Chelmsford | Published in: Essex Chronicle. Notable areas: Faversham, Canterbury, London
(1) Photos & Videos View all
Change notice background image
Douglas JohnBEGENTOn 6 March 2024 Douglas John Begent died at home from Lewy Body Dementia, surrounded by his family. He was 89 years old.
He is survived by his beloved wife of over 60 years, Pamela; their children - Rebecca, Andrew, Peter and Adrian, their partners Harriett, Sharon and Sue; and his grandchildren - James, Ben, Tash, Joshua, William, Amy, and George.
Douglas was a proud man of Kent, born in Canterbury in 1934, the third of four children of Alice and Ernest, a farm labourer. Academically gifted, he obtained a scholarship to Faversham Grammar School. Then after graduating from the Canterbury College of Art he followed a successful career as a graphic and advertising designer in London where he moved to in 1956.
He married Pamela, then a nurse at Hammersmith Hospital, in 1963. They moved to Chelmsford in 1964 and he then spent 35 years commuting to London - something he often mentioned in less than glowing terms. In his retirement he gained great pleasure from being with his grandchildren.
He was a keen gardener and allotment keeper, lover of jazz, and was a long-time supporter of Chelsea FC. Of a quiet disposition he enjoyed his pet labradors, reading The Guardian and The Observer, and watching the news and sport. In his younger days he was an excellent fast bowler for cricket teams in Kent and Surrey, and on three occasions he claimed nine wickets in an innings. Such was his proficiency, he once had a trial for the Kent county team.
Tall and with a penchant for stylish clothes, and a trademark beard he sported for more than 60 years, he cut a striking figure, looking many years younger than he was. He was known for his full head of hair, which was often worn in a ponytail, even in his eighties.
His death will leave a large hole in the lives of those around him, but he will be remembered fondly by all of us. The family is immensely grateful for the care he received from the staff of Farleigh Hospice and others who helped during his final illness, which he fought so strongly.
In accordance with his wishes there will be no family or public funeral service, but a private scattering of his ashes by the family,
