downsmail.co.uk John Surtees
JOHN Surtees (83)was a motor-racing legend and the only man to have won major world titles on both two wheels and four. Surteeswas known
locally as the owner of the Buckmore Park kart circuit and as a keen enthusiast for motor sport whowas always supportive of new talent. His major
achievements included seven world motorcycling titles and winning the F1 world championship in 1964 for Ferrari. But his love of the sportwas also marked by hands-on involvement at a number of levels. He owned the freehold of Buckmore Park
from the mid 1990s but stepped in to buy the complex in 2015. Surtees – who lived in Edenbridge, Kent – leaves his wife and two daughters. His son Henry died in a motor racing accident at Brands Hatch.
Paige Chester
THE sudden death of Paige Chester (21) stunned family and friends. Paige, who grew up in Halling, lived alone in Thornhill Place, Maidstone, and had struggled with personal loss. She had been telling friends on Facebook of her difficulties in coping but appeared to be managing her life beer, posting this comment: “After the
worst time of my life, I've come out so much stronger, couldn't be happier right now... wish you could see me now mum, hope you’re proud of me.” Paige’s friends used social media to pay tribute. Rhys Michael Gray said: “RIP Paige Chester,wewas so close at a stage in our life, you helped me through a lot ... hearing the sad news that you've tragically passed away ... is a pull on the heart strings.” Paige’s workmate Rachel Nixon added:
“Youwere doing sowell my sweet, you always had a smile on your face. I'm so so devastated.”
DavidHill
DAVID Hill (85)was a major force in the organisation of Maidstone River Festival.
He joined the organising commiee in
1981, the second year of the festival, and organised the evening parade of illuminated boats – a highlight of the festival. David’s boat, Tean, could usually be found moored on the Medway in Maidstone, opposite Invicta Rowing Club. Every year, David used it to transport beauty queens and their courts to the annual crowning ceremony for Miss Maidstone. Davidwas also a toastmaster, a member of
the Magic Circle and a musician. He worked as a floor manager in the early days of commercial television, butwent on to manage the family butchery business, F F Gostelow’, near Dartford. He leaves his wife.
Ken Trafford
KEN Trafford (89), who lived in Loose,was a member of Bearsted Golf Club, Mote Park Bowls Club andwas involved in local music and theatre. Born and raised on Wheeler Street, Ken aended Maidstone Technical School and completed national service in Germany. He and his wifeAudrey raised daughters Linda and Karen. Ken worked for Tilling Stevens and later for Elliot’s at Rochester Airport. Ken’s involvement in
theatrewas significant. Friend Brian Moss noted: “Kenwas a member of St Luke’s Church Choir from 1937 to 1951. He joined the Elliot Dramatic Society in 1970. “Membership of the Chatham Operatic
and Kentish Players followed in 1976, with many leading roles. Hewas awarded Best Leading Actor of the year twice, for Emile in South Pacific and Honore Lachaille in Gigi. “Ken joined Maidstone Operatic in 1991
and played the school principal in Carousel in 2012. He continued to sing with the Maidstone Operatic concert party andwas the concert group’s Master of Ceremonies.” Daughter Karen added: “My fatherwas
always ready for a laugh and knew many people locally.” Ken – whowas widowed in 2011 – leaves his daughters.
Clive Evenden CLIVE Evenden (61) of Wren Close, Larkfield,was a local football stalwart who servedAylesford FC in various roles, including that of club secretary.
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Friends and colleagues paid tribute to his strength of character and love of life – qualities he maintained whilst baling diabetes and undergoing a kidney transplant. Clive’s involvement
in local football allowed thousands of youngsters to benefit from regular involvement. Clivewas employed by Kimberly-Clark
andwas married to Christine. Jason Ochello, chairman ofAylesford FC,
noted:“We are saddened by the news of the passing of our much loved and respected club secretary, Clive Evenden. Hewas the cement that held this club together and would always put other people’s problems ahead of his
own.Agreat man who will be truly missed.”
Roy Bennet
ROY Bennet (85) died peacefully on holiday in New Zealand visiting his eldest son Paul. Roy and wife Joan lived most of their married life in Coxheath andwerewell- known and respected in the village. Roywas a plumber and heating engineer. He loved his garden and Roy and Joan enjoyed holidays they shared all over the world. Roywas also a long-serving member of the darts team at the Bell in Coxheath. Roy grew up in
Twickenham and Whion Dene in
Middlesex. He met Joan in Guernsey after thewar and the couple spent 70 years together, raising children Paul, Alan, Peter and Neil. Roywas widowed inAugust 2016. Alan
said of his parents: “All of the family are greatly appreciative of the wonderful long life they spent together and the love they had for all of us.” Roy leaves three sons – son Peter pre- deceased him – and grandchildren and great grandchildren Paul, Karen Robbie, Alan, Lesley, Laura, Nicky Ian, Evie Sam and Leo, Neil, Theresa, Katie, John and George, Simon, and Emma, Michael and
Thomas.At his funeral service the family also remembered grandchildren Peter, Pauline and Leanne, Sara and Nathan.
Brian Corby
BRIAN Corby (79) of Porchester Lane, Loose died a few days short of his 80th birthday. Hewas born in Gravesend, where he met
his wife, Pauline, and the couple lived in Strood before moving locally. They lived in ChapmanAvenue before moving to Loose. Brian worked with British Uralite and helped to place air conditioning in the Channel Tunnel and on the QE2 ocean liner. Hewas father to Neal and Sharon. Neal
said: “Hewas a real people person.” Brian leaves his wife, children, grandchildren James, Hannah, Robert and Kosta and great-grandson Zachery.
There is no charge for our obituary service. Call Neil Nixon on 01622 630422 or email
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Obituaries
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