downsmail.co.uk David Ca


THE death of David Ca (Snr)was 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.Alot 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.”


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 in 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 obituaries call Neil Nixon on 01622 630422 or email nlnxn@aol.com


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: “My fatherwas a very giving person who would do anything for anybody. His love of his work meant he never wanted to stop and hewas involved in every- thing from towing, spraying, welding, pro- viding MOTs and the engineering work that allowed him to sort out all kinds of problems.” Ronald was still working in his 80th year.


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


Trevor Scholes


TREVOR Scholes (92)was Maidstone’s last town clerk, from 1958 to 74. He took early retirement at 53 andwas made a Freeman of the Borough. Since then Maidstone Council has appointed chief executives. Trevor, of Sportsfield, Maidstone passed legal exams in 1941 butwas called up forwartime service in the Army. As a lieutenant with the Royal Signals hewas awarded the Military Cross for bravery at Oedenrode, Holland


in 1944. As Regimental Signals Officer he dashed to a post hit by German shells and extricated the wireless set to re-establish vital communications so that fire power could be maintained during a critical period. Later he gained a law degree and served


with four local authorities before moving to Maidstone. He held top posts in professional bodies.


Trevor, a bachelor, joined the Rotary Club


of Maidstone in 1958 and his 50 years’ servicewere marked with a dinner and presentations. Hewas awarded Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellowship for services to the community in 2010.


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Obituaries


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