downsmail.co.uk Frank Brake


FRANK Brake (85)who died at the Pilgrim’sHospice on his 85th birthday was the last surviving brother of the Brake Brothers food distribution company, establishedwith his brothersWilliamand Peter in 1958.


The company,


established to supply poultry to caterers, became incorporated in 1961. It became involved in distributing frozen foods in the 1960s and – after a floatation on the Stock Exchange in


themid-80s – acquired other local companies before the brothers sold their share of the company in 2002. By this time Peter Brake had died and


William’s health problems had left Frank takingmost of the businessmanagement responsibility. The company and Brake name continue in operation to the present day.An obituary in TheGrocer described Frank as “a titan of the foodservice industry”. Frankmarried Evelyn in 1959 andwas


father toMichelle, Phillip and Richard.A tribute site to Frank noted his philanthropy and involvement in local life, stating: “In his personal life, Frankmade significant contribution to charities.Major involvements included project leadership andmatched funding for the building of the KentMultiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre, significant contributions to Parkinson’sUK and Cure Parkinson’s, Ashford Pilgrim’sHospice, andmany smaller local charities in Kent,where Frank lived forwell over 50 years, and where he remained verywell known and deeply involved in local life.” Frank leaves hiswife, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.


Roy Town ROY Town (90) ofMadginford lived locally all his life apart fromnational service driving lorries inGermany. Born the fifth of a family of six children in Leeds


hewent on towork in local driving jobs including delivering caravans forDavey’s ofHarrietsham, lorry driving for Blue Cap Foods of Dion and as an instructor for the Vern School of Motoring in


Maidstone before seing up his own school ofmotoring. Roywasmarried for 69 years toMay


andwas father to Ivan and Christopher. Son Ivan said; “My father loved bowling with South Park Bowling Club, and loved making others happy.He had a light- hearted quality that allowed himto get on with anyone.He evenmanaged to conversewithmy next door neighbour in France despite neither of themspeaking the other’s language.Hewas devoted to his family.He lived inMadginford for 20 years and inDetling before that.” Roy leaves hiswife and son Ivan (son Christopher pre-deceased him).He also leaves grandsonsMahewandDaniel and four great-grandchildren.


Rosemary Curtis


ROSEMARY Curtis (75)was born in Pembury in 1943. She livedmuch of her childhood in Kent andWales, and moved toMaidstone in 1966with husband Brian. Theywere happily


married for 53 years and had daughters Melanie and Caroline, and four grandchildren.


Caroline said: “Workingwith children


gavemymother great pleasure.After a short spell teaching, she began a 25 year career at St Luke’s Playgroup in Foley Street.Many of the people shemet there became her closest friends.” Rosemarywas diagnosed three years


agowith dementia, but continued to enjoy holidays and days outwith Brian. She passed away peacefully on Christmas


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Eve, at CornfordHouseNursingHome in Pembury,with her husband by her side. Brian describes Rosemary as “always


kind, caring and considerate”. Aswell as her husband, she is survived


by her daughters and grandchildren James, Juliee, Ellie and Charloe.


LeonMoodley


LEONMoodley (70)who has died in Edinburghwas born in Cape Town SA, but brought up locally. The eldest of six children, he aended St Francis School andMaidstone Technical School for Boys before aendingMaidstone College ofArt and Walthamstow College ofArt. He played for


Maidstone United boys football team


and had a trial for CharltonAthletic FC. Leon left the local area to followa


creative and craft-based career, spending many years as amaker of bespoke metalwork. Laerly, he had his own kitchen and bathroomdesign company. Leonwas father to Lorraine and twins,


Luke and Jerome. Leon’s sisterAngela said: “My brotherwas gentle and considerate, a compassionate person and also a talented artistwho had real skill with pencil drawing.He had a lifelong love of themusic of Leonard Cohen and followedManchester United.” Leon leaves his children and granddaughters Julia and Emma.


Chris Tunbridge TRIBUTES have been paid tomotorcycle mechanic Chris Tunbridge of Eyehorne Street,Hollingbourne, after an inquest into his death. Chris died inNovember, but a recent inquest brought tributes praising him as a “great, funny guy.” Chris ran CT


Motorcycle Services onWillowIndustrial Estate, Tyland Lane, Maidstone, specialising in the customising of bikes


and restorationwork.He had had a passion formotorbikes since his teenage years. Hewaswell-known for taking his dog


Meg toworkwith him. Chris’s packed funeral in December


was helped by an online collection – organised by friends and fellow motorcycle enthusiasts –which raised £3,500 towards his funeral costs. He leaves his long-termpartner Karen Marie Rendle.


There is no charge for our obituary service. CallNeilNixon on 01622 630422 or email neilnixon22@gmail.com


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