downsmail.co.uk Roy Botley


ROYAllen Botley (91) lived locally his whole life apart fromwar service in the army. Born in Birling hismost recent home – for 30 years –was in Penenden Heath. Royworked locally before enlisting in


the army, seeing active service in the push across Europe after D-Day. Hewas involvedwere operationMarket Garden and fighting in theArdennes Forest in Belgium, the site of the Ba�le of the Bulge. He returned home towork in construction for Hall & Co and later Clubb Construction. Roywasmarried toMargot (a German


woman hemet at the end of thewar) and later to Doreen. WithMargot hewas father toMichael


and Janice and in his secondmarriage he became stepfather toMichael andAndrew. Roy leaves his children, stepchildren, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.


Ronald Denny RONALD “Ron” Henry Denny (82) lived inAllington formore than 50 years. Born and raised in London, Ron had started his career as a draughtsman and married Sylvia, his wife of 61 years, by the time hemoved locally towork for Ellio� Automation on Blue Bell Hill. Hewent on towork for other local employers including Reeds PaperMill


before finally retiring as assistant caretaker atMaidstone Girls Grammar School. Sylvia said: “Ron loved trad jazz and had


a trad jazz funeral. He also spent a lot of timeworking on genealogy and found historical details aboutmy ancestors. “We both loved sequence dancing and


ran one event at St Nicholas church hall. “Ronwill be remembered as a gentleman,


polite andwell-dressed.Many of the cards I have had havementioned his smile.” Ron’s daughter Tina pre-deceased him


and he is buried near her in a churchyard on RomneyMarsh. He leaves hiswife, grandchildren Dean and Lisa and great-grandson Jenson.


Gill Kennedy GILLIAN “Gill” Kennedy (70) lived locally formore than 20 years, se�lingwith


Martin, her husband of 51 years, in Langley, before spending her final five years in East Farleigh. Born in south-east London, Gillmarried


Martin and the couplemoved to Kent, living in Istead Rise and Gravesend before se�ling in the area. Gillwas a home-makerwhileMartin


worked as an engineer and businessman. She wasmother to Simon, Julie and Nick, though Simon tragically died just a fewweeks old. Son Nick said: “My


mumwas loving and supportive, providing the backbone for her family and providing us allwith chances she


never had as a child. “She continued to educate herself


throughout her life andwas exceptionally good at Scrabble and crosswords. “She loved gardening, kni�ing and


sewing and travel.” Gill volunteered for Homestart and the


Alzheimer’s Society. She also helped Martin in his company and together they organised charity eventswhich supported the purchase of 16 Variety Club Sunshine Coaches. She leaves her husband, children and grandchildren Nancy, Erin and James.


Sylvia Cooper AT a service to celebrate the life of Sylvia Cooper (78),which took place at St William’s Church,Walderslade, Sylvia was described as “a quiet, private lady,” who had “faith” and a “remarkable talent.” Shewas noted for being supportive to


others in her community and fromdecades of playing the organ in local churches – St William’s, St David’s in Lordswood and St Alban’s on Blue Bell Hill. Sylvia’s life inmusic also sawher


teaching piano privately and teaching music in local primary and secondary schools. She also accompanied the local dramatic


group, The United Players, for over 30 years as they rehearsed and performed an annual pantomime in StWilliam’s Church. Through her involvementwith amateur


dramatics, Sylvia also played at the WisdomHospice. Sylvia leaves two sons and two


daughters. Camrass Wills Advice you can trust


Do you need help with probate? Do you want to buy a funeral plan?


• We offer help & advice • Home visits • All fees agreed before you proceed DipPFS MSWW


01622 720985 www.camrasswills.co.uk


David Sheridan


DAVID Sheridan (91), of East Farleigh, was a giant of theMaidstone amateur theatre formany yearswith his commanding stage presence and remarkablememory. Hewas a strong


member ofWillington Players andwon critical acclaimfor his final performance (in 2008) at the Hazli� Theatre in ‘AMonth of Sundays,’when he


took the demanding lead role as a resident in an old people’s home. In 2008, his stage career came to an end following a stroke – but he still retained a remarkablememory. Stage director ofWillington Players


David Bicker said Davidwas a joy towork with. He had a passion for acting andwas known to rehearsemore than one play at a time. Hewas versatile and could play anything fromShakespeare to farce. He embraced the players’ slogan: ‘A professional approach to amateur drama.’ David’s business career culminated in 16


yearswithWhitbread as purchasing director in its City HQ, retiring in 1986. Previously, he had purchasing roleswith Sharps Toffee, Bowaters Sco� and United Glass. Subsequently, as an author hewrote specialising in purchasing and contract law articles also lectured in the UK and internationally. His book ‘Negotiating Commercial Contracts’ – is still a success. David (an accomplished self-taught


pianist) and hiswife Vivian (who sang with severalMaidstone choirs)moved to East Farleigh in 1986 after living in Tonbridge Road,Maidstone, for 30 years. Vivian died in October last year and David is survived by sons Simon, Tony and Nick, daughter Louisa and four granddaughters.


FredMcIlveen


THE death in an accident of FredMcIlveen (60) of Loosemade local headlines. The hospital cleanerwas knocked off his motorbike in an accident that sparked a police investigation, and remained in hospital for 19 days until his life support was turned off. His family have


praised Fred’s love of life, his “happy-go - lucky” approach to


things and his love ofmotorbikes and football. Fred’s profile picture on Facebook is hismotorbike. Fred had reached almost 16 years of


service as a cleaner atMaidstone Hospital and lived locally throughout his life. His move to Loosewas fairly recent after living most of his life inMangravet. Fred’s love of football extended to supportingMaidstone United andworkingas amember of the match day staff. Tributes to Fred –who leaves his


daughter Kelly and grandchildren – have come fromfamily,work colleagues, those who knewhimthroughMaidstone United and bosses at the Hermitage Lane hospital.


There is no charge for our obituary service. Call Neil Nixon on 01622 630422 or email nlnxn@aol.com 32 Maidstone Weald December 2017


Obituaries


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