Dean Harrison DEANHarrison (83), of Bearsted, played a significant role in local, and county life, serving Kent as chief librarian from 1968 to 1988. Yorkshire he


born,


earned a first class honours degree in his- tory from Cambridge University and began a career in librarian- ship that took him to Sheffield andManchester, beforemoving locally. He met his wife of 54 years, Margaret, in Sheffield, and pro- posed to her on a visit to his beloved Lake District. The couple raised Graham


and Dawn, moving to Allington in 1968, and Bearsted 25 years later.


Daughter Dawn said: “My fa-


ther was passionate aboutmak- ing books available to all, thereby enhancing their educa- tion, and he seized every op- portunity he could to make that happen. “The words I have seen used


in the tributes we have received include ‘inspirational’ ‘intelli- gent’ and ‘remarkable’. “He had an incredible com-


mand of English and love of books. He played sports like rugby and cricket and – in his later years – enjoyed golf and walking. “He had a very dry – typically


Yorkshire – sense of humour and loved ‘Last of the Summer Wine’. “ Dean leaves his wife, chil-


dren and grandchildren Claire, David and Harry.


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Audrey Court AUDREY Court (87), of Ul- combe, lived in the village her whole life, moving three times and was well-known as the wife of Aubrey Court, founder of A W Court Funeral Direc- tors.


Peen,


BornAudrey she


worked in service for a local family. Audrey married carpenter Aubrey and, after he branched out into funeral directing in 1965, Audrey, was a constant support to the new company. The couple raised daughters


Susan and Carole. Susan said: “My mother was a home person who loved her Sunday teas and looking after her family. She had worked locally on farms and in the kitchen of the Provender pub, she also helped out with the family business. “She was a very strong and determined person, and fought her way back from some health problems. She had lots of friends in the area and was very well-liked around the village.” Audrey, who was widowed


after 50 years of marriage, leaves her daughters, grand- children Karen, Sarah, Adam and Greg and great grandchil- dren Christie and Daisy.


Eileen Buxton TRIBUTES have been paid to Eileen Buxton (92), who had lived in Stockbury for many years and succeeded her late husband, Robert, as clerk to the parish council in 2000. A former secretary, and mother to Gavin and Shauna, Eileen was described by former vice-chairman of the council, Dave Thomsett, as: “A lovely lady, very single-minded.” Her secretarial skills and will- ingness to take on new tasks, such as learning to use a com- puter when already aged over 80, helped Stockbury Parish Council, and a number of former colleagues have expressed their appreciation for her efforts.


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Eileen also served the commu- nity as clerk to the PPC for St Mary Magdalene’s Church in Stockbury.Akeen walker, Eileen had tackled some tough routes including a freezing ascent of Striding Edge on Helvellyn. She was also an accom- plished singer who remained a member of the Detling Singers until the end of her life.


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. After living in Cuxton, he and Mary moved to Bower Close, Maidstone, in 1976, before mov- ing 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 inBearsted, 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.


John Squire JOHN Squire (88), as a young in- fantry lieutenant, was among the first on the Normandy beaches for the D-Day invasion dur- ing WWII and lost his pla- toon sergeant as they landed. He was in-


jured and re- covered for the Far East cam- paign, but was saved from further conflict when the atomic bomb forced a Japanese surrender. He met wife Doreen, a nurse,


as he recovered in hospital and the couple lived in Maidstone with their three children, Nick, Alison and Simon. Doreen died last year. John entered the insurance profession, firstly with Norwich Union, then Watson, Christie & House and finally he became a pensions director, retiring aged 62.


He was a Freemason, member


of the Round Table, chairing the Maidstone branch, before he moved to the Rotary Club of Maidstone in 1973, becoming president in 1980/81.


Martin Howes THE death of Martin Howes (51) made local headlines because of


his involvement in local life. Martin ran MKH Clokes Char-


tered Surveyors and Valuers for 22 years, having bought the practice in Gabriels Hill from Nigel Cloke in 1989. He later moved offices to King Street. Tributes have been paid to Martin, who died of a heart at- tack while climbing in Tasma- nia. Many people have mentioned his love of life. Martin joined the canoe club


at Swadelands School, in Lenham, and was chairman and trustee ofMaidstone Canoe Club for about 25 years. He was heav- ily involved with Barming Scouts group and loved travel- ling.


Martin leaves his wife of 25 years, Sarah, and two daughters.


Barry Rowbotham THE sudden death of Barry Rowbotham (69), of Loose, has drawn tributes from many who knew the senior magis- trate. His service


on the Mid Kent bench was mainly carried out at


Maidstone Magistrates Court and hewas well known as chair- man of the Mid Kent Family Court. His colleagues have praised the “lovely guy” for his contribution to the law. He had been due to retire from his posi- tion this year. Barry’s earlier career had been


in local government in Grave- sham, where his work had in- cluded forging twinning links with towns in other countries. On leaving Gravesham Borough Council, he had taken on a new role specifically concerned with twinning arrangements. Barry leaves his wife, Jackie.


Ron Parsons RONParsons (94), a life-long res- ident of Harri- etsham, was a skilled local painter and decorator for about


60


years. He was born


in the Black- smiths Arms, Harrietsham, but the family home was inWest Street. He was a very keen sportsman, playing and captaining Harriet- sham CC and later moving to Bearsted CC as a talented all- rounder. He was also a dedicated supporter of Kent Cricket Club andwas often among the first on the ground with his business van to get a top viewing posi- tion.


Ron was an enthusiastic gar-


dener and later in life ran a small business selling plants and flow- ers.


His wife, Doris, died 23 years


ago. He is survived by daughter Janet, son-in-law Keith, two grandchildren and four great grandchildren.


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