downsmail.co.uk MikeAnthony


DAVIDMichaelAnthony (77) lived in Bearsted since 1972with his family,most recently inManor Rise.


Hewas very active


in local life, andwas chairman of Bearsted Parish Council, 1995- 1999, theMemorial Hall Commi�ee, 2008-2018 and Bearsted FC. Although born in Lincolnshire, he lived andwent to school in London.


Aftermarrying Jennifer in 1965 he


moved to Kent and spent hisworking life commuting to London. Beginning in life insurance, hewent


into the pensionsworld,where hewas highly regarded for his knowledge and professionalism, acknowledgedwhen he wasmade President of the Pensions Management Institute. He later became an independent trustee of pension funds, enabling himtoworkmainly fromhome. Roger Vidler,who servedwithMike on


the parish council andmemorial hall commi�ee, said: “He brought a clear- sighted sense of purpose to his local work and his chairmanship of organisationswas characterised by drive and determination.” Paul Rudd,who played alongsideMike


for Bearsted FC, added: “Hewas a fast rightwingerwho scoredmany goals.” Mikewent onto the club commi�ee,


serving as chairman and president, and was instrumental in driving the club to the higher echelons of the amateur game. The parish council presentedMike


with aMynnAward for services to the community. Mikewas also father to David,Mark


(who died in 1997) and grandfather to Xander.


Peter Blackman


PETER John Blackman (89) lived in Eccles formost of his life. After leavingMaidstone Grammar School Peter did his national service in


theArmy, beforeworking atAylesford PaperMills as a steamtest engineer. He studied during the evenings, and became a Fellowof the Institute of Fuel,Member of the Institute ofMechanical Engineers and aMember of the Institute of Petroleum. His career took himto Londonwhere


heworked for FosterWheeler and later spent 25 years in the Civil Service. Peterwasmarried to Lily for 63 years


and father to Nigel,who said: “My father got onwith everyone andwas an organisedmanwho enjoyed his allotment and bowling. He played at BurhamBowling Club andwas selected for Kent onmore than 70 occasions. Dad kept on bowlingwell into hismid 80s.” Peter leaveswife Lily, son Nigel,


grandchildren Daniel and Sian and great- grandchildren Oscar and Leo.


Paul Kearry


BEARSTED'S Paul Kearry (65),whowas Born in Plumstead, London, lived locally for over 46 years,moving toMaidstone when hewas 19. He commuted to


London forwork where he progressed in the graphic design field. Paul enjoyed his work as a graphic designerwith KFF until he passed away.


His family said: “Paulwas a sociable


member of the Bearsted and Thurnham Clubwhere he served on the commi�ee organising events. He especially enjoyed his horse racing and golfing days. He was a loving and caringman.” Paul leaves his partnerMelanie and


step-daughters, Kerry, Sarah, Lauren, Claire,Marie and grandson Harrison.


Bob Relf


BOB Relf (73) lived atWoodlands, near Vinters Park since 1993. Educated at OldboroughManor and


Maidstone Technical School, heworked as a surveyorwithMaidstone Borough


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Council before se�ing up S&N Designs (a home renovation firm) in the 80s. Son Sco� said:


“My fatherwas known for his passion formotor racing and for his long involvement


with local cricket, particularly playing for and captainingMaidstone Etceteras. Hewas also amember of the Pink Elephant Golf Club. Peoplewill remember a gregarious and generous manwhowas a loyal friend.” Bob leaveswife Jean, children Sco�


and Natalie, step-daughters Claire and Madeleine, grandchildren Thomas and Florence and step-grandchildrenMillie and Rose.


CarolWood


CAROL Wood (75) lived locally for over 50 years,with the last nine years in Barm- ing. Born CarolAllen in Pembury, she


moved locallywith her husband,Alan. He died in hismid-forties leaving Carol with childrenMark and Claire.Mark said: “Ourmotherwent back towork taking jobs in shops including Thornton’s and the Card Hall in the Chequers Centre. “Shewas a dedicatedmother and


grandmother, but sufferedwith type 1 diabetes. Shewill be greatlymissed.” Carol leaves her children and grandchildren Lucy and Ewan.


Gavin Stanford GAVIN Rawdon Stanford (83) lived locally for 50 years, the last 20 ofwhich were spent living in Bearsted Park. Born in Essex, he boarded at Bethany School near Goudhurst before a career as an electrical engineer. Thiswork eventually brought himto the local area when hewas employed as an engineer surveyor by part of the Royal Insurance Company,


British Engine Insurance. Gavinwasmarried toMarjorie for 53


years and father to Jon and Jane. Jon said: “My fatherwould go out of hisway to help others. He had strong practical skills and hadworked inwood-turning and other crafts. He suffered fromarthritis, which brought about his early retirement, but he didmanage to continuewith hiswatercolour art.” Gavin leaves hiswife, children and


grandchildren James, Katie, Emily, William,Mencia and Gavin.


There is no charge for our obituary service. CallNeilNixon on 01622 630422 or email neilnixon22@gmail.com Malling April 2019


Obituaries


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