downsmail.co.uk Doug Young


DOUGLAS “Doug” Young (81) of Maidstone worked as a barber in the family business, Young’s Barber Shop, for more than 50 years. Hewas alsowell known as a local musician, working in the dance band The Cordites. Born locally, Doug


had lived in Thornhill Place and Wheeler Street. Blinded in one eye after falling from his pushchair as a child, Doug followed his father into the


family business and worked for many years with his brother Bob. Dougwas married to Carmen and father to Maria. Niece Toni said: “Doug played piano and double bass and his band The Cordites held a residency at the old Boxley House Hotel for many years, after which he worked as a conductor at the Hazli Theatre. “Dougwas secretary of the local branch of


the Musicians’ Union andwas very affable and friendly man. He enjoyed a long and happy marriage andwas a devoted and loving father.” Dougwas one of five siblings. His brothers


Tony and Vic ran a family electrical business. Vic is now the only surviving sibling. Doug also leaves his wife, daughter and grandchildren Lewis and Joe.


Jennifer Firman


JENNIFER Firman (76) lived in Coxheath for 40 years, and before that in Boughton Monchelsea, Barming and Marden. Born Jennifer Eves in Marden, she aended Paddock Wood School. She and husband Dave raised son Colin. Dave worked on fruit farms and as anHGVdriver. Jennifer worked for the Golden Boot shoe shop in Gabriels Hill, Maidstone, starting in a part-time capacity and becoming full-time during 36 years with the store. Colin said: “My mother could take pleasure in the simplest of things, like seeing flowers growing in a hedgerow. She loved natural history and enjoyedwalks on country footpaths. She also travelled further afield, includingAustria and theWest Country, forwalking holidays.” Jennifer – whowas widowed in 2001 –


leaves her son, two grandchildren and her daughter-in-law Amanda.


Rosemary Bonner


THE deathwas announced of Rosemary Grace Bonner (92) of Maidstone. Rosemary served as mayoress when her husband Gordonwas mayor of Maidstone in 1982. Shewas also a director of the


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TonyOxley


TRIBUTES have been paid to Tony Oxley BEM (72), who had lived in Maidstone for the past 10 years, moving to the town to be near his family after suffering a stroke. The former boxer


and boxing coach had represented his country at the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh in 1970. Originally from Bradford, he joined the Navy in 1961, seeing service in the Far East, where he


won some local boxing championships. After winning a national Naval title, Tony


went on to win theABA bantamweight title atWembley in 1970, securing his place in the Commonwealth Games. His other awards included a Nato Sportsman of the Year title. On retirement from boxing in 1975, Tony became a boxing trainer. Those coached by Tony included world champions Terry Marsh and Ricky Haon. Tony later became a security officer in the diplomatic services. Tony Bevel, chairman of the Royal Navy


and Royal Marines ex-Boxers Association described Tony Oxley as “a wonderful friend, a terrific amateur boxer, a hugely talented and gifted coach.” Tony leaves his wifeWenda, son Sean, daughter Lee, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.


Sylvia Snelling


SYLVIA Jean Snelling (77), who lived for 23 years in Wateringbury and before that in Maidstone for 30 years, grew up in Ayles- ford. She went to Aylesford Primary and Maidstone Technical School for Girls. Sylvia met her husband Mick in 1955, marrying in 1958 in a service that made national headlines because Sylvia had to ring theWar Office to get Mick home on leave, arriving only two hours before thewedding. The couple seled in Ashford, raising children Beverley and Trevor. Son Markwas born locally.


Mick said: “Sylviawas the lynchpin of her family. Shewas a fastidious homemaker. She will be sorely missed.” Sylvia leaves her husband, children, two grandchildren, two step grandchildren and one great-grandson.


Dick Judd


RICHARD “Dick” Judd (63), of Holtye Crescent, Maidstonewaswellknownfrom his years of drumming with the band Edison Lighthouse. He died two days


after a fundraising event in his honour, organised after motor neurone disease had robbed him of his ability to perform. About 50 people took part in the golf event at the Tudor Park Hotel, raising £7,000.


There are plans to make this an annual event in Dick’s memory. Dick leaves his wife Jane, children Russell and Kerry and four grandchildren.


Tony Bainbridge TONY Bainbridge (37) died after suffering from Crohn’s disease. The American footballer had featured for


two years as a defensive linesman for Maidstone Pumas, and won the award for player of the season in 2005. Tony also played and coached across the South East. Tributes praised Tony’s qualities on and


off the pitch, with many in the close-knit Britball community saying they would miss him. Tony’s funeralwas held in Bexley, where his final involvement in the game had seen him working as manager of Kent Exiles. Tony leaves his partnerAmanda and teenage daughter Izzy.


Arthur Mahews


ARTHUR Mahews (85) lived on the Ashford Road and before that in Tovil and Courtenay Road, Maidstone. He spent most of his career working for


KCC andwas father to Trudy and Graham. Trudy said: “My fatherwas sociable and knew everyone around town. He had lots of friends who will miss him.” Arthur leaves his children.


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Obituaries


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