We invite everyone who knew and loved Herbie to contribute to his Memory Wall below — share your tributes, stories, and photographs, helping us celebrate the remarkable life of a remarkable man.
Obituary
Herbie Herbert, of Neath, passed away peacefully on 30 November 2025, leaving behind a legacy of service, strength and unmistakable spirit. A proud soldier through and through, Herbie devoted 22 years to the British Army, rising to the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major in the Royal Regiment of Wales. His leadership, discipline and deep loyalty shaped the lives of countless men under his charge, and his commitment to the regiment remained a defining part of his identity.
Away from military life, Herbie brought that same determination and drive into everything he touched. He was an accomplished boxer, a record-breaking endurance runner, a skilled craftsman, and a natural entrepreneur with a gift for turning ideas into reality. Those who knew him will remember his wit, his tenacity, his sharp eye for opportunity, and the unmistakable twinkle that rarely left him.
In his final year, Herbie found a renewed sense of peace and purpose in faith, choosing to be baptised and embracing a spiritual home that meant a great deal to him.
Herbie is deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by Barbara, Jason, Sue, Tom and Jack, along with all who had the privilege of sharing life, laughter and stories with him. His memory will live on in the character he forged, the friendships he nurtured and the indelible mark he leaves behind.
Funeral Eulogy
*Intro*
In October last year (2024) we thought we were going to lose Herbie.
We should have known, he is someone who can’t be kept down and he bounced back several times over that year. He found his faith in God, and, after being made homeless on his release from hospital moved back in with Mam (Babs) and, after some 28 years of divorce the two remarried. What a pleasure it was for me and their Grandchildren to witness this marriage, the boys seeing their grandparents in the same space for the first time of their lives.
*The Wedding*
The wedding took place in the summer, Bridgend registry office. Now, I have to say it didn’t go smoothly - Not in a negative way, but Herbie’s personality shone through.
He and Babs were like giggling schoolchildren on the day. Just the four of us as witnesses and congregation.
Picture the scene, two very prim and proper registrars invited us into the room, Herbie charming as always. All good so far…
As the ceremony began, Herbie’s eyes glinted with mischief. He and Mam started giggling — and once it began, it couldn’t stop.
The registrars looked confused, dazed and weren’t quite sure of what to make of it, but it was clear that these two people were destined to be together.
Now, I wont disclose who {look at mam} but one of the two realised that we needed to get the ceremony over so it needed to stop, saying “if you don’t stop it, I am going to thump you, now”. We laughed.
In all seriousness, Herbie had a unique character and his attributes were wide and varied.
*Herbie! A poem*
He was never the tallest,
never needed the height.
Five foot four of pure drive,
wired for the fight.
A pocket rocket of muscle and flame,
with a boxer’s punch
far bigger than his frame.
Power on the surface,
but a heart just as wide.
Strength you could see,
with warmth living inside.
He could meet you once
and somehow you’d feel
seen,
heard,
and real.
He lived full-throttle,
no corners cut.
If a job was worth doing,
he gave it his gut.
Perfection the aim.
Persistence the way.
Headstrong.
Determined.
No backing away.
Stubborn at times
he’d own that with pride.
But his standards were high
because he cared what he tried.
He loved without limits,
gave more than his share.
Generous to fault,
because fairness mattered.
Stillness never suited him.
Rest made him itch.
His hands always moving
building, shaping,
fixing the pitch.
Wood, steel, or stone
if it needed a plan,
he’d work it out quietly,
man to man.
His life had its valleys,
its climbs and its tests.
But he faced them all squarely,
giving each his best.
And when the noise faded
when the road grew less broad
he found peace in his faith,
and a steadiness in his LORD.
A life lived loudly,
friendly and warm.
Not polished or perfect,
but honest in form.
Strong in his body,
his spirit,
his name.
Be more like Herbie.
And live just the same.
*Early life*
One of the eight children born to Nancy and Ronald Herbert.
Dad was different. A spirit so distinct, a heart so full of passion and a presence that left a memorable impression. Herbie has an unwavering authenticity, never imitating anyone – setting his own path and living a life that no one could ever replicate.
Sent to buy a cauliflower, he instead ‘found’ one from a neighbour’s garden — under the age of criminal responsibility, he always assured me. The neighbour reported it to Nancy (Nanna) and she denied he’d done wrong. Dad said that his Mam would have denied anything to protect her children. He was however subjected to a top quality hiding for getting caught, no doubt this is the source for his future leadership style!
Always resourceful and talented, he made his own bike aged 10. Buying component parts from the scrap yard over the year, and painting it red, only for his dad to take his work of art for “Santa” to give it back to him at Christmas.
Dad never tired of this story and made sure that every Christmas I had was generously compensated versus his hard childhood.
*Early work*
From the age of 12, Dad worked relentlessly — farming, delivering, selling, grafting. He had an instinct for hard work and for people. Whether it was eggs, bread, or anything else, he found a way to make it better and make it work. Who needs education?
Between the ages of 15 and 21, Herbie had 13 jobs, making friends in each place – he was known as a grafter, a man who put in a solid effort and a man oozing with charisma. At one point he earned himself enough money to buy an Austin sports car, the tales of which he shared, involved him aggravating the local coppers, so I shall let those go peacefully with him.
At 17 when he had a round driving a van for Mothers Pride Bread, just old enough to legally drive. He had his round in the Caewern area of Neath, and on his round on a Tuesday, he would sell not just bread, but figured out the community needed a bit more and these people had the money to spend. He innovated, taking pies, pasties, sausage rolls, bacon and biscuits, and his commission flourished!
All his life he was gifted with entrepreneurial ways.
*Fitness and boxing*
He maintained his fitness throughout his life, initially boxing training three times each week and running the 15-mile round trip from Cimla to Morriston, for coaching at Benny Grants gym.
The training and commitment paid off, Herbie has a talented boxing record and represented Wales at fly weight, and during his military service he was undefeated for the lightweight belt.
And in life, he was still fighting - but not in the ring! Those that know him from that era know what I mean! A physically hard man right to the end.
Another example of his fitness and determination was in 1984 when Herbie along with good friends, Vince Hampton, Ron Foley and Alan Harry, completed a relay run from John O’Groats to Lands End, covering 874 miles in a record breaking 6 days, 3 hours and 14 minutes, and raised money for charity.
One of my earliest recollections of his running was on athletics track in Aldershot where Mam and I ventured over to give him chips for energy… who needs sports science when there are chips?
*Army Service*
There is no doubt that this single-mindedness was a huge part of Herbie’s character, and it was a defining feature of his service in the Military – where he proudly served the county for 22 years. He wants to be on record, saying that he truly enjoyed his service every single day, and was very passionate about being a solider. He has fondly looked back on this, more so in the last year as he realised, he was nearing his end.
Dad served in the Royal Regiment of Wales, rising to the formidable rank of Regimental Sergeant Major. He was so obsessed with the 3 Feathers cap badge he later named his business after it,.
The Army initially took Dad to Osnabruck in Germany and in January 1972 he married Babs who joined him in Ireland, where I came along a couple of years later.
The time in Northern Ireland was challenging as history states, a dreadful and unsettled time of the troubles.
Dad was involved in a near miss, in 1972 on the Crumlin Road outside a cinema, a bomb was planted in a mini-car. He recounted how he was on patrol, he passed the car and looked in. He described wires, fertiliser and a sudden slowing down of time as his adrenaline took over. He walked as casually as he could to the next piece of hard cover then describes how time stood almost still as the pressure from the explosion squeezed his body and large pieces of car tumbled overhead through the sky. Another of his nine lives cashed in.
*Leadership*
Dad excelled in leadership roles, moving swiftly through the ranks, despite a lack of education, to eventually lead over 600 men.
It must be said, that his leadership style was rather unique and it wasn’t always verbal communications that got the message across, there was often a physical encouragement too!
Army leadership books simply don’t cover his methods, “If you don’t get this right, I will show you the four corners of this room”, or my personal favourite “If you carry on, you will be eating chips through a drip”. There will be people here today who have witnessed the follow up to those messages, thankfully I always listened.
His team-building methods were also infamous, ‘murder ball’ was one; legendary and brutal! I can remember him taking me out on company runs in Lemgo, Germany and offering me money to beat the boys back. If they were behind me, they we for the cells, or some other form of punishment that the “Dungeon Master” deemed appropriate. To this day, Dad doesn’t know I used to offer the boys an opportunity to slip ahead of me for a few deutsche Marks! This apple hasn’t fallen too far from the tree!
Whilst being a hard but fair leader, Herbie was very proud that no one went AWOL under his watch, Herbie’s heroes as they were often coined. Natural leadership was obviously his forte, and he even revisited education learning to read and write in the army.
It was evident that Dad was massively respected by his men and those around him.
In his military career, Herbie was posted far and wide, serving across the UK and Europe, finally retiring in Bridgend in 1993. The anecdotes of his mischief are too many to get in today, but I did want to mention his pet piranhas in Hong Kong, which ended up in the pool next to an unsuspecting peer when he was bored one day).
When posted to the Depot in Crickhowell he became interested in the little white ball, golf. Starting off simply hitting a few balls on a field turned into, as it often did with Dad, a fully obsessed hobby; he simply had to be the best. He spent hours perfecting, his swing and became quite the golfer, his power and accuracy taking him to playing in many club games over the years.
Herbie found it hard moving to civvy street, he was so ingrained as a soldier, society simply doesn’t function in the same way.
Whatever he did, he showed determination and grit, nothing came easy, but he would find a way. He was a man who had the ability to turn his hand to anything, self-taught, very clever, innovative and capable.
As a civilian, utilising his entrepreneurship skills, he set up his own business called ‘Three Feathers Embroidery’, and later moved into actually making clothes, gates, railings, Oak products and much more.
Latterly, Herbie found a community of new friends in the Vine Christian Centre and I saw a new contentment and calmer man that I had not seen in the years before. A man at peace. At last.
*Finale*
To paraphrase a well known Neil Diamond song:
So if anyone asks, now he has gone,
Was it everything he wanted
When he had to travel on,
I can tell them this:
Gallery
Memory wall
We became playing buddies and partners and over a long period we formed a regular 4 ball with our good friends, Richard and Paul.
We travelled every year to The Berkshire where Herbies old Colonel would give us a good deal. The respect they both showed each other was clear to see. We holidayed to Thailand and Spain to play golf and he was the life and soul, filled with fun and laughter without ever needing a drink.
He introduced me to Embroidery and recommended me to Jason for a job back in 2001, a job that i am still doing now. I will forever be grateful to him for giving me a career and purpose, but that was him, always looking out for people.
Herbie was my closest friend and i wished i had met him earlier, but we had 25 years of good times and fellowship that i will never forget.
Without a doubt, the most remarkable man i have, or ever likely to meet. I will miss him dearly.
We will never forget being on the Alpha course and seeing you grow in your new found Faith and seeing many relationships restored.
You bought laughter and joy to all those who met you at The Vine Christian Centre.
I remember you dancing as you went up to give your offering with wonderful twinkle in your eye.
We are so privileged to have known you even for a short time, and we are confident that we will meet again in the place Father God has prepared for us.
Until then our friend.
When we played golf you always blew my mind how good a golfer you are. You’re the reason behind my passion for golf.
We will play again soon rest well.
You were a talent and a character. You could make things into a work of art, metal work, woodwork and so much more. Sadly you fought the fight till the very end, until the good Lord took you to glory. Pal, you will forever be in my thoughts. Love you and treasure the times together. What a blessing to many and a blessing to me. So proud of everything that you achieved. Despite the heart condition, you had a big heart. RIP.
Goodbyes are not forever, goodbyes are not the end, they simply mean I miss you, until we meet again.
See you in the FRV. 🍻🍻.
A real gentleman. Courageous, faithful and funny in tough times.
It was a pleasure talking with you, hearing your testimony, witnessing your baptism and hearing stories and how much you grew over some time.
It was an honour sir.
Now you sit with the Lord, in comfort, in beauty, and peace you so so deserve.
🪽 "To live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). Thankyou lord for Hope and Eternal life.
We love you Herbie
May God comfort you now. Psalm 23:4 ❤️
See you again one day.
"Well done, my good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:2).
You made such an impact on our lives in such a short time, if only we got to meet you earlier we could of loved you longer!! The love you had for us all was as strong as ours for you, hearing you were coming down or seeing your car turn up we knew we were in for a good day, not much work but a good day.
Our lives are fuller for having been blessed with knowing you! As Abbie said, you are back with Seve he meant the world to you, RIP Herbie Herbert until we meet again love from your adopted family x x x x
You were the biggest and strongest fighter I know, your determination got you as far as you did. I will always keep you close to my heart, now you’re with Seve I know you’ll be having a ball.
I love you endlessly Herbie ❤️
BABS/JASON so sorry Sue and me are out of the country we are so gutted to miss farewell to my good friend we will be thinking of you take care RIP Martin
RIP Herbie. 🏴
A fond memory of my mum and all my brothers and sisters together.. with my husband and lifetime partner Terry.
For those who have gone before us. I miss and love you all.
My dear brother RIP you will be missed by me and Terry. Until we meet again.
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My first memories of my uncle Martyn come from the stories my dad (Barry) would tell me about his younger brother serving in the Armed Forces. The only times we really got to meet Uncle Martyn were during Christmas, when he visited his mother—our Nana—while on leave. Martyn would arrive with his wife, Barbra, and their only son, Jason. During our visits to Nana’s house, Martyn and his family would stay over for Christmas, and it was always a joy to see what Jason received as gifts. My brother Justin (RIP) especially loved those moments because Jason’s presents were often more elaborate than ours. By the time we returned home, Jason would usually be missing a gift or two—thanks to Justin being Justin!
As the years passed, I decided to join the Armed Forces and enlisted in the Royal Regiment of Wales (RRW) in Lemgo, Germany, in 1988. I was placed in C Company, and to my surprise, my Company Sergeant Major was none other than my Uncle Martyn—nicknamed “The Dungeon Master.” I soon learned why he earned that name after being sent to the jail a few times during muster parades. I’m still not sure if it was to avoid favouritism or because I had messed up! One memory that stands out is the Company Friday Run led by CSM Martyn. He would make us carry as much kit as physically possible, claiming we were only going to the local training area about eight miles away. Three hours later, we were still running and had clocked up around 25 miles. He certainly kept us on our toes! Most weekends at that time were spent caddying for Martyn—I’ve always hated golf, but I did it anyway.
Martyn was later promoted to WO1 and posted to Swansea as RSM for the 4th Battalion. After his tenure, he retired from the Armed Forces and returned to civilian life. I continued my service up to this present day, and throughout my career, Martyn and I stayed in touch. He was always keen to hear how the Army was changing from his time and to check on how I was doing—or sometimes to borrow a piece of kit for one of his adventures.
Martyn (RIP), say hi to Dad and Justin for me. You will be missed—Uncle, Comrade, Friend.
Neil (Herbie) Herbert.
RIP Herbie you certainly left a mark on myself and for that I will never forget you.
Thank you for all the laughter and light you brought into our lives.
Sit high with our Heavenly Father and rest in His eternal peace.
Forever remembered.
With love,
Julie and Corey ✝️✨
I’ll never forget the simple, precious moments too like the time Martin was home from the army and Jason was sat on the floor watching Nanna’s TV. Just an ordinary scene, but one that has stayed with me because it reminds me of how good family time was growing up. Saturdays up Nannas house in Pine Grove where they all grew up were a big part in all the cousins lives.
As I grew older and had children of my own, I had the privilege of watching them get to know and love Uncle Martin just as I always have. He was there for the celebrations and gatherings always with that warm smile, that unmistakable laugh, and that heart of gold. Tysanna will treasure the pillow uncle Martin made her for her 21st Birthday.
His friends knew him as Herbie, but to me and always he was Uncle Martin.
In recent years, our conversations have become some of my most treasured memories. He shared stories from his past, moments he held close, and he spoke with honesty and most recently peace about finding his faith. Those conversations meant more to me than he ever realised.
Uncle Martin has been around for a lot of stages of my life: childhood, motherhood, and now this difficult moment of saying goodbye. His kindness, humour, and gentle spirit will stay with me always.
Forever loved. Forever remembered.
We use to chat and laugh about his life, when obviously I should of been working.
Herbie had a kind of humor and wit that you don’t come across often. We just clicked from the first day I met him.
His charm was effortless, the kind that could lift your spirits without a word. The laughs we shared were real, the kind that stay with you long after the moment has passed. Those memories are treasures I will carry with me always.
He brought light into every room he entered.
Soft, warm, and full of life. To have known him, even briefly, feels like a gift. I am deeply grateful that our paths crossed, and I will forever cherish the joy, kindness, and brightness he brought into my world.
I wear my embroidered fleece with pride.
I will always remember Herbie’s kindness to me - he got a job for me in the officers mess (when I was a teen) taking in the coats and giving out tickets. And before I got married he was so supportive with my then fiance and myself, and when I got married, and I needed a job, he was the first one to offer me one and taught me how to use the machinery and was a great teacher. I appreciated his support. Lovely man and even though we haven’t seen each other very often over the past years, I still remember him with great fondness. ❤️
So sorry to all the family who will Miss him dearly.
I can attest to the family account of the twinkle often found in his eye, as he was a joy to be around, especially on or near a golf course - with a certain Irish weekend years ago being a particular favourite.
It's also pleasing to know that he found comfort in Faith once more towards the end of his life, as he chose a wonderful time of the year to arrive at his place of eternal rest.
RIP Herbie and thanks for all the memories.
He was driving a jeep in Neath, not sure why but it had a Loud speaker on it
He drove into our road, Cimla Crescent singing on the top of his voice ‘polly put the kettle on’
He stopped outside our house insisting on a cup of tea from ‘jilly’
Service
Following the service, all are welcome to join the family for refreshments and time together at the Vine Christian Centre, Hayes Terrace, Bridgend, CF31 1NB.
The family kindly requests family flowers only. Those who wish to honour Herbie’s memory may do so through a donation to a chosen charity; full details will be shared on this page shortly.
Simonston Road
Coychurch
Bridgend CF36 6AB
Hayes Terrace
Bridgend CF31 1NB
Donate
For 11 years they kept him functioning and many of the team became his close friends. So close, that he was invited to staff Christmas parties. In his final weeks RCDU staff called to visit him, and his face lit up every time.
In lieu of flowers or in support of the team the family invite you to donate to the unit here: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/herbie-rcdu?utm_term=J7Bp9PM5W&utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL
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