Gordon Bonner FORMER Maidstone mayor Gordon Bonner (89) had trav- elled widely with wife Rose- mary in the early 1970s before they returned to the County Town.
Gordon’s
work took them abroad when he ac- cepted a post- ingasan architectural consultant for embassy buildings. The couple were based in Tehran, capital of Iran. Gordon’s area covered India, former Ceylon, the Middle East and parts of Africa. They returned to Maidstone
in 1973, and both later stood for the council. He represented Bridge ward and his wife repre- sented Thurnham. Gordon became council leader for six years and was mayor in 1982-1983. Achievements during his
time as leader included the Maidstone River Festival, con- version of the Hazlitt Theatre and the golf course at Cobtree Manor Park. He was also chairman of the
group who selected Ann Wid- decombe as a potential MP for Maidstone. A pupil at Maidstone Gram-
mar School, he enjoyed art, sport and music over academia and played in the school’s swing band and joined the cadets. During the war he was with
the 8th Army in the Western desert where he served under Montgomery in Cairo, Alexan- dria and Tobruk – and was his driver during that time. Gordon and Rosemary – whom he met at a civic ball in Maidstone – married in 1947 on August 20. That date would have been their 64th anniver- sary, and a celebration of his life was held on the 20th at Coxheath Church in Linton Road. He helped to start the Sunday School there and took services as a lay preacher. An interesting story told by
his daughter Vicci was about her parents’ 40th wedding an- niversary. “They went to Lon- dontoseeashowand
We will remember
unbeknown to them, Madonna had the room above them in the Waldorf Hotel, keeping them awake all night partying.” To celebrate their golden wedding, Gordon took all his family to Switzerland for a hol- iday, back to the hotel he and Rosemary had honeymooned at, on the shores of Lake Lucerne.
Mike Foster MICHAEL Foster (73) was a well-respected farmer and auc- tioneer known to many throughout Kent. From his
early years, farming was in his blood, inheriting the love of live- stock animals from his fa- ther, Dick Foster, whose father was a founder of auc- tioneers Ambrose & Foster. Michael was a natural sports-
man, excelling on the cricket pitch. He twice played at Lords Cricket Ground for his school, Tonbridge, when, as a slow spin bowler, he took five for 55 runs in one match. He took up golf with enthusi-
asm. Squash and rackets were two other sports he enjoyed. After National Service, he
first ‘learned the ropes’ of auc- tioneering before returning to the firm. On the death of his father in
1974 he took over the running of Court Lodge Farm, Boxley Road.Hewas knowntobea ‘fair boss’ – if at times tough. Lambert & Foster,with offices
in Paddock Wood and Cran- brook, became his extended family, particularly in later life when farming practices became more computerised, which in- furiated and baffled him. He fought back to health after
a massive stroke in 1996, re- gaining almost full movement. Then, he received an invita-
tion from the clerk to the course at Lingfield to auction the win- ner of the selling race. This be- came a regular feature of his
Monumental Stonemasons Est. 1973
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Saturdays, covering many courses in the South East. His interests included the
Kent County Show, the Mote Cricket Club and the Tickham Foxhounds. In recent years he bravely bat-
tled cancer, continuing with as many activities as was physi- cally possible. He will be much missed by
his sister, Anne Strang, and im- mediate family, and also by many in the farming world, his various sporting associations and colleagues at Lambert & Foster. A thanksgiving service was
held at St Mary and All Saints, Boxley. A Justgiving page was set up in Michael’s memory to raise money for the Addington Fund, which helps farmers facing hardship.
Lord Boston LORD Terence George Boston, Baron of Faversham (81), held the position of trustee of Leeds Castle for many years and also served as chairman of Leeds Castle Enterprises. He was Labour MP for Faver-
sham,aseathetookinaby- election and held through two general elections, from 1964 to 1970 A QC, he was created a life
peer in 1976. Lord Boston was a crossbencher who served as a deputy speaker of the House of Lords, 1991-2008, and twice served as chairman of commit- tees. A statement from Leeds Cas-
tle said he was “respected and admired” for his achievements. He leaves his widow Mar-
garet.
Elaine Briggs ELAINE Briggs (66), who lived in New Church Road, Loose, for 28 years, was known through- out the area from 44 years as a radiographer. Her working life included
more than a decade as superin- tendent radiographer at Preston Hall, Aylesford, as well as time at the oldWest Kent Hospital in Marsham Street. Dover-born Elaine (nee
Wicks) and husband Tony had children Sharon, Malcolm, Martin andWendy. Tony said: “Elaine was a very
loving mum, friendly and very well liked by everyone. She had the kind of personality that could put people at their ease, and that certainly helped with her work.” Elaine loved gardening,
shopping and foreign holidays and attended Bearsted Methodist Church, often going to coffee mornings with her mother, SadieWicks. Elaine leaves her widower,
their children and seven grand- children.
Visit Downs Mail’s website —
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Pat Jenner PATRICIA Jenner, who had lived for many years in Loose, died following a heart attack. Extraordinarily active in so
many ways until her last day, Pat belied her 88 years. Pat was a committed Christian and tertiary Fran- ciscan.
Thanksgiv-
ing for a life well and fully lived was of- fered by a large number of people at Pat’s home church, All Saints in Loose. A friend said: “So much
could be said about Pat but it is believed her wish would be that all who knew her should simply be left with their own memories.” Pat was a volunteer at Maid-
stoneMuseum for more than 20 years. One aspect of her varied work was research, most signif- icantly the museum’s Japanese and Julius Brenchley collec- tions.
Eric Larkin ERIC Percy Larkin (81) lived in Barming for 47 years, having moved there from his native London with wife Doreen. Eric worked
as area sales manager for white goods, dealing in kitchen appli- ances for a number of companies, including Creda. He had been with Doreen
since the pair were 15. They were married for 58 years. Son Trevor said: “My father
was really gregarious, he could start a conversation with any- one. He had lots of friends lo- cally.” Eric had visited a great deal
of theworld,muchofitvia cruise holidays with Doreen after he retired. Places visited included Europe, Asia, South America, Australia and Alaska. The couple were also keen bowlers. Eric was a regular at the Mote Park Bowling Club and the Clare Park Club. He leaves his widow, two sons and four grandchildren
The Stone Shop Memorials. Any natural stone supplied, lettered and installed anywhere. Inscriptions added to existing memorials Renovations and memorial cleaning
The Stone Shop Station Hill, East Farleigh, Kent.
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