downsmail.co.uk JohnWinchester


WILLIAM“John”Winchester (70) –who lived in Fauchens Lane, Bearsted for 11 years – spent decades in the local police serving as a cadet, constable and detective constable before finishing hisworking life as a civilian crime support officer. Sussex born, John was a talented sportsman and an accomplished cricketerwho played at county level as a schoolboy – facing future internationals likeAlan


Kno� and Derek Underwood – before joining Kent Police. Many tributes fromformer colleagues


say howthey regardedworkingwith him as both a pleasure and a privilege and, despite the nature of thework, he could bring laughter to the situation. John always had the ability to see the best in people and had a laugh and a smile for everyone. John continued his love of sport in


retirement and loved playing golf at Bearsted. Hewas devoted to all his family and leaves hiswife, Sharon, daughters Claire and Emma and granddaughters Ella, Lauren,Ava and Isla.


Rob Brown


ROBERT “Rob” Brown (42) of Kings Hill was an airline captain and notable athlete who qualified for theworld championships in ironman triathlon.


Born inWatford, Rob


moved to Di�on as a small boywith his family andwent on to be educated locally at Maidstone Grammar School. He studied


mechanical engineering at Loughborough


University and intended a career in the armed forces before the diagnosis of a thyroid complaint led to himbeing medically discharged fromthe RAF. Robwent on to train as an airline pilot


starting his careerwith BritishMidland and going on to fly for companies including Go and easyJet beforemoving to EmiratesAirlines. Robwasmarried to Kerry and the pair


se�led in Kings Hill 11 years ago, though they spentmost of the last five years living in Dubai.


The couple have one son, George. Kerry Brown said: “Robwas very


outspokenwith the kind ofwit and charm that could light up a roomand also a sense of humour thatmeant he could get away with inappropriate jokeswhen hewanted to.


“Hewas really strong-minded and


stubborn and dedicated to his athletics. He had completed 20 ironman events, and John O’Groats to Land’s End cycle ride for charity and other races. “He qualified for theworld triathlon


championships in Hawaii but a cancer diagnosis ruled himout of competing thoughwe stillwent towatch the event.” Rob leaves hiswife and son.


Judith ‘Ju’ Baker


JUDITH “Ju” Baker (64) lived in East Malling formore than 50 years. As a girl, she a�ended Bower Grove


School and later BoughtonMount. She had a range of jobs, fromworking in the old people’s home in Larkfield, the staff canteen at Tesco in Lunsford Park to volunteering at Larkfield Leisure Centre. Ju’s sister,Alison,


said: “Ju had a lovely nature andwould often stop and talk to


people in her local area. “Among her passionswas horse racing


and she regularly a�ended the raceswith her sisterMarlene and brother Danny. “She had a large extended family and


loved spending timewith them.” Ju leaves siblings Steve,Marlene and


Alison.


Chris Stockwell CHRISTOPHER “Chris” Stockwell (71), of West Farleigh,was awell-known, talented and highly dedicated teacherwho held a record as the longest-servingmember of staff at Oakwood Park Grammar School, Maidstone, havingworked for 28 years in the design and technology department. Hewas brought up in Egypt and Kenya. In all, he had 26 other jobs before living


locallywithWendy, hiswife of 48 years, and bringing up childrenMia and Richard. As a teacher, Chriswas highly popular and respected by pupils. Former student


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AndyHook took to Facebook to post this tribute: “You taught somany somuch. Thank you for all you did. Oakwoodwas a be�er placewith you in it.” Chris’s talents for performance and


organisationwere also employed outside the classroom. One stage performance in which hewore a half and half costume and sang a duetwith himself has been recalled in the tributes paid. Elsewhere, Chris’s time as a parish


councillor has drawn praise and fond memories. Wendy said: “Chriswas awonderful


man, and somebodywho couldmake a significant contribution to the lives of others. His family knowthat hewill be missed by verymany people in the community.” Chris leaves hiswife, children and


grandchild.


Derek Brown DEREK Brown (86)made a significant contribution to local football as the long- serving administrator for theMaidstone Primary League. During a quarter of a centurywith the


league he held a range of positions including – notably – serving as vice- president for 14 years. At the time of his death, hewas still


serving on the league’s cups commi�ee, as well as holding the position of life vice- president. His other officeswith the league


includedmembership of the conduct and control sub-commi�ee from1996-2013.


Bruce Ernest Ealham


THE sudden death of formerMaidstone resident Bruce Ealham(64) has left family and friends shocked and devastated. Bruce lived locally from1975 to 1995. Born and raised in


Ashford, Brucemoved to the area towork as a typese�er for the KentMessenger Group andwhen he, alongwithmany of his colleagues,weremade redundant in themid- eighties he continued to live locally,whilst


commuting to a newtypese�ing job in London. Eventually, hemoved to Lewishamto live closer to his new employment. Brucewas father to Lucy, Katie and


Charles. Daughter Katie said: “My fatherwas a fit


and healthymanwho loved sports and played football locally forMalgo formany years.At different times, he enjoyed having a season ticket for CharltonAthletic and for The Oval,where he supported Surrey County Cricket. Thosewho knewand loved himwill


remember a kind, lovingmanwhowas devoted to his family and loved to relax, enjoy a drink and spend timewith his family and friends.” Bruce leaves his children and


grandchildrenMatilda, Harper and Penelope.


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


Obituaries


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