downsmail.co.uk Bob Bowker


NELSON Ernest Edwin Thomas “Bob” Bowker (83), lived in Kingswood from 1973, moving locally to work after growing up in London and also living in Luton and Hertfordshire. Hewas the director of the computer centre at MidKent College in Horsted and supported school computing throughout Kent. He influenced policy nationally though his work on the British Computer Society Education Commiee. He worked with his wife of 54 years, Rose-


Marie, pioneering the use of computers in primary schools across the county, with Harrietsham School where Rose-Marie taught. Bob had been part of the English folk


dance team in the 1950s, dancing in Africa and Europe. In the 1970s and 1980s he became squire of Eyhorne Morris Men and was known throughout Kent as theMCfor the Borderers Band, running barn dances with Rose-Marie and daughter Anne. Anne said: “My father had a tremendous


sense of service to others. After retiring he was active as a volunteer including NeighbourhoodWatch and Citizens’ Rights for Older People, and served as chair of Broomfield and Kingswood Parish Council. Hewas a very bright, kind, gentle and generous person whowas widely trusted.” Bob studied physics at Imperial College, London and his daughter, following in his footsteps, currently serves as Royal Society Ogden Trust education research fellow, investigating professional development for teachers of physics. Bob – whowas widowed in 2012 – leaves his daughter, two sisters and one brother.


JosieGleeson JOSEPHINE “Josie” Gleeson (85) lived in the Willington Street area of Maidstone for 32 years and in the Maidstone area from 1965. Born Josephine Gallagher in County Leitrim, Ireland, Josie moved to England aged 17 to train as a nurse. Her career took her into midwifery and she worked in Hastings, Romford and the Midlands. In 1963 she married Thomas Gleeson, whowas also Irish and worked forWimpey’s building


firm, and the pair moved to Maidstone with his work. Josiewas mother to Patricia and Margaret. She returned to nursing while her daughterswere growing up, butwas widowed in 1976. Patricia said: “My mother worked in theWest Kent, Fant Lane and the Maidstone Hospital as a midwifery sister. Shewas hard-working, self-reliant and a strong character – gentle, quiet and contemplative. “Gardeningwas her passion in later life.


Shewas a devout Catholic, worshipping at the Holy Family RC Church in Park Wood. When she became a grandmother to Charloe at the age of 80, this brought a new joy to her life.” Josie leaves her daughters and her granddaughter Charloe.


Amie Baker


YOUNGmother Amie Baker (26), of Coxheath died after suffering a stroke. Amie, ofWaverley Close, felt ill while shopping with her mother. Paramedicswere called, but itwasn’t until three days later that the full extent of her condition became clear and her health deteriorated. Amie aended Senacre Technology College and had worked at Stone Tile Warehouse in Park Wood. Amie leaves her partner Ben Steel and daughters Evie (seven) and seven-month-old Connie.


Vera Foreman


VERA Foreman (86) lived locally her whole life, living near the Loose Road since 1951. Born VeraWilson in Maidstone, she aended Maidstone Grammar School for Girls until the age of 16, when she began work in Lloyds Bank. She met Dennis, whowas to be her husband of 66 years, at a local youth club and together they raised children Sally, Dorothy andWilliam. Dennis served as an electrical engineer at


Aylesford paper mill while Vera spent a number of years as a wife and mother, before returning to work with NFU Mutual Insurance on Siingbourne Road. She ended her working life providing voluntary classroom help in a local school. Dennis said: “Verawas lovely, caring and


gentle. Shewas always polite andwell- mannered. She loved her gardening and had a great knowledge of plants and flowers,


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


which she could name with their proper Latin terms. She also loved ballroom dancing.” Vera leaves her husband, children, 11 grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren.


John Pay


JOHN Desmond Pay (83), formerly of Maidstone, spent his career working for the Inland Revenue. He started in the service as a young man, and spent his final working years as chief inspector of taxes at Medvale House in Maidstone. Born in Maidstone


hewent to Maidstone Boys Grammar School. He played competitive rugby for the school and


Maidstone Rugby club and tennis for Springfield. Johnwas father to Michelle, who said:


“John and his wife Joan moved to Braintree in Essex, where he died. Theywere married for 35 years and his funeralwas held in Braintree.Myfather had time for everyone and always put others before himself. He never complained about his illness and always had a smile. He loved life and will be sadly missed, hewas loved by all. “ John leaves his wife, daughter and granddaughter Emily and three stepchildren.


Margaret Searle


FLORENCE Margaret Searle (96) – known as Margaret – lived in Grove Green for 41 years having moved to the area with husband Michael and daughter Anne. Born Margaret Law in Pinner, Middlesex,


she learned office skills from the age of 12 and by the age of 21was a superintendent at Smithfield Market. She married Michael Searle and the couple


were among the first volunteers involved in running the Samaritans befriending and counselling service. They lived in London and Upminster before moving locally. Margaretwas known for her work


delivering the parish magazine. Daughter Anne said: “My mother could tell stories about all sorts of things including fire- watching in thewar. Shewas a regular worshipper at the Holy Cross Church and was involved in theWeavering and Roseacre Women’s Institute and the Mother’s Union. “Shewas jolly and had an amazing


knowledge of history. She also loved all sorts of needlecraft and her gardening, andwas a member of the Alpine Society.” Margaret, whowas widowed, leaves her daughter.


Serving the local community since 1985


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Obituaries


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