Michael and Mary McDonald of Tenby, aged 86 and 78 respectively, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday October 25, 2022, after sustaining fatal injuries in a tragic road traffic accident.

Michael McDonald was born in Birmingham on October 1, 1936 to the late James Hector McDonald and Florence May McDonald. Michael served two years’ National Service with the British Army in Germany. He then worked as an engineer with British Leyland (Land Rover) in Solihull, Birmingham, until the family moved to Tenby.

From 1982, he worked as a Mechanic on Caldey Island for a few years, then later worked on various farms and cared for the elderly before retiring. He also took on the role of caretaker for St Teilo’s Catholic Primary School, Tenby for a short period, which he enjoyed.

Michael was very enthusiastic on most sports, particularly Formula 1, MotoGP, cricket and was a lifelong Aston Villa supporter.

Michael was predeceased by his brother Barry and brother-in-law Ron. He is survived by his sister Mena, sister-in-law Nora and many nieces and nephews.

Mary Imelda McDonald was born in Birmingham on May 9, 1944 to the late Francis Joseph Edwin Naylor and Ann Agnes Naylor. She worked in Boots, the chemist, in Birmingham, until her and Michael’s first child was born, where she remained full time at home to raise her family. After moving to Wales in 1982, she was a lunchtime supervisor in St Teilo’s Catholic Primary School, Tenby, for a short period.

Mary enjoyed knitting and was an active member of the Ladies Guild at St Teilo’s Catholic Church in Tenby.

Mary was predeceased by her brothers Kevin, Bernard and sister-in-law Greta. She is survived by her brothers Paul, Anthony and wife Janet, sister Rita and husband Micky, sister-in-law Cynthia and many nieces and nephews.

Michael and Mary McDonald were married for 58 years. Their wedding took place in English Martyrs Church, Birmingham on May 9, 1964. From thence, they remained in Birmingham until they moved to Tenby, Pembrokeshire in 1982. They had fallen in love with Tenby after frequent holidays in the area.

They were both devout Roman Catholics and were active members of St Teilo’s Catholic Church, serving the parish in many ways over the last 40 years. Together they loved to garden, drink tea and explore the local area, including all the local Fish and Chips shops.

What meant the most to Michael and Mary was their family. They valued most the time spent with their loved ones, supporting them in whatever way they could, and passing onto them what they enjoyed.

Michael and Mary are predeceased by their youngest daughter Maria. They are survived by their seven children: John, James, Elaine, Andrew, Peter, Elizabeth, Martin and their families, including 15 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Their funeral took place on Friday, November 11. A Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Teilo’s Catholic Church, Tenby, followed by internment at Tenby New Cemetery. The family would like to offer their thanks to the funeral directors Rossiter and Sons, Fr Mansel Usher, and to the Ladies Guild of St Teilo’s Church, for all they did in assisting with the funeral. They would also like to thank the emergency services who attended to the scene of the accident, and to everyone who has sent kind messages of comfort and support during this difficult time.

Donations in lieu of flowers, if desired, can be made to Crohn’s and Colitis UK, The Little Way Association or the Paul Sartori Foundation c/o Funeral Directors W & M J Rossiter & Sons Ltd The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, SA70 8AB or www.rossitersfunerals.co.uk.