty Thomas; Mr D Button; Sally Rapson, rep Telfer, Julie and Adrian; Mr and Mrs David and Lillian Polkinghorne, Mr and Mrs Jane and David Mills, Mr Keith Downing; Mr and Mrs R and V Philp, rep David Philp and Mr and Mrs Trathen and Clifford Toman; Mr and Mrs T Murt, Mr and Mrs J Coombe, Mr and Mrs S Nicholas, Mr and Mrs K Crouch; Jennifer Pellow, rep Mr Conway Pellow; Michaela Bennett, rep James Bennett; Mrs Anne Thomas, rep Terry Thomas; Pauline and John Tripconey; Mrs K Richardson, rep Mr J Richardson and Ben, Natalie and Adam; Mrs Ann Inch, rep Mr Robert and Daniel Inch; Tricia Hosking, M Wallis, Michael Stapleton; Ross Hocking, rep Kelvin Pickford; Mr and Mrs Elizabeth and Richard Barnicoat; Shelley Weeks, rep CMHT; Jill Woolcock, rep Ivor Woolcock; Mr Simon Jones, Mr and Mrs M Williams; Mr and Mrs G Williams, rep Roger; Mr Nigel Barrett, rep Pauline Barrett; Mrs Eileen Hayes, Mr Leslie Rowe, Miss Eileen Murphy, Miss Sheila Murphy; John Daniel, rep Phyllis Daniel; Barbara Daniel, Mr and Mrs Carl and Jean Verrant; Mr and Mrs T Millett, rep Mr and Mrs Robin Millett.
Funeral arrangements were by WJ Winn, Hayle.
Mrs PA Eva Illogan THE FUNERAL service has taken place at St Mary's Parish Church, Portreath, for Mrs Phylis Annie Eva, of Illogan, who has died at home at the age of 77.
The service was conducted by the Reverend Canon Mike Kippax and interment followed in Illogan Cemetery. Phylis was born at Penzance and as a child had lived on St Michael's Mount. On leaving school she went to work in flower nurseries.
She met and married Mr Kenneth Charles Norman Eva and became a very family-orientated person; she loved her holidays.
She enjoyed knitting and sewing, making 3-D pictures and growing flowers. Family mourners: Kenneth Eva, husband; Linda Eva Blackmore, daughter; Anthony and Sylvia Eva, son and daughter-in-law; Kelly and Jon Eva, granddaughter and grandson; Gemma Eva and Ryan Pope, granddaughter and grandson; Merryn and Jack Kessell, granddaughter and grandson; Chloe, Dylan and Yasmin Eva, great grandchildren; Mavis, Nigel, Damien, Ben and Justine Goldsmith, Ted Williams, Roger and Kim Chenoweth, Reg and Val Norris, Herbert and Harriet Reed, Herbie, Ruth and Jason Reed, Iris and Adrian Riddle, Tommy and Suzanne Reed, Linda and Robin Gilbert, Nathan, Ryan, Debbie and Diane Gilbert, Ashley Hack.
Also in attendance were Mrs WJR Webber and Julie Webber, Sylvia Chesterfield, Mike and Jo Hopkins, Mr and Mrs Michael Roberts and J Roberts, Mr and Mrs WA Roberts, Mr Tony Grasby, Mrs Michelle Philips, Iris and Les Wakefield, Kenneth Warren, Mr and Mrs D Lawry, Mr D Burrows, Graham and Karen Martin, Mr WG Roberts, Mr R Trebilcock, Malcolm and Sarah George, Trevor and Jenny Roberts, Alan and Sadie Harris, Paul Medlin.
Funeral director: Vincent Young of Colin Matthews Funerals, Cambor ne.
Mr JE Gilbert Pool THE FUNERAL service has taken place at Treswithian Downs Crematorium, Camborne of James Ernest Gilbert of Pool, Redruth, who died at Treliske Hospital, Truro, at the age of 80.
The service was conducted by pastor Mike Ely.
James was born at Treleigh, the third son of James Henry and Claire Gilbert. He attended Barncoose and Pool schools.
James had been employed in a variety of jobs including the Tile Factory, Cramps the book binders, Freshpack, Grays, Sunblest the bakers, Heathcoat's and South Crofty.
In the evenings he had worked at the Flamingo Club in the cocktail bar and had also acted as 'second' in some of the wrestling tournaments that were held there.
James played the drums and through this he met many famous people including Adam Faith, Dusty Springfield, Frankie Vaughn, and the Bachelors. James was a member of the Buffalos' Pool branch, was a keen member of the Pool Institute Snooker Club and had played a game of snooker with Ray Reardon at Butlins. James was also an avid follower of the Redruth rugby team.
James married June in January, 1953, in Redruth. They had four children: Paul, Yvonne, Donna and Joanne, and seven grandchildren Daniel, Natalie, Stephen, Chantelle, Ross, Dominique and Tasmin.
In later life, James became a member of the Cornish Healers' Association at the Camborne Complimentary Healing Centre.
James enjoyed reading, and would read a book every week. He had visited Twickenham to see Cornwall play rugby and he loved to walk and to go to the beach.
He possessed a wonderful sense of humour and was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone. He had not always enjoyed good health over the years, but had faced this with his usual courage and determination.
Donations were for ShelterBox and total Pounds 173.40.
Chief family mourners were: Mrs June Gilbert, wife; Paul and Liz Gilbert, son and daughter-in-law; Yvonne and John, Donna and Ian, Joanne, daughters and sons-in-law; Daniel, Stephen, Chantelle, Ross, Dominique, Tasmin, Natalie and her fiance Jeff, grandchildren; Raymond Jones rep: Pauline Jones, sister-in-law; Bill Mitchell rep: Barbara Mitchell, sister; Kevin Hosking rep: Doreen Watts, sister and Margaret Hosking, niece. Funeral arrangements were by John Jenkin for Colin Matthews Funerals, Camborne.
Mrs EL Richards Illogan Highway THE FUNERAL service has taken place at Godolphin Methodist Church, followed by interment at Nancegollan Cemetery, for Elizabeth Lilie Richards, aged 81, formerly of Illogan Highway.
The Reverend Stephen Bales officiated. Lilie was born at Nancegollan. Later in life she and her family moved to Tuckingmill Farm, Trenwheal, Leedstown. After leaving school she worked in the village shop at Nancegollan. There she met her husband, Gordon Richards (deceased).
They married in 1952 and went to live at Pengelly Farm, Nancegollan. They had two daughters.
In 1966, due to Gordon's ill health, they sold up and moved to Chariot Road, Illogan Highway.
Lilie enjoyed knitting, sewing and dancing. She travelled several times on Concorde, going to Egypt, Iceland and Holland. She also visited America.
When her health declined she lived with her eldest daughter. Her health declined more in the last six months and eventually she died in the Royal Cornwall Hospital.
Family mourners: Wendy Ingram, daughter; Sharon McQueen, daughter; Jonathan, Natasha, Richard, Tiani, grandchildren; Thomas, George, Oliver, great grandchildren; S and G Richards, brother-in- law; Dawn and David Philips, sister and brother-inlaw, represented by Barbara Trip; Janet Pennington, niece; Elsie Walters, niece; Phyllis Hosking, niece, representing Inez Jewell; Samantha Philips, niece, represented by Vivienne Stephens.
Funeral arrangements were by David Hendy & Sons, Camborne.
Mr P Jenkin Illogan Highway THE FUNERAL service for the late Philip Jenkin, aged 79, of Illogan Highway, has taken place at Treswithian Downs Crematorium, Camborne. Pastor Mike Ely officiated. Philip was born at Four Lanes to Jack and Edith Jenkin. He had three brothers, Billy and John (both deceased), and Brian; and two sisters, Jean and Angela.
Philip began his working life with Sid Caddy's mobile butchers, in Four Lanes. He was called up for National Service and served for two years in the Royal Engineers.
Philip then had a variety of employment. He joined the Merchant Navy, and had one trip to America on an oil tanker; he drove a lorry for Jack Hoskin Haulage, of Tuckingmill; and also had a short period at South Crofty as an underground machine man, and at Heathcoates Textiles on the machines. He was a retail roundsman for Gray's the Bakers, in Camborne, and finally, he returned to South Crofty doing night shifts until he retired after being there for 40 years.
Philip married Marlene and they had three children, Sharon, Michael and Andrew. They lived at first at a council house in Illogan, before buying a house at Higher Broad Lane, where he had lived for 30 years.
In 1990, Philip married Pat and they eventually moved to Agar Crescent in 1997 to enjoy his retirement.
Philip enjoyed gardening, do-ityourself and trips out in the car. He loved going to Penzance and Marazion, and also boat fishing and trips abroad.
Philip was well liked and respected by all who knew him, and will be sadly missed by people from all walks of life. He also had a marvellous sense of humour. Philip enjoyed mainly good health throughout his life, when he was taken ill on Christmas Eve, he died suddenly and unexpectedly that same day.
Family mourners: Pat Jenkin, wife; Sharon and Tony, daughter and sonin-law; Michael and Amanda, son and daughter-in-law; Andrew and Lucy, son and daughter-in-law; Jean Tyre, sister; Angela Williams and Reg Toy, sister and partner; Brian and Yvonne Jenkin, brother and sister-in-law; Eileen Mutton, sister-in-law; Jonathan Williams and Karen Teague, nephew and partner; Chris and Katherine Mutton, nephew and wife; David Mutton, nephew; Stephen Nisbet, nephew; Linda Jenkin, niece; Deborah Wilson and Chris Maycock, niece and partner; Carole Childs, niece; Teresa Pellow, niece; Valerie and Melville Stephens, cousins.
Funeral arrangements were by David Hendy & Sons, Camborne.
Mr GC Martyn St Day THE FUNERAL took place at the Holy Trinity Church, St Day, followed by a cremation at Treswithian Downs Crematorium, of the late Gerald Clifford Martyn, of St Day, who has died at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, aged 94.
The funeral was conducted by the Reverend Simon Bone and the organist was Mrs Hazel Beard.
Gerald was born in St Day and grew up in the family home in Church Street with his parents, George and May, and his elder brother, Stanley.
The family attended St Day Church, where both Gerald and Stanley sang in the choir.
He attended St Day School and on leaving at the age of 14, became an apprentice electrician.
Gerald served his time as a corporal in the Second World War and saw action in Sicily, Italy and Greece. During this time strong bonds were formed and he made many lifelong friends. Gerald met his wife-to-be, Doreen, and in 1949 they married in Truro and began their married life living in Vogue Terrace before moving to Church Street to care for George following the death of May.
They adopted Dawn, who during the service, paid tribute to Gerald for the wonderful father he had been to her; and to the many happy memories she had of their time spent together.
After the war he returned to his trade as an electrician, working for SWEB in Truro.
In 1970, Gerald began building a bungalow in Vicarage Hill, to which the family moved in 1973.
Following his retirement in 1979, he and his wife were able to spend time motoring to their favourite destinations in Wales, Scotland, and the Lakes. When in 1990, Doreen began to suffer ill health, Gerald was a great support and a wonderful carer.
In 1999 they celebrated their golden wedding, before sadly, five months later, Doreen died.
In 2007, a surprise party was arranged for Gerald at a hotel in Falmouth to celebrate his 90th birthday and he was driven there in a Rolls-Royce: a truly special occasion for him.
In 2000 Dawn moved back to Cornwall from Oxford, where she had been living for the last six years, so that she could be nearer to Gerald.
He was a true Cornish gentleman, well loved and greatly respected in the village. Family mourners: Dawn Martyn, daughter; Sue and Steve Edwards, niece and husband; Zoe Edwards, great niece; Brian and Glenda Webb, cousin and wife.
Unable to attend: Roger and Janet Clemo, cousin and wife; Pat Campbell, niece; Wendy Smith, niece; James and Margaret Richards, brother-in-law and wife.
Funeral director: Bernard Williams and Son, Redruth.
Mr WT Williams Camborne THE FUNERAL has taken place at Trewithian Downs Crematorium, Camborne, of William Thomas Williams, of Camborne, who has died at St Julia's Hospice, Hayle, aged 80.
The Rev Marlene Carveth officiated.
The address was give by Bill's brother-in-law, David James.
Donations for St Julia's Hospice totalled Pounds 261.86.
Bill was born at Fraddam on March 6, 1931. He had an older brother, Albert. The family moved to Trenerth and Bill attended Gwinear School.
On leaving school he went into the motor trade and became a skilled mechanic. At the age of 18 he was conscripted for National Service and joined the Army. He was promoted to corporal and then to acting sergeant. He was drafted to Korea, a country he knew nothing of and certainly had never expected to visit.
Bill was wounded in Korea, recovered by the American Red Cross, and spent time in hospital in Japan. He often said that he would love to return to Japan in better circumstances. On returning home, Bill served for a number of years in the Territorial Army. For his service in Korea he was entitled to receive his campaign medal but it never arrived and Bill was too proud to ask.
Many years later his son-in-law contacted the war office and his medals were forwarded to Bill, of which he was very proud; it was a very emotional moment when he finally received them.
After National Service, Bill returned to the motor trade, working at various garages in Helston, Penzance, and Camborne, until he retired.
Bill married Shirley at Wall Chapel in 1956, and three years later their daughter, Sue, was born.
A keen sportsman as a teenager, he joined a boxing club at Roskear and was always proud of a boxing medal he had received during his military service. He played football for Carnhell AFC, and cricket for Carnhell Cricket Club as wicket-keeper and batsman. He bought a camper van and also enjoyed boating, spending many happy weekends on their boat at Flushing.
In later years, Bill was never happier than pottering in his greenhouse and garden and had a natural rapport with animals.
Bill enjoyed his life and was a good man and will be missed by many.
Family mourners were: Shirley, wife; Sue and Tim, daughter and sonin-law; Carla, granddaughter; Shannon and Kerry, great grand- daughters; David and Janet, Peter and Pat, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; Patrick rep: Lynn, Victor and Rachel, John and Janet, nephews and nieces; Vilna, Carol rep: Trevor, Vivian and Joyce, Dennis and Hyacinth, Jack Harris, cousins.