downsmail.co.uk Joan Baker


JOAN Baker (88)was born inWestMalling and lived in the villagemost of her life, including all of hermarriage. Shewas born Joan King and spent her early years in Di�on beforemarrying Norman Baker and returning to the village of her birth. Joanwasmother to 11


children (Chris, Nick, Marie, Nigel, Pat, Maxwell, Carol, Bridge�, Gordon, Simon and Jason). DaughterMarie


said: “People knewher as a lovely lady who enjoyed gardening and did sewing and alterations for others. She held strong opinions on a fewthings and could stand her ground. Shewas a devoted grandmother and great grandmother.” Joan leaves 10 children – sonMaxwell


died fromwhooping cough, aged six weeks. Her combined grandchildren and great grandchildren number around 50. She also leaves a brother and a sister.


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,


Robmoved 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 himbeingmedically 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. 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 often get awaywith inappropriate jokes. “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.” Rob leaves hiswife and son, George.


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, Bruce moved to the area to work as a typese�er for the Kent Messenger Group andwhen he, along withmany of his colleagues,were


made redundant in themid-80s he continued to live locally,whilst commuting to a newtypese�ing job in London. Eventually, hemoved to Lewisham. 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.” A devoted familyman, Bruce leaves his


children and grandchildrenMatilda, Harper and Penelope.


Derek Hodge


DEREKMalcolmHodge (83) lived in Bearsted for 47 years, raising children Stephen and Sarahwith hiswife Ricky, who died in 2011. In 1971, Derek and Rickymoved from


north-west London to a newly built home on the Sandy Lane estate, off the Landway. Derekworked as a productionmanager in the print trade and after his retirement,


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38 Maidstone February 2018


devoted his time to photography.With two other photographers he set up Archival Images Ltd, which specialised in photographing artifacts, including forMaidstone Museum. Hewas a notable


and respected member of the Maidstone Camera Club, andwas


bestowed a lifetime honorary vice- presidency in 2013. Derek leaves his children, and grand- childrenAidan, Lilybelle, Lucy and He�y.


Jeanee Hadlow TRIBUTES have been paid to Jeane�e Hadlow– a stalwart of Broomfield life. Jeane�e kept the keys for StMargaret’s


Church and undertookwork for the church until disability impeded her efforts. She remained highly supportive of the


work done by her brother, Derek, for St Margaret’s. Her funeralwasmarked in the parishmagazine,which noted: “no effort was spared in preparing the church and flowers, the choir and organist performed beautifully”.


JoyceAnn Hunter


THE death has been reported in Dorset of JoyceAnn Hunter (84). Joyceworked locally for Seven Seas,


Sharps and Preston Hall Hospital.A local announcement noted “Joyce...will be remembered by friends inMaidstone. Never seenwithout her lipstick on.” Her funeral took place in Salisbury.


Beryl Beck


BERYl Beck (91) – born Brightman – lived in East Farleigh all her life. She a�ended East Farleigh and Loose schools before joiningMaidstone Technical School for Girls,where her love of dancing developed. After school she


worked for the Woolwich Equitable Building Society. It was there shemet her future husband, Eric, before hewas called up forWWII service. Theymarried and set


up home in Forge Lanewhere they raised a daughter and son, andwhere she lived until her death in November. After Eric’s death in 1988, she took up


newinterests and joinedmany trips to West End shows and the ballet,whichwas perhaps her greatest love. She is survived by her son Christopher,


five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Christopher said: “Shewill be greatly missed by everyone.”


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


Obituaries


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