downsmail.co.uk Malcolm Chapman


MALCOLM Chapman (82), who lived in Loose from 1953, spent his career in local government administration, rising to become chief admin officer for Kent Institute of Art and Design. Born in


Wateringbury, he had started his local government career when national service in the RAF in Singapore intervened. He


returned to the area towork for KCC, where he met Margaret Plum, who became his wife for 51 years. Malcolmwas father to Paul, David,


Victoria and James. Margaret said: “Malcolm loved gardening and had an allotment from 1964 until two years ago. He waswell known in Loose where hewas seen so oen with his barrow and flat cap that people called him ‘Andy Capp’. “Everyone loved Malcolm, who had an endless supply of wiy remarks. He cycled everywhere, andwas especially fond of old bicycles. Hewas even known to rescue a bicycle from a skip. He also loved motorbikes and had owned two Greeves machines. “While at Kent County Council he formed


a jazz band called The Moonrakers, and played trombone. He loved big band jazz and singers like Ella Fitzgerald.” Malcolm leaves his wife and sons, David


and James. Children Paul and Victoria pre- deceased him.


Vernon Baker


VERNON Baker (85) lived in Bearsted for 23 years and before that in Penenden Heath. Born nearWrotham, he moved to the Maidstone area as a child and beganwork as an apprentice mechanic at Mongers Garage, near the current Star Arcade. Vernonwas married


to Joan for 59 years, and they had three children: Julie, Trevor and Sarah. Hewas a long-distance lorry driver,working for a


number of local firms. Joan said: “Vernon loved gardening and playing snooker.Hewas a keen follower of Formula One motor racing and whenwe were youngerwe oenwent to Brands Hatch.” Vernon leaves his wife, children and grandchildren Annah, Rebecca, Katie, Lizzy, Cara, Elena, Emily and George.


Patrick Rocke


PATRICK James Rockewas born in Derrew, County Galway, in December 1927, the middle son of 13 siblings. He came to Snodland in 1947 and became


an active member of St Francis Youth Club in Maidstone, where he metWinnie Gilllan, his wife for almost 60 years. Their two daughters, Maureen and Josephine, and six grandsons, Thomas, Robert, Mark, Neil, Liam and Ryan, son-in-law Colm and


30 Malling June 2014


daughter-in-law Andrea, still live in Maidstone. Aerworking in London for a number of years, in 1958 Pat became caretaker at St Francis RC School, which became St Simon Stock School, and for 32 years he was involved in all areas of the school and church community. His greatest love


was his garden and he produced an abundance of tomatoes, vegetables and flowers, whichwould be gied to all. When he retired from Oakwood Park, he returned to his native Ireland. He died in May in Port Laois Hospital and


aer a service in his home in Rathdowney hewas buried in the heart of his family’s community in Kiltormer. Pat will be fondly remembered by many friends, pupils and teachers, and is greatly loved and missed by his wifeWinnie and family in Ireland and Maidstone. He enjoyed receiving and reading news of Maidstone in the Downs Mail.


Truda Bish


TRUDABish (87)was the wife of Donald Bish, who served as Rector of Wateringbury, Teston andWest Farleigh from 1979 until his retirement. She and Donald moved to Allington


where they became regularworshippers at St Nicholas’ Church. Truda, who came from aWelsh background,was a talented musician and singer with a fine alto voice and particular skill on piano, organ and violin. At about the same time as Donaldwas appointed to his rectorship, Truda had surgery to deal with two benign brain tumours, resulting in her suffering some disability for the rest of her life. Tributes paid since her death have spoken


of her positive aitude to life and the support she provided to Donald’swork. She died three days before her 88th birthday, and leaves her husband.


Bob Jeffrey


BOB Jeffrey (78)was a brave and talented goalkeeper for Maidstone United. His achievements included a courageous performance in the 1966 Kent Senior Cup final against Ramsgate, a game in which Bob broke his collarbone. Hewas replaced in goal but – in an era


before multiple substitutions – Bob insisted on playing outfield and succeeded in providing the assist that set up Derek Norton’s winning headed goal. The goal gave Maidstone victory in the game and – with the first leg ending in a 1-1 draw – ensured an aggregate victory of 4-3. Tributes to Bob, whowas married to Phil


for 59 years and father to Debbie, Sharon and Michelle, have praised his loving nature with his family and the loyalty and friendship he showed to many. His best friend Les Apps said: “Bob and I


both played for Maidstone. He took over from DannyWilson and whenwewere together there and aerwardswe had some great times. Bobwas best man for both me and my brother andwas just a smashing


fellow. Everyone loved him.” Bob pursued a career as a local publican


and had spells running the Royal Paper Mill in Tovil, the Star and Garter in Tonbridge and the Cobdown Club in Dion. His Maidstone United career lasted over


10 years and included about 200 games. He was also a noted cricketer who played towards the top of the baing order for Dymchurch. Bob leaves his wife and daughters.


Peter Larking


PETER Larking (90), of Linton,was head of a family with a long and proud history of public service. Born in Loose, Peterwas the second son


of Kathleen and Gordon Larking.Amayor of Maidstone, hewas knighted for service to the British Legion. Peterwas educated


at Charterhouse and was a talented sportsman.He retained a lifelong interest in mainly cricket, football and hockey.He played for The Mote CC and served as president, chairman and


treasurer.Ayoung player award is made annually in his name. In 1942 he volunteered for the Royal Air


Force, became a navigator andwas posted to the Middle East in 1944. Hewas selected to the crew of air marshall by Sir Charles Medhurst, air commander of the Mediterranean and Middle East. His accountancy career began in 1947 and


he became managing partner of Larkings, Maidstone, in 1968 and became senior partner when his father retired in 1971. He contributed powerfully to the life of Maidstone, including as treasurer and deputy president of Kent county branch of the Red Cross; president of the Maidstone branch of the Royal British Legion from 1976 to 2001; longest serving member of the Maidstone Club; governor of Southborough Girls’ School. Peterwas a member of the Rotary Club of Maidstone, joining in 1966. He served as president (1981) andwas later rewarded with Rotary’s highest club honour, a Paul Harris Fellowship. Hewas chairman of the charity trust fund from 1985 to 1993 and a generous supporter. He and wife Ann celebrated their diamondwedding this year.Hewas father to four daughters: Caroline (deceased), Alison, Kate and Jane, grandfather of eight and great-grandfather of two.


DorothyMorgans


DOROTHY Morgans (92)was a local dance teacher who, with husband Oliver Leslie “Les”worked in many clubs and locations in and around Maidstone. The couple qualified as dance teachers


with the IDTAin 1974, and stayed in the area until Les’s death in 1994. Dorothywas mother to Ronald and Martin and had four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Aer Les’s death she met George Rust, a fellow dancer. Dorothy leaves George, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.


Obituaries


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