downsmail.co.uk Hayley Martin


MOTHER-OF-ONE Hayley Martin (31), of Loose Road,was known for her fundraising for cancer treatment and for helping to establish a cancer charity – Freddie’s Friends – dedicated to supporting young adults with cancer. Hayley worked as a L’Oreal technician andwas first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2011; she was later given the all clear and gave birth to her son Freddie. When Freddiewas four months old Hayley received the


news that her cancer had returned in an inoperable form. Her energy and selflessness in raising


awareness and living the remainder of her life positively have prompted an outpouring of tributes and memories. Hayley’s achievements include helping to


raise thousands of pounds for the Charles Dickensward at Maidstone Hospital, where she received treatment, and becoming the face of the charity Hair and Beauty Benevolent. The charity’swebsite includes a video of “Hayley’s story”, chronicling her cancer bale.


Osvaldas Rimsa


OSVALDAS “Ozzy” Rimsa (27), whowas a keen motorcyclist known throughout the local motorcycling community for his dedication and club membership, died in an accident in Rocky Hill, Maidstone. Ozzy, who lived in Florence Road, Fant, worked as a warehouseman locally andwas previously a headwaiter at the Dean’s Place Hotel, Alfristron, East Sussex. His work colleagues paid tribute, as have


his fellow members of theWest Kent Biker group.West Kent Biker noted on its Facebook page that Osvaldas had “real passion for motorcycling” and described him as “one of our own”. Itwent on to note: “Osvaldas…had been


withWest Kent Biker right from the start and aended virtually every meet; [he]was dedicated and had a real passion for motorcycling.”


Jackie Harris


JACQUELINE “Jackie” Harris (102), who was known to some as “Tessie”, lived locally for about 50 years, as her husband – William “Bill” – managed Loder and Payne’s store in Bank Street, Maidstone. Born Jacqueline Harding-Goodman in Wallington, Surrey, Jackie grew up in


Surrey and Sussex. The couple moved to Maidstone in the 1930s and raised daughters Antonia “Toni” and Roberta “Robbie”. They remained locally until moving to Cornwall in 1987. Their homes in Maidstone included Monckton’sAvenue, Heather Road, Loose and Madginford Road, Bearsted. Daughter Robbie said: “My motherwas


very sociable and outgoing; she and my father loved socialising at dances, pubs and parties –we held a lot of parties at home. As a couple theywere closely involved in the Conservative Club when itwas located on Earl Street, in the present home of the Pizza Express restaurant. “My motherwas proud of her noble heritage, andwas a very giving person who was generous to her chosen charities, which included time spent volunteering at the Cheshire Home in Mote Park. Shewas also very involved with St Faith’s Church in the town.” Jackie – whowas widowed in 2004 –


leaves her daughters, grandsons Guy, John and Sean, great-grandchildren Vikki and Charlene and great-great-grandchildren Sian, Freddy, Emily and Mahew.


Arthur John Bowerman


ARTHUR John Bowerman (89) lived in the Bearsted area for many years andwas a devout member of St Mary’s Church, Thurnham. Known as John, hewas born in Essex of Devon andWelsh parentage, and educated at Brentwood School in Essex until, at the age of 16, he joined the Royal Navy as a trainee air artificer. After qualifying in 1944, he served on various Naval air


stations in England, Northern Ireland and at sea with the Home Fleet. He met Joan in Sussex in 1947 and they


were married in 1950. Johnwas promoted to an aircraft inspector and served in various stations including two and a half years in Malta. After voluntary discharge at 30, he was appointed to Exeter Inland Revenue office, and in 1964, on promotion to inspector of taxes in Maidstone, his family moved and finally seled in Bearsted. He became a keen member of Bearsted


Golf Club and a loyal parishioner of St Mary’s Church, Thurnham. As honorary treasurer of both the church and church estate, his efforts in puing its finances into very good order are credited with ensuring the survival of the ancient church. He and Joan moved to Eastbourne in 2011. Johnwas buried in St Andrew’s churchyard, Alfriston, East Sussex. He leaves his wife, daughters Julia and


Jane, grandchildren and great- grandchildren.


Shaun Tandy


THE death of Shaun Tandy (35) has robbed the local rugby community of awell-loved andwell-respected character. Shaun, a scaffolder who lived in Chatham, Medway died following a fall while working


in Bewdley, near Kidderminster, Worcestershire. Hewas a former skipper of Lordswood’s


first XV and tributes paid via social media have praised his ability to lead teams by example and his talent on the field. Shaunwas still a


player at Lordswood at the time of his death, having joined the club when hewas 15, and played for them in local leagues


in and around Kent. The club held a memorial game in his memory on February 14.


Shaun, who lived with his mother,was


father to four-year-old Jack and a Just Giving page has been established to raise money for his son. Shaun leaves his son, mother Cindy and


brother Chris.


Dave Currer DAVE Currer (50), of Shortlands Green, Park Woodwas known locally as a motorcyclist and a volunteer with rehabilitation groups. Hewas also involved in organising the annual Green Fair in Mote Park in support of environmental causes. Many of Dave’s friends in the local motorcycling community have paid tribute to his genial nature and valued friendship. He died in an accident on the A274 near Biddenden.


MargaretWeaver


MARGARET Weaver (73), who lived in PilgrimsWay, Hollingbournewas known for her 30 years involvement with Hollingbourne WI and from working locally in the Midland Bank. Born in Edmonton and raised in Swansea, Margaret had worked across the country with her husband, Peter – a fellow Midland Bank employee – before the pair seled locally. After leaving the bank Margaretwent into business with Peter, establishing and running three care homes for people with learning difficulties. She retired 10 years ago. Margaretwas mother to Katherine and Jonathan. Local WI president ValerieWilliams said it


was hard to quantify just how important Margaretwas to her branch, having served as president, secretary and treasurer. Margaretwas also central to establishing theirwebsite and blogspot. She leaves her husband, children and one grandson.


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 There is no charge for our obituary service. Call Neil Nixon on 01622 630422 or email nlnxn@aol.com 36 Maidstone East March 2016


Obituaries


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