downsmail.co.uk “The Kentish Ladywas sold just before he


died and it is tragic that he had no time to enjoy his retirement.We’re just thankful that he had such wonderful care at Maidstone Hospital for his final days.” Tony leaves his wife of 47 years, Shirley, children Martin and Sara, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.


Les Leonard


LES Leonard (70), who lived in Hunton for 31 years,was known from years as a journalist, including work for the Morning Advertiser and the Kent-based Eat Out. He started his career on the Sevenoaks Chronicle and Sevenoaks News. He also worked on a number of specific projects, including the annual Pub of the Year awards. Leswas also a member of the Chequers Racers Cycling Club in Laddingford, which paid tribute to him


with a picture on itswebsite. Hewas often seen cycling in the area around his home. He and wife Marion raised children Marcus and Catherine. Marion said: “Les got onwell with everyone; one of his talentswas the ability to talk to people. “He could bring a smile to a room when


hewalked in the door and knew lots of people locally, and as a result of his work. “Hewas active on Hunton Parish Council


and as editor of the Hunton Herald, the village newsleer.” Les leaves his wife and son. His daughter pre-deceased him.


Ernest Martin


ERNEST Martin (86), who lived for many years at Penenden Heath,was known locally for his life-long service to football. Aformer player who turned out for a number of local teams until 1953, Ernest took up refereeing andwas involved in the organisation of the local game. Hewas also vice-chairman of the Maidstone branch of the Referees’ Association and a member of the commiee on the Maidstone and Mid- Kent Sunday League. His various posts with the local league included the duties of referees’ secretary and league secretary. Ernest’s working life included a spell as housing repairs manager for Maidstone Council. He had also been a member of the PTAat East Borough School, where both his children and grandchildrenwere educated. Ernest, whowas married to Linda,was


father to David and Lynne. His son paid tribute to his father, recalling that among many achievements and memorable events linked to football, one particular highlight


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.


01622 726633


was the time when Ernest met Sir Stanley Mahews. In addition to his local football


involvement Ernest served as a steward at Wembley for 15 years. Ernest, whowas widowed in 2010, leaves


his children and grandchildren Christopher, Stephen andWilliam.


MargaretWatson


MARGARETWatson (70) lived locally for more than 35 years, the last seven in Allington. Shewas known locally for her years of


work as a physiotherapist specialising in work linked to oncology, working at Maidstone Hospital and in other locations, including Maidstone Prison. Born Margaret Kemp in Surbiton, she grew up near Richmond Park and trained at Roehampton as a physiotherapist after leaving school. Margaret raised a family and continued working in Surrey until her move to Maidstone.


Husband Robert said: “Margaretwas known as a calm and unflappable person who had many talents. She played violin and flute and had a beautiful singing voice. Shewas a member of Rochester Cathedral Choir and had a very strong Christian faith, aending the Vines Church in Boughton Lane for many years. “She won medals for swimming and she


also enjoyed surfing. She had a passion for children andwas often a babysier. Margaret leaves her husband and family.


Len Laker


LEONARD “Len” Laker (86), of Ringlestone, was known for his years of work as a baker and breadmaker, particularly for special cakes and items he created for events such asweddings. Len spent most of


his life in Ringlestone, living in the same house in Calder Road from 1932 to 1995. He then moved to another property in the same area.


He served in theArmy from 1946 to 1948, training as a cook, and then worked locally for a number of employers including Reeds and Marley. Len married Kathleen in 1952 and the couple raised daughter Sandra. The family moved toAustralia in 1965, but returned when Kathleen became seriously ill. She died on the aircraft bringing them home in 1968. Jeanee said: “My grandfatherwas got on


with everybody. He lovedwalking his dog and aended the Methodist Church on Union Street. He had recovered from a hit- and-run accident in 1999 and always kept his gentle manner.” Len leaves his daughter, grandchildren Jeannee, Jenniffer, Peter and Paul, nine great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. Another great-great grandchild is expected.


RayMartin


RAY Martin (88)was involved with Maidstone United Football Club for many years. The inside forward played for the club


from the late 40s to mid 50s andwas appointed groundsman by the club in 1979. Born and brought up in Yalding, Ray had many talents – hewas offered the chance to play cricket for Kent, butwas held back as his family did not have the money for his kit. He also played football for his local village


team andwas an excellent darts player. Ray’s team-mates at Maidstone United included some of the most notable players ever to have turned out for the club, such as England international David Sadler. Ray was father to Graham Martin, who played for Maidstone in the 80s and returned to captain the newly-reformed club in 1993. Ray died a few days short of his 56th


wedding anniversary. He and wife Vera were the first couple to be married at St Martin’s Church in Shepway. Graham, their only child, said: “My fatherwas a happy, smiley person and if hewas one of two people in a pub he could still start a conversation. He got on with everyone and had worked locally for Tilling Stevens. He was known to many friends as Kipper, whichwe believe dated back to an incident when he turned up for a fishing tripwearing slippers. “My father hadn’t a bad bone in his body.


He loved foreign trips and country and western music.” Ray leaves his wife, son, grandchildren Liam and Lauren and great-grandson Jack.


There is no charge for our obituary service. Call Neil Nixon on 01622 630422 or email nlnxn@aol.com


Serving the local community since 1985


The Doves Funerals team are proud to have served Kent for over 25 years. Our customer promise “Here for You” recognises your needs through our values: Trustworthy: delivering on our promises Respectful: in our treatment of you


Responsive: to your needs Accessible: to the local community Progressive: in our attitude to change For expert advice please contact a member of our team. We are here for you 24 hours a day, for whenever you need us.


Maidstone: 01622 688662 Larkfield: 01732 871188 Staplehurst: 01580 892125 Ashford: 01233 643000 Sittingbourne - Tel: 01795 431300


www.dovesfunerals.co.uk Maidstone East February 2015 31


Obituaries


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56