Edwin Boorman THEdeath on March 14 of Edwin Boorman OBE (76), marked the end of a lifelong career in the family newspaper business. MrBoorman,wholived inWa- teringbury, was the third genera- tion of a family that has owned the Kent Mes- senger since the end of the 19th century. He died after a short illness, leaving a com- pany 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 its 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 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 Ray- mond E Cooke OBE, founder of KEF Elec- tronics Limited


We will remember


inTovil 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.” Marjorie leaves children Ann


and Martin and grandchildren Christian, Alecia, Oliver and Kiana.


Geoffrey Fletcher GEOFFREY Fletcher (91), of Thurnham, devoted his career to the high-profile business founded by his grandfather in 1898.


Drake and Fletcher’s car dealership was well known locally. Apart from a break for war serv- ice, the dealer- ship was Geoffrey’s career until he retired as managing director in 1985 and became chairman of the com- pany. He continued to work for the company until 2008. Geoffrey was father to Lynette,


Ros, John and Geoffrey and was involved inlocal life as chairman of Cobtree Charity Trust for 20 years and as a local independent councillor for nine years, starting in 1950. He also served as a JP, chairman of the Magistrates Se- lection Committee, county chair- man of the Tax Commission and Deputy Lieutenant of Kent. Geoffrey played golf until the


age of 90 and was an interna- tional standard bridge player. Son John said: “Our father lived a great life; he was a soldier, sports- man, and brilliant businessman who gave a great deal back to his community. “Above all he was a devoted family man and a generous friend, one of the last of a re- markable generation who risked their lives for our future.” In recent years his home at Thurnham Friars, Thurnham, opened its garden for charity. Geoffrey lost his wife, Judy, in 1985. He leaves his children and 10 grandchildren.


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, mak- ing electrical coils. She mar- ried Chris in 1970, becom- ing mother to Ian


and


Tommy. In addition


to teaching dance, Pat be- came involved with the local “Bombers” roller hockey team, managing them to regional league and national cup wins three years in a row. Retiring as cup-winning manager, she was made an honorary life member 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 purposewas 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.


Bob Black ROBERT John “Bob” Black of Button Lane, Bearsted, was the first captain of Tudor Park Golf Club, a local Liberal councillor and spent a year as consort when his wife of 54 years, Mary, was Mayor of Maidstone in 1990-91. Born in Gourock, on the River Clyde, he moved locally when working as a customs officer.His work took him around London, north Kent and Essex and, after living in Cuxton, he and Mary moved to Bower Close, Maid- stone, in 1976, before moving to Bearsted in 1986. The couple had two daughters, Deborah and Shauna. Deborah said: “When he retired early from customs work he went on to work as a private investigator – based in Bearsted – and to do talks for organisations like the WI.


“One thing he really enjoyed


was reciting Robbie Burns’ po- etry and raising toasts at the an- nual Burns supper. He also loved walking, which he had done lo- cally and in Scotland.” Bob leaves his wife, daughters


and granddaughters Natasha, Farrah,Madeleine and Alana.


Sqn Ldr Joe Blyth MAIDSTONE-born squadron leader Joe Blyth (86), who has died in Acapulco, carved out an unorthodox and memorable fly- ing career. He broke with orders when ap- pointed to assist the Australian Air Force in Korea and flew sor- ties, scored spectacular kills and became highly regarded for his bravery and resourcefulness. Soon after returning to Britain


he was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross, and the United States government awarded him the Air Medal. Born Colin Ian Blyth, “Joe” lied


hisway into theRAF, aged 15, by stealing his sister’s national in- surance number. In 1942 he sur- vived being shot down and escaped through France to Gibraltar. Joe went on to see action in


Monumental Stonemasons Est. 1973


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