downsmail.co.uk DorisAbne
DORIS Abne (88) lived in Allington, Wateringbury and Barming. Born Doris Turner in Hackney, London she moved to Kent with her parents, relocating to Royal British Legion Village where she married mechanic TomAbne from Larkfield in 1947. The couple raised children Graham, Christine and Julie. Tom worked for Fine Fair on Hall Road, Aylesford and Doris’s work included employment in the
Carlton Cafe – on the current site of a British Heart Foundation shop in the centre of Maidstone – and at cake shop Icing on the Cake in Allington. Daughter Julie said: “My mother loved animals, her home and making and eating cakes, shewas really loving and devoted to her children and grandchildren.”
Paul Cox
FORMER Maidstone borough councillor (1963-66), businessman and leading member of local service clubs, Paul Cox has died aged 78, after two years of illness. Educated at Kent College, Canterbury, Paul followed his National Service by joining the TA as a captain and later transferred to the UKWarning andMon- itoring Organisation situated in an under- ground building be- hind
Brachers
(solicitors) in London Road, Maidstone.
His career turned to general building construction, quantity surveying and estimating. His love of boats saw him buy Tovil Bridge Boat Yard in 1968, selling it 10 years later to buy a partnership in C&C Plant Hire. He joined Lions International (1962-76)
andwas president in 1967/68. In 1981 he joined the Rotary Club of Maidstone, serving as secretary for three years and president in 1993/94. He aended Holy Cross Church, Bearsted, serving as churchwarden and chairman of the Fabric Commiee. Paulwas a keen sportsman with an emphasis on tennis, golf, bowls, swimming
and skiing andwas a founder member and later chairman and president of Bearsted Tennis Club. He married Pauline Barden, daughter of Maidstone builder Percy Barden (for whom he worked for 17 years) and they had son Martin (a current borough councillor) in 1966. Pauline died of leukaemia in 1976. They started the Maidstone Leukaemia Research Fund, which Paul and his second wife Carry continued. He is survived by Carry, Martin and grandchildren Amelia and Benjamin.
Sylvia Hodgson
THE deathwas announced of Sylvia Hodgson (78), whowas known locally as a member of the congregations of Otham, Loose and St Luke’s churches. Amother of three daughters, Sylvia’s work turning round the lives of young menwas also commended. Sylvia leaves her daughters, five grandchildren and one great- grandson.
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
There is no charge for our obituary service. Call Neil Nixon on 01622 630422 or email
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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 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 fancy dress costumes.” With second wife – also called June – Fred
gained step-children Stephen and Graham. Sue said: “My dad’s main interestwas 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 in Maidstone. Joe and partner NatalieWatson had been together for five years and had two children, Joe (3) and Macie (2). Joe Bisgin had also raised Natalie’s daughter Grace and had a son from a previous relationship.
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Obituaries
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