Ninfield mourns parish chairman

The village of Ninfield is mourning the loss of council chairman Roger Kent, who passed away on Monday, May 24, at the Conquest Hospital aged 75.

Roger, of Bexhill Road, lived in Ninfield for 31 years. He spent his working life travelling the world. He was a civil engineer and a sales executive, and was hailed as a brilliant design engineer bringing to the fore powered suspended scaffolding equipment called Sky Climbers for the Western Gear Corporation, USA.

He later joined the competitors, Power Climber, in Antwerp.

He partially retired in 2000 but remained a consultant to the company for a further two years.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He threw himself into village life, joining the Ninfield Parish Council in 2001 and becoming chairman a year later.

Roger transformed the council - along with new members elected at that time - and with tireless dedication, strove to improve and enhance thevillage he loved.

Hesupported many local societies including the Carnival Association, the Bonfire Society and the Working Men's Club. When asked to help, he became chairman of the Ninfield Memorial Hall Management Committee. In latter months, Roger made fundraising for the Hall refurbishment one of his priorities.

Roger was devoted to his wife Carole, with whom he would walk every morning (along with Sally, their rescue dog) round the village, chatting to people and litter-picking.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He had many friends throughout the village and around the world.

All will now be sending love, thoughts and strength to Carole, daughter Amanda, son-in-law Patrick and grandson Anthony at this difficult time.

Roger loved life, work and his family. He was a larger than life character with a big heart, a good taste in wine and a wicked sense of humour - he will be much missed.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, June11 at St. Mary's Church, Ninfield at 2 p.m. followed by cremation at Eastbourne Crematorium at 3.15 pm.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Carole and family would like to invite all friends and village residents to the reception at the Ninfield Memorial Hall where they will join them from 4pm.

The family requests that any donations are made payable to "Baird Ward" for the refurbishment of the day room at the Conquest Hospital.

Flowers and donations should be sent to Mummery at 29-31 Devonshire Road, Bexhill-on-Sea, TN40 1AH.

Related topics: