Family’s tribute to ‘proud father, devoted husband’
THE family of Carmarthen rugby stalwart Anthony Maynard have paid tribute to a “devoted husband, proud father and caring grandfather”, and said his funeral service would be held on the Carmarthen Athletic rugby field, in recognition of a life dedicated to the sport he loved.
Mr Maynard passed away peacefully following a short battle with pancreatic cancer on June 13, at the age of 59.
Anthony was born and raised in Carmarthen by the late Ken and Lorraine Maynard. He was a devoted husband to Sian, proud father to Tom, Scott and Jack, and caring grandfather to Netta-Rose.
Anthony attended St
Mary’s catholic school and Carmarthen Grammar School for Boys.
Following this he pursued a sports qualification at Crewe and Alsager college, as well as gaining his social work qualification at Plymouth University.
He embarked on a long and distinguished career in social care, finally retiring as head of childrens services at Pembrokeshire county council due to ill health.
Those who knew Anthony would have been aware of his passion for rugby. He was a robust flanker who always made his presence felt on the field. He played in over four decades for Carmarthen Athletic RFC,
Kidwelly, London and Bridgend.
As well as playing Anthony took an active role in coaching and managing junior and youth rugby for Carmarthen Athletic, Carmarthen schoolboys and Llanelli schoolboys.
Anthony was also team manager for the 1st XV on two separate occasions and a supportive member of the committee throughout his life.
As a proud father of three boys, Anthony could often be found supporting them on the sidelines of a rugby pitch or the boundary of a cricket field. His unwavering support took him all around the UK and worldwide, where he
Wasps proudly watched his sons progress and develop in their respected sports.
A devoted family man, Anthony was thrilled to become a grandfather to Netta-Rose in 2016, and was looking forward to becoming a grandfather for the second time later this year.
The family would like to extend their sincere thanks for all cards, flowers, gifts and tributes received this week.
Anthony’s funeral service will take place on the pitch at Carmarthen Athletic RFC at 11am on Saturday, June 27, followed by a private family service at Narberth crematorium.
The clubhouse will remain closed and social distancing measures to be kept in mind. The family will arrange a celebration of Anthony’s life at a later date when government restrictions have been lifted.
The family welcomes donations to “Rhyfelwyr Llanelli Warriors” as an expression of sympathy instead of flowers. Completed cheques can be forwarded to: Peris Rice Carmarthen Funeral Directors, Royal Oak
Chapel Of Rest, Old St Clears Road, Johnstown, Carmarthen, SA31 3JF.
The Carmarthen Journal would like to sincerely apologise for the inaccuracies and insensitivities of last week’s report.