Edwin Boorman THEdeath on March 14 of Edwin Boorman OBE (76), marked the end of a lifelong career in the family newspaper business. Mr Boorman,
who lived in Wateringbury, was the third generation of a family that has owned the Kent Messen- ger since the end of the 19th century. He died after a short ill- ness, leaving a company he served as managing director, chief executive and chairman. At the time of his death he was president of the company,having handed over his chairmanship in 2006 to daughter Geraldine Allinson. His time with the com- pany included an era of strength for local newspapers, but more recently saw him involved in major decisions as a competitive market threatened the future of many publications. Under his management, the
KMGroupwent into radio broad- casting and changed some for- mats and contents of their publications.Hewas president of the Newspaper Society from 2001 to 2002. His OBE came in recognition of his contribution to the Royal British Legion. KCC deputy leader Alex King
said: “Edwin was someone who made a great contribution to the county … through his steward- ship of the KM Group … his charitable work and his involve- ment in the British Legion. “He has played an enormous
part in making Kent the place it is and throughout the decades helped shape the county.” He
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leaves wife Janine, children Geraldine, Cecilia, Imogen, Eleanor and Henry, and seven grandchildren.
Marjorie Harris MARJORIE Evelyn Harris (86), of Kingswood. was the former wife of Raymond E Cooke OBE, founder of KEF Electronics Lim- ited in Tovil and also Edward Startup, language professor, of Maidstone (both deceased). Marjorie moved to Maidstone
in 1962 fromYorkshire when her husband started the loudspeaker manufacturing company KEF Electronics Limited and spent many years living in Boughton Monchelsea. She worked in KCC’s salaries department in Springfield, before taking early retirement. She moved to Cornwall in the early 1980s after meeting Ian K Harris on one of her many flights to Canada to visit her son, Martin. She married Ian, living in Liskeard, Cornwall, until his death in 2010. She then returned locally to live with her daughter Ann and family in Kingswood. Ann said: “My mother enjoyed the community spirit of the vil- lage and visiting Leeds Castle. “She still had many good friends here and was pleased to see all of them on her return to the area. She continued visiting Canada until her final illness, which she faced bravely.” Marjorie leaves children Ann
and Martin and grandchildren Christian, Alecia, Oliver and Kiana.
Richard Bridges RICHARD Bridges (88), most re- cently of Loose, lived locally his whole life, apart from six years in the Royal Artillery, including four years in India. Born in Fant, he lived in vari-
ous homes in Maidstone before spending his final 20 years in Loose. Having startedwork as an apprentice golf professional at
Monumental Stonemasons Est. 1973
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the Oakwood Park course before the war, he returned from Army service to a career as a lorry driver and transport manager. He also worked for hisownbusiness delivering paraffin. His final job saw him managing car parks for Maidstone Council. Married for 63 years to Jean, Richard was father to Margaret, who said: “My father had a ter- rific sense of humour, but he was also a private man, honest, de- cent and hard-working.” Richard leaves his wife, daugh- ter and granddaughter Kathryn.
Pat Harbord PAT Harbord (68) lived in Loose from 1973, moving from Allen Street. Born Pat Wren in Llan- dudno,Wales, she moved locally as a young girl. She lived briefly in London, where she qualified as a dance teacher. She returned to Maidstone, working for
O.J.Rewinds making electrical coils. Shemarried Chris in 1970, becoming mother to Ian and Tommy. In addition
to teaching dance, Pat be- came involved with the local “Bombers” roller hockey team, manag- ing them to re- gional league and national cup wins three years in a row. Retir- ing as cup-winning manager, she was made an honorary life mem- ber of the club. Chris Harbord said: “Pat was
first on the dance floor and the last to leave. She regularly at- tended social functions where the primary purpose was raising money for a variety of charities.” Friend and roller hockey assis- tant Cliff Willard added: “You can count yourself a winner if you can bring happiness to oth- ers and make a difference to their lives. Pat excelled on both counts.” Pat bravely battled motor neu-
rone disease and cancer in her last year. She leaves her hus- band, children Ian and Tommy, and grandchildren Frank and Harry.
Michael Newitt MICHAEL Newitt (63), lived in South Park Road, Maidstone, for 32 years and previously lived in Ringlestone and ParkWood. One of nine children, he worked delivering papers before starting a career in painting and decorating.He finishedhis work- ing life at Maidstone Studios in New Cut Road. Michael was father to Ainsley,
Justin, Kirsty and Hayley and stepfather to Claire, Nicola and Richard. His partner Lesley said: “He lived for the kids,me and his home life. He loved fishing and oftenwentwith Justin, usually to the lakes at Chart Sutton.” Michael leaves Lesley, his chil-
dren and stepchildren, 21 grand- children, his brother and six surviving sisters.
Chris Peacock THE death of Chris Peacock (51), made local headlines when the watch manager collapsed at Thameside fire station, North- fleet, on March 4. Colleagues were unable to revive him. Chris’s fire service career in- cluded time as a recruit course instructor at a training centre in Maidstone from March to November 1997, and again between January 1999 and May 2000, when he was promoted to watch manager and returned to Thameside. He lived with his wife Tina and two chil- dren, Stacey and James (currently a Maidstone United player), in Walderslade. KFRS Chief Executive Ann Millington said: “He served Kent Fire and Rescue Service and the people of Kent and Medway in his role as a firefighter for many years. Chris was well respected by everyone who knew him.” His colleagues at Thameside
White Watch paid tribute to Chris. Crew manager Lee Mur- phy said: “He was a larger than life character who had a positive influence on many people. He was a joy to work with and be- came a close friend to us all. He will be sorely missed, especially by us as awatch.”
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