ALMOST £1,700 has been raised in memory of a Milford Haven man who brought "laughter, joy and fun" into the lives of all he met.

Frank Stammars passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, August 30.

A proud husband, father and uncle – the 81-year-old was best known for his commitment to the Milford Haven branch of the Royal British Legion.

Frank joined the Army aged 15, and served in Korea, Hong Kong and Germany, as a gunner in the Royal Regiment of Artillery.

His military career drew him into active membership of the Royal British Legion, and he was a passionate and unwavering member for more than 50 years.

“It was his determination and hard work to see conflicts such as D-Day and Anzac be commemorated which has enabled them to this day to form part of the life of this town,” said Father Harri Williams, speaking at Frank’s funeral.

Upon completion of his service, Frank joined GPO - which later became BT - and was a hard-working member of the team for the next 30 years.

But the love of Frank’s life was not work, it was his “girls” - his wife Jean, and daughter Janine.

Frank met Jean in a swimming pool when she was just 14, and his opening gambit was: “What’s your name girl?”

Jean – or Aunty Jean as she is known to most in the town – said she still remembers this first encounter with the ‘tanned, tall, and handsome’ young man.

“He was coming across the pool and he almost dived in on top of me,” she said.

The pair married on August 20, 1959, at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church, and in 1962 were blessed with the birth of their daughter.

“Frank’s determination to care for his girls was the motivating factor in his leaving the army, so that he and Jean could bring up a family outside of that environment,” said Father Harri.

“Frank was ill only for the last few months and he faced his illness with great bravery and dignity,” he said.

“He remained determined to get the most out of life, and he continued to be surrounded by his family, ever the hospitable host.”

An avid and devoted supporter of Tottenham Hotspur, Frank was still following their progress just days before he died, watching them on TV when they drew against Liverpool.

Frank’s ashes have now been buried alongside St Katharine’s Church, where his beloved Jean is a loyal worshipper, marked by the words ‘Forever our friend’.

Donations in his memory, so far totalling almost £1,700, will go towards the refurbishment of the memorial chapel – a tribute to local men who died in the First World War.

“He was always very army oriented, and I think he would be proud that this money will go towards marking such an important sacrifice,” said Jean.