downsmail.co.uk John Skinner


THE death was announced inWiltshire of JohnA Skinner (89), who worked in Maidstone schools from 1958 to 1985, and lived in Allington. A mathematics graduate of Queen Mary College, John served in the Navy and taught in Woking and Birmingham before moving locally to become head of maths at Maidstone Grammar School. He served as headmaster of


Maidstone Technical High School for boys from April 1966. In 1974 the school’s name changed to Maidstone School For Boys, and in 1983 it became Oakwood Park Grammar School. The current deputy head, Mark


Howsden, served with John. He said: “John was an educationalist of great vision. He wanted to create a ‘different’ grammar school, one which developed the whole person, not just the academic. He wanted his teachers to be teachers of men, not just of their subject, once saying at Speech Day that ‘education is about relationships’. “John believed in developing the


individual in all of his pupils and staff, but always within a team ethos. Under John the school developed the reputation for outstanding pastoral care and extra- curricular opportunities which it still enjoys today and soon was established as the academic equal to other Kent grammar schools; quite a legacy. “John was affectionately known to


students and staff alike as ‘Jasper’ and although he had a very formal presence and demeanour he strived to get the best for and from his pupils and when appointing staff he instinctively knew what made an Oakwood Park teacher.” John was married to Dorothy for 66


years and father to Christine, Richard and Helen. Daughter Christine said: “My father was a gentle man and led a life informed by Christian principles. He contributed a lot to local life in Maidstone including being amongst the founders of the Heart of Kent Hospice and a trustee for many years.” John leaves his wife, children and grandchildren.


Sam Dunlop SAM Dunlop (78) lived locally from 1970, firstly in Maidstone and – from 1972 – in Bearsted. He worked for GEC in Rochester for 22 years. He worked as a draughtsman, rising to the role of chief draughtsman before becoming logistics manager, the role from which he retired. He had previously lived in Wembley and Rainham.


Sam was father to Jane, Stephen, Jonathan and Jenny. His wife Lee said: “In his younger days Sam was a gifted footballer who tried out for professional clubs. He loved sport and became very good at table tennis. His other passion was computers and he was amongst the first to own one. “He learned programming, and was able


to teach himself other things like how to build computers and DIY skills. He used his computer skills to help with the logistics in his business before using computers in this was a normal part of business. “His son-in-law, Greig, delivered a eulogy about Sam’s achievements but also the modesty he showed, in not being outspoken about all the things he had done. His friends and family will remember his dry sense of humour and his wisdom.”


Norman Harlow


NORMAN Harlow (79) lived in Bearsted for more than 50 years. He was born in Margate, was educated at Dover College and lived in Kent all his life.


Throughout the


war, he and his parents lived in The Victoria Hotel in Maidstone, where his father was a hotelier and publican. Later he lived at the Masonic Hall in Bower Terrace. His work as a sales


rep and manager meant he travelled widely. He ended his career as general manager at Aylesford Priory. He had many interests and belonged to


the Association of Kentish Men and Men of Kent’s Maidstone branch, where he was chairman and president. He organised many outings for members and friends. He also belonged to Bearsted History Society and more recently was a member of the U3A. He leaves his wife Rosemary and sons Christopher, Anthony and James.


Sir Reg Doyle


SIR Reg Doyle (85) lived in Headcorn from 2006 andwas a distinguished public servant who carved out a notable career including posts as Kent’s chief fire officer (1977-84) andHMChief Inspector of the Fire Service. During his tenure as Kent’s senior fire officer, he lived with his family in Lenham and Harrietsham. Born in Birmingham, his first career saw him serve in the Navy, joining aged 15 and rising to the position of chief petty officer before joining the fire service. Reg married his wife June in 1953 and


the couple raised daughters Mandy and Wendy. His meteoric rise through the ranks of the fire service saw the family move across the country, including resi- dence in Hereford and Worcester, where he served as chief fire officer in the three years before taking over the Kent service. During his time locally Reg was presi-


dent of Lenham Bowls Club and also pres- ident of theWeald of Kent Rotary Club. When he was widowed in 2006 Reg


moved to Headcorn, being joined by his daughter Mandy and her husband Nick. The family say they were overwhelmed


by tributes to Reg and his funeral in Head- corn was attended by more than 200 peo- ple.


Leslie Jeffries


LESLIE Jeffries of Allington was well known locally from his years as station master at Maidstone East Station. He held the post from 1964 to 1978 and


also served at stations on the Isle ofWight, Emsworth in Surrey, Gipsy Hill in London and Sidcup. Leslie served as a radio opera- tor in the tank regiment in WorldWar II, with postings including North Africa. He met wife Jean in the Lake District during the war when she was working in a fish and chip shop. Leslie loved the railways and also held a passion for Portsmouth Football Club; his first railway posting was as a clerk in a goods office at Fratton Park, Portsmouth near the club’s ground. Leslie – who was widowed – leaves son


Mick, daughter Janet, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.


David Nuall


DAVID Nuall (64), who had recently moved to Chart Suon,waswell known locally for his years of involvement in nature and conservation work. He lived for almost 30 years in Downswood, most of them in Longham Copse.


Born in


Chesterfield, Derbyshire and educated at Loughborough University, David followed a career in civil engineering that took him to Birmingham and Ashford, before he


moved to the Maidstone area. In Kent he worked forWimpey Homes and Southern Water. Hewas given a retirement card from his final job, but still continued to be involved three days aweek until his death. Davidwas married to Christine for 32


years, andwas father to Rachel and Emily. Emily said: “My fatherwas very generous with his time and effort and loved taking his grandchildren on nature walks. Hewas very involved with local causes including the Len Valley Action Group and Friends of Mote Park. Hewas a governor of Madginford School for many years, and helped out at many local events. “Since moving to Kent he had been


involved with St Nicholas’ Church in Otham, whichwas a very important part of his life. He also loved music and regularly aended concerts by Maidstone Symphony Orchestra and the Sacconi Quartet, of which hewas a patron.” Christine died five years ago and David recently married Vivien Tanswell. He leaves her, his children and grandchildren Bethany, Benjamin, Zoe and Jessica.


There is no charge for our obituary service. Call Neil Nixon on 01622 630422 or email nlnxn@aol.com Maidstone East August 2015 39


Obituaries


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