downsmail.co.uk Mike Davis


MICHAEL Howard “Mike” Davis (75) had lived locally since the early 1970s and lived in Hengist Court from 2012, having previously lived in Cornwallis Road and Upper Fant Road. The son of a postmaster, Mike moved around with his father’s work and had lived in Kent before he moved to the local area from Falmouth in Cornwall. He worked locally as a career civil servant in


the benefits office. With wife Chris, Mike raised daughter Mandy. She said: “My fatherwas the kind of friendly person who would stop and help anyone. People have described him as kind and wise and hewas very much a people person, very giving. “He regularly visited a few old people and


just generally loved to talk. He also loved sport andwas a member of Kent County Cricket Club. Maidstone CricketWeekwas a big event in his life for many years and he could enjoy almost any sport on television, although he had a particular love of rugby and football.” Mikewas widowed in 1992, but spent the


final 11 years of his life with his partner Chris. He leaves his partner, daughter and grandchildrenWesley, Freddie and Judd.


Sue Poen


SUSAN Lyn Poen (67) lived inAylesford village for 35 years, moving there with husband Barrie and brought up daughters Karen and Julia. Born Susan Cole in Luton, Medway, Sue


was educated in the Medway area and began taking administration jobs. Shewas working for Seeboard when she gave up work to become a mother. Sue raised her family as Barrie worked for the Kent Messenger Group butwent back to work as her children grew up. Her


local jobs included work as a dinner lady at St Peter’s Primary School and administration work for Safeway (nowWaitrose) in Aylesford. Daughter Karen said: “Mumwas very


happy at home and loved poering. She had a talent for gardening and cooking andwas very devoted to her family. Shewas a member of the village book club. “Her final bale with illness involved a


series of life-changing operations but she managed to stay strong and positive.” Sue – whowas widowed in 2013 – leaves


her daughters and grandchildren Eleanor, Thomas and Jacob.


Eileen Colle


EILEEN Mary Colle (96) lived in Surrey Road, Shepway, for over 65 years and before that near Frienden. Born Eileen Martin near Trowbridge in


Wiltshire, she moved to Smallhythe and as a young Girl Guide had visited Smallhythe Place for tea where she met the owner, actress Ellen Terry. Eileenwas married for almost 50 years to


Roger Colle andwas mother to Alan and Jacqueline. She worked at the Granada Cinema at the boom of Gabriel’s Hill, on local farms and for many years in the canteen of Oxford Road Primary School in Maidstone. Alan Colle said: “My motherwas the


kind of lovable person who is liked by everyone. She loved to go dancing with my father.Mymother lived independently for many years after he died andwas a loving mother and grandmother.” Eileen, whowas widowed about 20 years


ago, leaves her children, grandchildren Martin, Carl and Karen and great- grandchildren Luke, Bethany, Nicole and Isabel.


Dudley Fermor


MARDEN’S Dudley Beversham Fermor (80) was born locally and lived in the area for almost all of his life. In 1947, Dudley obtained the Lambe scholarship to Suon Valence School. He showed great promise as a cricketer and later went on to play for Harrietsham. Dudley completed National Service between 1954 and 1956. Like several other Fermor sons of that generation, Dudley worked with his father at Eastwood Farm, Ulcombe, when he left school. He then became a horticultural representative for Boots Farm Sales before moving to Murphy’s the chemical company. His final job before retiringwas as a sales representative for Suons (Produce Packaging) in Marden. Dudleywas married twice. His first marriage produced children Sarah and Simon. In 1983, he married Ida, and became stepfather to Caroline and Richard. Caroline said: “My stepfather and mother


were not interested in a quiet retirement. They formed Ida Fermor Design to market herwatercolour paintings. Dudley managed the business side whilst Ida produced the paintings. Thesewere reproduced on postcards and greetings cards. “He also became interested in living history and when interest in the 1940s became topical, Dudley and my mother enjoyed dressing up in period military uniforms and re-enacting thewar years. Dudleywas a true gentleman, a gentle man and a true countryman at heart.” Dudley leaves his wife Ida, his children


and step-children, step-granddaughter Lucy and step-great grandson James.


Philip Cockburn


THE death ofWateringbury’s Philip Cockburn (84) has drawn a range of tributes. Philipwas a village resident for many


years and long-time servant of the local parish council, holding the post of chairman for several years. Originally from the north east of England,


a number of Philip’s longest standing friends could recall the days when his accent from that areawas very pronounced. Philip completed his national service in the


RAF, undertaking pilot training and remaining part of the auxiliary air force at the end of this period. His professional career took him to the highest levels of banking. Having joined Barclays Bank in 1948, he remained within the bank for forty years. His work took in a range of assignments including time spent in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa. Philip’s financial career allowed him to hold many leers after his name and his later working years included a number of non- executive positions in financial and property concerns. Philipwas married to Sue and had one


son, one daughter and a step-son. He leaves his wife, children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren.


Jay Chandler


THE sudden death of Jay Chandler (40) made local headlines. The quantity surveyor from Boughton Monchelsea died suddenly, leaving his wife Hannah and sons Jacob (19) and Charlie (six). Friends, family and Jay’s colleagues from work at Galliford Try and the gyms he was known to aend including Park Wood’s Ironworks Gymnasiumwere quick to pay tribute on social media. Within a few days, thousands of pounds had been raised via


crowd-funding for his funeral expenses and to provide a trust fund for his six-year-old son.


The Ironworks Gym posted on Facebook:


“Jaywas truly one of the good guys, a hugely likeable, charming, funny and kind man who genuinely enriched my, and many others’ lives. He will be sorely missed. RIP brother. X” His wife Hannah said: “Hewas my everything and then some.” Friend Dave Woodger said: “Hewas the best-dressed man in the room and could just throw something on and look good.” Jay leaves his wife and sons.


CarolOliver


THE death has been announced of Carol Oliver (79). Carol lived in Maidstone until she moved


to Whitstable 14 years ago. She died in the Pilgrims Hospice, Canterbury, and her funeral service took place at Barham crematorium. Carol leaves her children Duncan and


Sarah and grandchildren Douglas, Greg, Oliver, Joseph and George.


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 34 Maidstone East December 2016


Obituaries


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