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Architect who designed waterside homes has died

The architect who designed the Fairview riverside homes in Maidstone's St Peter's Street has died.

Malcolm Baker was born in Doncaster on St Valentine's Day in 1943. He grew up in a council house and although he knew from the age of 11 that he wanted to be an architect, his family circumstances were such that he had no possibility of going to university full time.

Instead he studied as an external student at Sheffield University on a seven-year course, eventually qualifying in 1977.

Malcolm Baker: he had wanted to be an architect from age 11
Malcolm Baker: he had wanted to be an architect from age 11

By then he had already married and was living in a house he had built himself in Yorkshire, with a two-year-old son and a daughter on the way.

Working initially for both private architect practices and local authorities, in 1980 Mr Baker moved his whole family to Doha in Qatar for three years where he helped refashion the skyline of that city.

Back in Yorkshire, Mr Baker found it difficult to get suitable work, so moved south to East Sussex, joining a self-build firm. Then a post with McCarthy and Son building retirement homes was followed by several years with Wates in London.

Finally he joined Fairview Homes working first on their prestigious Enfield Island Village project on the site of the former Royal Small Arms Factory, before designing the new homes in St Peters Street.

Mr Baker lived for the last 31 years in Maidstone, initially in Aylesford and for the past two years in Bearsted. He served for a time as a Downswood Parish Councillor, but his main hobbies were walking and painting.

He first felt ill only in August last year. A diagnosis of a brain tumour followed, and in February he decided to accept no further treatment so as better to enjoy his remaining time with his family.

He passed away on Tuesday, May 8, leaving his wife Barbara, son Michael, now in Switzerland, and daughter Elizabeth, now in Hove, and four grandchildren.

Barbara Baker said: "He was a quiet man and very much an artist. His drawings were beautiful and he loved to paint.

"He was a family man and doted on his grandchildren.

"He was extremely brave throughout his illness and and couldn't speak highly enough of the consideration and treatment he received from the NHS and his home-care team.

"He had a lot of friends and we will all miss him."

A private service will be held at Vinters Park Crematorium on Friday, May 25.

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