downsmail.co.uk David Ca


THE death of David Ca (Snr) has been marked by a number of tributes from his former colleagues at Maidstone Rugby Club. The club’swebsite noted: “During his


time in office, David presided over a period of change taking place. He proceeded to bring a business approach to the running of the club and brought a degree of stability when the clubwas dropping down through the leagues.” David’s chairmanship of the club took


place from the late 1980s to early 1990s, a tough period during which a steady hand was important. David worked as a farmer in the Boughton Monchelsea area and his business – which diversified under his management – remains in the family. David leaves three sons, David, Mike and


Pete, whowere all heavily involved with rugby at the club and in the case of Mike and Pete also at Cranbrook. His grandchildren also have a passion for


rugby with grandsons Chris and Phil playing for Cranbrook and another grandson – James – being a member of Blackheath 1st XV.


Heather Johnson


MOTHER-of-one Heather Johnson (37) of Fernhill Road, Fant, and formerly of Rainham, had worked locally in cafes and restaurants. Shewas known to


many regulars at The Source Bar in Maidstone where she never missed a party night.A lot of her friends have paid tribute using social media, especially on her Facebook page


which is being managed by her son Cameron Piper (15). Cameron spoke of his loss and the sadness he feels that any children he has will never know their grandmother. Sophie Elizabeth Lane Morgan said Heatherwas “was one in a million she will be sadly missed” and Nadine Hanlon added: “Her laughwas infectious…Her smile could light a room. I'm gonna miss her so so much.”


Duncan Keen


TRIBUTES have been paid to South African chef Duncan Keen (33) who worked at Oakwood House andwas most recently resident in a hostel on Boxley Road,


Maidstone. Duncan had been asked to leave the


hostel and had earlier asked to be sent to prison after an incident in Maidstone town centre. Duncan’s plea for imprisonmentwas an aempt to find space to turn his life around after he had lost his job. His mother, people he knew in the hostel


and former workmates united to praise his creative,warm and funny qualities and his love of music and poetry. Duncan died after being hit by a train at Barming Station and people in the area – including the local branch of The Samaritans – expressed a wish that those suffering depression and similar conditions seek help before bringing about a tragedy. Duncan leaves father David, mother Cherie, sisters Vanessa and Jaklyn and brother Clinton.


Mick Stevens


MICK Stevens (63) of Barming lived locally for 31 years andwas widely known throughout the area from his years of involvement as a Lib Dem councillor on Maidstone Council. Hewas the first leader of the council in the new era of cabinet government from 2001 and among his many other achievements was stepping up from deputy to lead the policy and resources commiee in 1999. The former leader of that commiee, Dan Daley, is among many who


have paid tribute. He said: “Mick understood the intricacies of finance incrediblywell, the mental abilities he brought to his workwere exceptional and his work ethicwas such that you only had to ask him once to get something done.” Former Downs Mail editor Dennis Fowle


said: “Mickwas an active and dedicated leader of Maidstone Council with strong all- round abilities who always impressed me with his achievements in the role.” Mickwas married to Shona and had children Yanalie and Jodie and step-children Adam and Lucy. Shona said: “Mickwas a true liberal who could always see both sides of an argument and be completely fair. “He had achieved a lot outside of politics, including many years as a highly successful salesman in the greetings card industry where he came close to achieving the highest sales of anyone in his company, nationally, for a number of years. “Politicswas a passion for him and he took


a degree at South Bank University as a mature student, after which most of his


working lifewas dedicated to local politics.” Mick leaves his wife, children, step- children and six grandchildren.


Ronald Godden


RONALD Frank Godden (80) of Langleywas well known from more than 50 years as a self- employed engineer. Prior to living 31 years in Langley he had


lived in Brooklands on the Chatham Road, Aylesford and Sandling. Ronald learned his trade in the Army dur-


ing national service and returned home to es- tablish a noted local business in which his talents extended to machining and making car parts when the manufacturer’s own parts were unavailable. With wife of more than 60 years – Rosemary


– Ronald raised children Marion and Paul. Daughter Marion said:“Myfather’s workwas his hobby, he was a very giving person, the kind who would do anything for anybody. His love of his work meant he never wanted to stop and he was involved in everything from towing, spraying, welding, providing MOTs and the engineering work that allowed him to sort out all kinds of problems. “One thing he excelled inwas being able to


keep old cars on the road for loyal customers, and services like that meant he kept his cus- tomers and never needed to advertise because most new business came by word of mouth.” Ronald was still working in his 80th year.


Heleaves his widow, children, five grandchil- dren and 16 great-grandchildren.


Mary Black


MARY Black (84) lived in Bearsted from 1986, and previously lived in Bower Close, Maidstone from 1976. Shewas a Lib Dem councillor for Allington and mayor of Maidstone between 1990 and 1991. Born Mary Penrice


in Glasgow, her previous homes included a London hostel where she stayed while working for the Civil Service. Mary married


Serving the local community since 1985


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www.dovesfunerals.co.uk 28 Malling September 2015


Robert, “Bob,” in 1957 and the couple raised daughters Deborah and Shauna. They moved to Cuxton when Bob’s career with HMCustoms and Excise took him to the Medway towns. Mary taught in Strood and for a number of years at Clare Park inWest Malling. Prior to becoming a councillor Mary stood for Parliament as a Liberal Party candidate in the Medway area in 1974, coming close to securing the seat. Daughter Shauna said: “My mother cared passionately about education and had a strong sense of fairness. Shewas the kind of loyal friend who would always step in and help others, andwas also quick to laugh. “Her teaching and communication skills


were exceptional, she got excellent results with challenging pupils and authored a series of “How To…” books which sold nationally andwere aimed at helping youngsters who struggled. “My motherwas always resourceful and


inventive; along with her writing skills she was also a skilled artist.” Mary – whowas widowed in 2012 – leaves


her daughters and four granddaughters – Natasha, Farrah, Madeleine and Alana.


Obituaries


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