downsmail.co.uk Justin Newi
FATHER-of-two Justin Newi (38) from Maidstone died after falling in an accident while working at Maidstone Studios. Facebook tributes expressed sympathies
to Justin’s partner JemmaWebb and his sonsAyden (20) and George (17). His friends – many of whom knew him as Slim – praised his sense of humour and love of life. Justinwas educated at Senacre Technology College and worked in a range of construction
and DIY positions, including fiing windows and painting and decorating for TMB Decorators. Justin’s mother Susan said: “Justin could
turn his hand to all sorts of jobs and when hewas out of work would often find himself a job doing DIY or other work on people’s homes. “Hewas a happy-go-lucky boywho
made friends everywhere andwas really sociable. The family have been overwhelmed by the number of friends who have come forward, he knew lots of peoplewe had never met and they all loved being with him. “He would help anyone andwas usually smiling. Hewas very special to those who loved him; I bought a candlewith a poem on it which reflects how special hewas to me.”
Justin leaves his parents, partner and sons.
Sid Jenkins SID Jenkins (90) of Culpeper Close, Hollingbournewas awell-known and popular local figure, heavily involved in village life. He lived locally for about 60 years, seling in the village with hiswife and working until his mid-80s as awaiter at the Mercure Hotel on the Ashford Road and still cycling in the Hollingbourne area until weeks before his death. Much of Sid’s working lifewas spent at
sea in the merchant navy and then aboard passenger ships. Locally, Sidwas known for running the coconut shy atHollingbourne’s annual village fete for about 30 years and a collection has been organised to plant a tree in his memory. Friends have spoken about howwell known Sidwas locally, especially since hewas a frequent sight in the local area on his bicycle.
Marjorie Grosse
MARJORIE Grosse (90) lived in Bramley Crescent, Bearsted from 1990 to 2012. Before that she lived in The Landway and in Old Tovil Road. BornMarjorie Bignall in Clapham, London, shewas educated in London and began work as a typistwith the South Metropolitan Gas Company. Itwas there that shemet husband of 51 years Doug. Marjorie and Doug moved with his work and lived inWalton-on-Thames before
moving to Maidstone, then on to Dover and returned to live in Bearsted. Marjoriewas mother to Alan. She worked
as a lollipop lady at Tovil School and in a secretarial job at HayleMill. Alan said: “My motherwas friendly, intelligent, energetic and very giving. She volunteered with the Red Cross for 50 years including work in the Maidstone area. My father got involved in that organisation with her. “My mother’s many other activities included being a school governor in Madginford, worshipping regularly at Otham Church, being amember of Bearsted Women’s Institute and the local Townswomen’s Guild and helping outwith Age Concern. “She remained active in these areas long
into her old age. Shewas 75 when she accidently broke her leg while carrying some jam for her “old ladies” atAge Concern and she remained active in the Red Cross until shewas 85.” Marjorie –whowaswidowed in 1996 –
leaves her son, grandchildren Helen and Robert and great-grandchildren Charlotte and Freddie.
Brian Gibbons
ARTHUR Brian Gibbons (89), whowas known as Brian, lived in Loose for 30 years andwas previously a resident of Penenden Heath from 1967 to 1985. Born in Upminster, Essex, Brian trained as a quantity surveyor and spent a substantial part of his working life with KCC. His previous appointments included spellswith Bracknell Development Corporation and workwith a private
company in Bath. Brianwas married to Loe for 53 years
andwas father to Barbara, Peter and Helen. Peter said: “My fatherwas a gentleman in the old-fashioned sense of the word. He was reserved, polite and cared about doing things properly. “Hewas also active in local life. Hewas a member of Maidstone Sailing Club from 1971 to 1989, serving as secretary for three years. Hewas active in the Loose Amenities Association andwas a churchwarden in Loose from 1990 to 1994,where he used his professional skills to help with the re- roofing of the church. “He lovedwalking and he andmy mother had covered lots of local footpaths. He also travelled abroad and to Scotland and the Lake District. “Hewas very loving and close to all his family.” Brian, whowas widowed in 2003, leaves children Barbara and Peter; daughter Helen pre-deceased him.He also leaves granddaughters Michelle and Natalie and great-grandchildren Louis and Grace.
ChristineWatson
CHRISTINE “Chris”Watson (69) lived in Barming from 1972. Before that she lived in
For obituaries call Neil Nixon on 01622 630422 or email
nlnxn@aol.com 44 Maidstone East November 2015
Shepway’s PlainsAvenue, Ashford Road, Park Wood and Queens Road. Shewas born in Lancashire, living in
Darwen until her Maidstone-born father brought the family to his home town. Chris had a number of jobs in the area including office work, spending 17 years in one job with a local firm of chartered surveyors. Her brother David said: “Chriswas breezy, fun-loving and liked by everyone. Her love of life extended to her later years when she took part in performances by Spare Parts, a group of singers who performed all over Kent, often for old people. “Chris did this in spite of ill health herself. She also spent years performing and helping at performances of Chandeliers, an amateur dramatic group who put on productions at the Hazlitt Theatre. “Shewas a wonderful auntie and really
close to her nieces Karen, Suzanne and Nicola. Shewas also very close to other members of her family. She lived with our mother until she passed away andwas very caring to her.” Chris leaves her brother, sister-in-law, nieces and all her other family members.
Alan Springate THE death has been marked on thewebsite of Boxley Parish Council of Cllr Alan Springate (83), who lived in Lordswood. The council noted: “It is with great sadness that the parish council has to announce that Cllr Alan Springate passed away onWednesday, October 7. “First elected as a
parish councillor in 2000, he served on the environment commit- tee, bringing his build- ing and environment expertise tomeetings.
“A passionate supporter of wildlife with a
great love for trees, he and his wife Sarah ‘Sadie’ were hard-working Walderslade Woodlands Group
volunteers.As one of the early members of the group, heworked hard to ensureWalder- slade Woods became a much-loved and re- spected wildlife habitat with village green status.” Alan and Sadie lived in a house he had built
about 50 years ago and his passion for local con- cerns led him to be active outside the Boxley and Lordswood area. Alanwas also involved in campaigns and ac-
tivities for his beloved environmental causes in theMedway area. Parish council clerk Pauline Bowdery said:
“Alanwas a dedicated servant of the council and will be remembered for his work. At meetings hewas always the most immaculately dressed.” Alan leaves his wife and his many friends.
The Stone Shop
Memorials. Any natural stone supplied, lettered and installed anywhere.
Inscriptions added to existing memorials
Renovations and memorial cleaning
The Stone Shop Station Hill, East Farleigh, Kent.
01622 726633
Obituaries
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