downsmail.co.uk Michael Phillips


MICHAEL Phillips (63) spent almost all of his life in the Maidstone area, living in The Landway, Bearsted for 34 years. His police career took him all over Kent and briefly to Noinghamshire. His postings included Gillingham, Maidstone and TunbridgeWells, where he met Marita, his wife of 40 years Michael spent much


of his career in front line policing and for


the final 10 years of his service hewas a coroner's officer, the position from which he retired in 1999. Marita said: “Michaelwas a real one-off,


the kind of unique character who did things hisway. Itwas fiing thatwe played ‘My Way‘ at his funeral. “Hewas an excellent athlete, winning the


Kent Police Cross Country championships 12 times out of 16 between 1971 and 1986. He earned county colours and represented Kent at national level. He also loved singing, especially karaoke. “Michaelwas a loving and generous


family man and a wonderful father to Natalie and Ashley. Lots of people will miss his quirky personality.” Michael leaves his wife and family.


ErnieDurbridge


ERNIE Durbridge (89) moved from London to Dion in 1964 with his wife Mavis and three daughters. He worked in the telecommunication industry and travelled throughout theUK and Europe, retiring in 1986. The family lived in their newly-built house in Primrose Drive, where Ernie became a successful gardener. Hewas also a keen photographer and loved to record family events.


Erniewas involved in the creation of the swimming pool at Dion School and later donated old coins and photos when the buildingwas changed into a heritage centre. His daughters Gillian, Alyson and Julia all aended Dion School and learned to swim in the pool. Ernie developed Alzheimer’s and in 2013


he moved to Lulworth House in Queen’s Avenue, Maidstone. Daughter Gillian said: “The support and help my father got in the care homewas a great comfort; he will be fondly remembered by his many friends.” Ernie leaves his wife, daughters and grandchildren David, Mark, Alex, Nicole, Nathan and Connor.


DennisHill


DENNIS Hill (82) lived locally for most of his life, spending his final seven years in Larkfield and having previous homes in Allington and Maidstone. Born inWales, he moved to Staplehurst


aged 14 and joined the Royal Engineers as a young man, beginning a 27-year career that saw a number of postings including Germany. He and his first wife Greta raised sons Glen, John and Gareth. Dennis returned to Maidstone and began working at Maidstone Museum. After the death of his first wife, Dennis married Annie, with whom he spent the final 24 years of his life. She said: “Denniswas incredibly talented with his hands and could do anything practical, hewas also really good with computers. Hewas family oriented and loved to be at home and with his dogs.” Dennis leaves his wife, children and grandchildren Amy, Megan, Madison, Daniel, Courtney, Annie, Lesley and Joshua.


Ray Martin


RAY Martin (88)was involved with Maidstone United Football Club for many years.


Camrass Wills Advice you can trust


Wills Trusts Powers of Attorney


For a free initial consultation contact: Peter Camrass DipPFS Aff.SWW


Tel: 01622 720985


Mobile: 07747 007971 Web:


www.camrasswills.co.uk *Registration necessary SWW accredited Wills Probate


Pre-paid funeral plans - £50 cash back on all new funeral plans Fully regulated by the Funeral Planning Authority’s Code of Practice


OPG accredited LPAs* 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. Raywas 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. He had worked locally for Tilling Stevens and 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.


Elsie Clayton ELSIE Agnes Clayton (92)was born in Otham and lived in the Maidstone area all her life. Born Elsie Sharp, she aended Maidstone Grammar School for Girls and worked at Maidstone Boys’ Technical School and Kent County Buildings Department. Elsiewas married to


her childhood sweetheart, Ray Smith, the son of a


local housebuilder, for only a few months before hewas killed on active service with the RAF in thewar. She also lost her father at about the same time. While working at Kent Police Headquarters she met police officer Bob Clayton. The couple married in 1947 and raised son John. After Bob retired from the police, they founded Larkfield Pharmacy, whichwas eventually sold to become the first Paydens chemist. John Clayton said: “My motherwas


always cheerful, friendly and full of compassion. Her familywas her main love, along with her garden, and shewas always content and independent.


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 46 Maidstone Town March 2015 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


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