downsmail.co.uk Ron Hegarty


RON Hegarty (78) of Bathurst Road, Staplehurst lived in the same house from 1963 and worked locally from 1971, initially in the advertising department of the Kent Messenger. He was one of the


first employees to move to its Larkfield headquarters. Ron joined local printing firm Clout and Baker of Park Wood in 1973, but also became Staplehurst correspondent for the


Kent Messenger, a post he held for a record 38 years until retiring on his 75th birthday in November 2011. He went on to work as a call-taker for the


Automobile Association and also went locally from door to door updating the electoral rolls and served at the local polling station during elections. His other local activities included selling poppies, appearing as Santa Claus and membership of Marden Bowls Club. Ron’s employment prior to his local work included working for Yorkshire Television’s London office and also helping to set up Channel Television. He was heavily involved with his local


parish council, serving on the council for 12 years from 1979, producing the parish magazine for All Saints Church and providing photographs, some of which were used on the parish website. Ron’s involvement with the local church included membership of the church choir and serving as a sidesman. He was involved in the organisation of trips to the Holy Land, Greece and to the famous passion plays staged at Oberammergau in Germany. Ron leaves his wife of 57 years, Dorothy


“Dot”, daughters Alison, Claire and Frances, and seven grandchildren.


Alistair Black


MAIDSTONE Council is mourning the loss of Conservative councillorAlistair Black (79), who died at Maidstone Hospital after a short illness. Cllr Black lived in the Tonbridge Road


area for six years, having moved locally after retirement. Born in Glasgow, he began his career with the British Transport Police before


joining the British South African Police Force in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). Cllr Black put himself through a degree


at night school and worked as personnel director in a paper-making firm before moving to the Maid- stone area, where he became active in the party he had always supported and was elected to Maidstone Council. Cllr Black joined the council in 2011, repre- senting Fant ward. He was re-elected in


May. TheMaidstone flag flew at half-mast


over the Town Hall from the news of his death until the sunset after Cllr Black’s fu- neral and the council observed a one- minute silence at a recentmeeting. Cllr Black’s friend and fellow Conserva-


tive (representing Coxheath and Hunton ward), JohnWilson said: “Alistair was a selfless person who got involved in a range of causes, pushing the interests of local people. “He wasn’t the kind to spend a long time


telling you about himself and his achieve- ments. He was involved with St Luke’s Church and remained very positive. Just before he died he was still hopeful of re- covery and was making plans for the fu- ture.” Cllr Black leaves his wife, Sue, daughter


Fiona who lives inAustralia, son Douglas who lives in Africa, grandson Brett and granddaughter Jamie.


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) and HMChief Inspector of the Fire Service. During his tenure as Kent’s senior fire of-


ficer, he lived with his family in Lenham and Harrietsham. Born in Birmingham, his first career saw him serve in the Navy, join- ing at 15 and rising to the position of chief petty officer before joining the fire service. Regmarried his wife June in 1953 and


the couple raised daughters Mandy and Wendy. Hismeteoric 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


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


before taking over the Kent service. During his time locally Reg was presi-


dent of Lenham Bowls Club and also presi- dent 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. His funeral in Headcorn was attended by more than 200 people.


John Skinner


THE death was announced inWiltshire of JohnA Skinner (89), who worked in Maidstone schools from 1958 to 1985, and lived inAllington. Amathematics 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 fromApril 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 gentleman 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.


Serving the local community since 1985


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Obituaries


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