downsmail.co.uk Colin Boswell
THE president of Kent FA, Colin Boswell, has died after a short battle with cancer. Colin was described by an FA
spokesman as a gentleman who had time for everyone. He was passionate about Kent Football, and in particular the Kent Youth League, which he set up in 1981. Colin played a significant role in supporting football clubs and leagues
across the county, and his achievements were recognised when he was awarded the Kent FA Long Service award and the FA 50 Year Long Service award. He enjoyed travelling around Kent
watching as much football as he could. Colin leaves his wife Sheila and their family.
Jean Brown
JEAN Brown (94) lived in the Shepway and Senacre areas from 1948 until her death.
Born Jean Medhurst, she grew up in Trottiscliffe, and worked in domestic service until taking up munitions work with Tilling Stevens in the war. She lost her fiancé, George Cook, in the D-Day operation, but later met and married Bernard “Bernie” Brown. The couple were married for 67 years, and Jean was mother to Malcolm, Andrew and Denise. Jean worked as a barmaid in the Bull pub on Gabriel’s Hill, as a receptionist at Mote Park Leisure Centre and as a cleaner in Otham for the family who owned the Clarke’s furniture store. Malcolm said: “My mother was very sociable, the kind of neighbour who enjoyed a chat over the fence and would pick up shopping for her friends. She had travelled widely, making five trips to see me in Canada, taking cruises to the Mediterranean and the Baltic and travelling by car all over Europe.” Jean, who was widowed in 2012, leaves her children, grandchildren Darren, Claire
and Francesca, and great-grandchildren Sophia and Danny.
Heather Downer
HEATHER Downer (71), from Bearsted, died peacefully at Heart of Kent Hospice after living with cancer for two years. Born Heather Lockhart in Aberdeen, she grew up in London, and worked as a bi- lingual secretary at Decca Navigator Company, where she met husband James. The couple married in 1975 and moved to Bearsted. Heather left her job at Bonduelle after the birth of her son, Edward, in 1985.
Heather made many friends through the local National Childbirth Trust and her book club. She was a keen tap dancer and enjoyed quilting, knitting, and sewing. She never forgot her Scottish roots and returned to Aberdeen every year. She had a fascination for genealogy and had recently discovered a lost branch of her extended family living in Stevenage. After her retirement from the Kent Book Company, Heather became a pillar of the U3A, leading Bearsted’s family history group and the Maidstone crafting group, and was part of the Downswood Active Retirement Association. She enjoyed gardening, cooking and looking after a long succession of guinea pigs. She leaves her husband and son.
Dorothy Extance
DOROTHY Extance, who was an active member of the Bearsted community for almost 50 years, has died aged 83. Dorothy was a founding member of Bearsted Choral Society, sang with Maidstone Choral Union for over 30 years, and helped form the Friends of St Mary’s, Thurnham. She was also
involved in the Bearsted residents’
walking group, Bearsted History Society, The University of the Third Age (U3A) and
Bearsted Bowls Club. Dorothy moved to Bearsted with her husband Tony and sons Paul and Mark in 1970. She taught at several local schools, including Madginford Junior School. After the birth of her daughter Rachel, she ran a playgroup in Ulcombe and later worked with children with dyslexia. Dorothy loved to travel and was a member of the Camping and Caravanning Club with Tony for more than 50 years. Their adventures included taking their caravan to the Arctic Circle. Dorothy had Alzheimer’s disease for
several years before her death, but she sang with the Maidstone Singing For The Mind group and played the piano. She leaves her husband, three children and three grandchildren. A memorial service will be held for her at a later date, when her friends will be welcome to celebrate her life with her family.
John Barker
JOHN William Barker (77), of Vinters Park lived locally for 52 years.
Born in Canning Town, London, John moved to Maidstone in 1968 when he married Helen. The couple raised
children Susan and Ian.
Before he retired in 2008, John worked in IT management, including 15 years at Reeds Paper Mill. Daughter-in-law
Shelagh Barker said: “John and Helen celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 2018. They enjoyed a long and happy marriage and loved cruise holidays around the Mediterranean and on the Rhine. “People will remember John as a quiet,
yet genuinely warm, friendly man who cared deeply about family life. He was also an avid reader and Essex County Cricket Club supporter.
John and Helen enjoyed regular trips together to London and further afield, visiting the theatre, concerts and sporting events. John was also a passionate follower of West Ham United.” John leaves his wife and children, three grandchildren and one great grandson.
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