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Luke’s Church and a love of music that included singing in local choirs. Gladys died in 1985 and – after retirement – David moved to Kendal in Cumbria in 1995. Daughter Susan said: “My father didn’t know anyone in Kendal but his love of the Lake District and walking drew him there. “He married Hilary in 1999 and became step-father to Andrea and continued to be involved with his local church and follow his passion for classical music. People will remember him as a quiet, generous and very genuine man who took time to get to know people.” David had moved to Surrey to be near
his daughter and son. He leaves his wife, children, step-daughter and grandchildren Corinne, Eddie and Annabel.
Tony Haylor
ANTHONY “Tony” Haylor (73)was an active and popular member of the community in Langley. He served on the parish council for more
than 18 years. The Langley Parish Council website said: “Tony will always be remembered for his great sense of humour, calm nature and kind and generous disposition. He will be sadly missed by all those who knew him.”
Cath Tuffin
CATHERINE “Cath” Tuffin (95) lived locally for almost 60 years, the last 30 of whichwere spent in Coxheath. Her previous homeswere in Chart
Suon and Langley. Born Catherine Keeler in Faversham, she married husband Stan before moving to the Maidstone area. Cath and Stan worked in service with
Cath serving as a housekeeper and Stan doing gardening and other jobs. Stan subsequently worked as a carpenter while Cath raised children Sandra, John and Catherine. Cath went on to work locally at Sharps toffee factory and as a pharmaceutical order checker for May Roberts (now Sangers). Sandra said: “My motherwas always on
the go and remained very positive; she even enjoyed her life when she spent time in a residential home. Shewas always willing to help charities and collected for the RNLI and the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, earning their merit badge. “Shewas active on both the WI and the Mothers’ Union andwas involved with the Holy Trinity Church at Coxheath where she did the flowers and made cakes for their coffee mornings. She enjoyed bingo at the village hall and the Monday Club.” Cath – whowas widowed in 1974 –
leaves children Sandra and Catherine (son John pre-deceased her), seven grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
Fred Ridgway
FREDERICK “Fred” Ridgway (92) lived in Barming for 60 years and forged a national and international reputation as a fast bowler, playing for Kent, England and a Commonwealth touring side. Born in Stockport, Cheshire, Fred’s sporting skills included a spell as a teenage
footballer signed to Stockport County before enlistment in the Royal Marines brought him to Deal, where he served as a PT instructor in the war.
Fred married Kathleen, and settled locally in Deal and Ramsgate. He played for and at times captained a strong Tovil and Bridge Mills team when he was still a talented
fast swing bowler and later mostly batted for St Luke’s CC, Maidstone, and kept wicket. He played for Kent Cricket Club for 16
years, between 1946 and 1962. In total Fred took 1,069 first-class wickets at an average of 23.74. Hewas one of the few cricketers to
achieve the feat of taking four wickets in four successive balls, playing away for Kent at Derbyshire in 1951. Hewas also a useful lower order batsman and excellent fielder. He made his England debut in 1951, eventually taking seven wickets in five tests while touring India and Pakistan. He also toured the same two countries with a Commonwealth side. Fredwas also a skilled footballer and
played for Ramsgate in the Kent League. Hewas father to Barbara and Linda. Daughter Linda said: “We moved to Maidstone in 1955 where Dadwent on to work locally in the paper industry. He worked at Aylesford Paper Mill, Tovil and Bridge Mill as a production planner and finally at Reed Transport, where he retired in 1987. “Dadwas always active; he played darts, billiards and golf. He could turn his hand to most things and play itwell. Hewas in a darts team called the Old Folks Four who played against local pub teams to raise money for elderly people. Hewas very sociable, never forgot his Cheshire roots and always enjoyed a beer and a chat.” Fred leaves his wife of 71 years, Kathleen, daughters, grandchildren Chris, Robbie, Laura and Kate and great- grandchildren Leo and Gabriel.A third great-grandchild is expected in December.
Irene Milton
IRENE Milton (91), who died in Hythe four days before her 92nd birthday, was known for many years as a community midwife in the Maidstone area. Born Irene Mallery in Baersea, London she trained as a midwife in Hackney during the war years and met and married Alan in 1944. Theywere married
for 38 years and had two children, Jane and Paul. The couple moved to the Maidstone area
in the early 1960s when Irene returned to work as a community midwife, living first in Sandling and later in Fairbourne Heath, Harrietsham. Paul said: “Mum returned to work as a
part-time and later full-time midwife in the Maidstone area, graduating from a bicycle during the war years to anAustin Mini to do her visits.” In retirement she moved first to Loose
and later to Hythe, remaining very active, enjoying music, travel and local history. She learned to play the piano, joined
choirs and travelled all over the world including visits to family in Africa, South America and New Zealand. Shewas described as a capable and giving person with strong ideas of whatwas right. Irene, whowas widowed in 1982, leaves
her children, grandchildren Clare, Ross, Bradley, Nick and Richard and six great- grandchildren.
Fred Hockey
FREDERICK “Fred” Hockey (84) lived locally for most of his life, spending about 39 years in Allington. He also had homes in Gillingham, Staplehurst and Loose. Hewas best-known as the owner of The House of Carpets business on the north side of Maidstone High Street. The business ran for dec- ades and at different times had outlets in Tonbridge and the Medway Towns, but the main centre and longest running
outlet remained in Maidstone. Originally from London, Fred had previously lived in Sidcup before coming to the Maidstone area in 1962. He and his first wife June raised children Susan, Keith and Sharon. Daughter Sue said: “My fatherwas a
loving and hands-on dad who gave us a great childhood. He made sure our early years, including holiday camp holidays, were full of fun and incredible fancy dress costumes.” With second wife – also called June –
Fred gained step-children Stephen and Graham. Sue said: “My dad’s main interest was his and June’s garden where he would spend his days. He loved being outside in the sunshine. However, he and June also loved dancing to the big band sounds of Glen Miller, Jimmy and Tommy Dorsey etc, mainly at Dion Community Centre.” Fred leaves behind a loving family and will be greatly missed.
Joe Bisgin MAIDSTONE’S Joe Bisgin (30)was praised for his funny and kind-hearted qualities. The roofer and father of four, who grew up in Tovil,was found dead near the river Medway on a footpath beneathWat Tyler Way in Maidstone. He had been diagnosed with a severe personality disorder in December 2014.A fundraising page to help with “Big Joe’s Farewell” has been established on gofundme. Joe and partner NatalieWatson had two children: three-year-old Joe and two-year- old Macie. Joe had also raised Natalie’s daughter Grace as his own andwas father to a son from a previous relationship.
There is no charge for our obituary service. Call Neil Nixon on 01622 630422 or email
nlnxn@aol.com Maidstone East December 2015
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