Tributes paid to Gary Neale - who died at Small World festival
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by Adam
Williams
awilliams@thekmgroup.co.uk
“A remarkable, gracious and charming man, who loved the simple
things in life.”
Some of the words used to describe Shottenden gardener Gary
Neale, who passed away on Thursday, August 26 whilst attending the
“Small World” gathering in Headcorn, near Maidstone.
Post mortem results confirmed he died tragically from carbon
monoxide poisoning, while asleep in his tent.
Family and friends have been remembering the 49-year-old, who
grew up in Meopham. The eldest of three children, Gary attended the
village primary school before St George’s CE Secondary school in
Gravesend.
He then followed his father into a career in the printing and
design industry in London, working for Waterlows, which was later
to become part of the British Printing Corporation.
Parents Joan and John now live in Seasalter, the location for
many a family holiday. John remembers a loving son full of
character, with a passion for the outdoors, something that remained
with him throughout his life.
He said: “As a teenager, Gary enjoyed nothing more than going
camping with his mates in the beautiful Kentish countryside and
they formed the 'Hedgehog Hunters Club’, the irony being that they
never caught any!
“They were a great bunch of characters, who remained close
friends with Gary up until his death.”
In 1999, Gary decided he needed a change, selling up and
deciding to travel around Australia for 18 months. On his return,
he settled in Shottenden, near Chilham and made his move into
becoming a professional gardener.
Using his flair and imagination, he created beautiful effects in
his customers’ gardens, but Gary firmly considered himself to be
just “a humble gardener”.
Father John added: “There is no doubt in my mind that the last 10
years of Gary’s life were amongst his happiest.”
Gary’s funeral will be held at Barham Crematorium on Monday,
September 20 at 12.40pm.
Wednesday, September 08 2010
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