A driving instructor who was a “natural” mentor and passionate about his town has sadly died aged just 59.

Former Faversham deputy mayor Eddie Thomas was a well-respected community champion who drove the town’s road safety campaign.

He passed away on May 26 aged 59 following a long period of illness which had led him to step down from the town council in 2023.

Mr Thomas, a Liberal Democrat who chaired the council’s active travel committee, was first elected in May 2019 and his work, as a driving instructor, focused his attention on road safety.

He was instrumental in steering Faversham’s ‘20’s Plenty’ speed campaign and encouraging walking and cycling.

Cllr Josh Rowlands, current town mayor, said he was greatly saddened to learn of his death.

“As a past deputy mayor of the town, his commitment as a councillor was unrivalled,” he said.

“He was a great servant to Faversham and will be greatly missed by his friends and family.”

Mr Thomas also supported the Faversham Assistance Centre Charity and was a trustee of the Bensted Charity.

He lived with his long-term partner, David Carr, a retired primary school teacher, in Lower Road in the town.

“Eddie suffered with the condition Lupus and also had heart problems and had not been well for some years,” he said.

Mr Thomas was born in Herne Bay but moved to Faversham in his 20s, working for the Safeway supermarket chain where he trained as a manager.

“He just found it easier to get out onto the motorway to visit the various stores,” said David.

“His career developed and he became an area manager but when the company was taken over by Morrisons, it changed for Eddie and he chose to take redundancy.

“That’s when he decided to become a driving instructor because he was a natural at training and mentoring.

“But Eddie was also very community-minded and passionate about Faversham.

“He had long been interested in local politics so it was only natural that he would join the town council on which he was very proud to serve.

“Unfortunately, his poor health meant he reluctantly had to give it up.”

David said the family had been inundated with messages of sympathy for which they were very grateful.

“It’s comforting to know Eddie was so well respected and liked in the town for his efforts to make Faversham a better place,” he said.

Mr Thomas’s funeral will be at Faversham Crematorium at 2pm on Monday, June 16, and all are welcome to pay their respects.