Keen sportsman who supported many charities

Tributes for popular former motor dealer ‘A kind and thoughtful man who never had a cross word to say about anyone’

He had a career in the motor trade in Canterbury spanning more than 30 years, but Ron Woodcock will also be remembered as a keen sportsman who was devoted to his family and helping good causes.

He died in the Pilgrims Hospice last Tuesday aged 82 following a short illness and many friends are expected to gather for his funeral next month.

Born in Canterbury and educated at St Dunstan’s School, Ron’s first job was with Haden Heating Engineers.

But the rest of his working life was spent in the car business, firstly with Barretts, then at Autotec, where he set up the Mitsubishi franchise and later the Mazda franchise for John Parker. He was working for Eurocanterbury when he retired in his early 60s and for the last 10 years had lived with his wife, Margaret, in Love Lane,faversham.

He also leaves a daughter, Jane, and grandchildren, James and Alice.

In his younger days, Ron played football and cricket for Canterbury Beverley and had trials for Kent Colts.

As a young boy, he would caddy at Canterbury Golf Club and developed a love of the game, later winning many cups and trophies over the years.

At his peak, he played off a handicap of five and enjoyed more than one hole in one. Failing eyesight forced him to give up the game in recent years.

Golfing buddy and close friend David Venton said: “We enjoyed many rounds of golf with a group of friends and Ron was an accomplished player, but also a very kind and thoughtful man who never had a cross word to say about anyone.”

Through his love of sports and local connections, he became involved in charity work, in particular for the Canterbury Round Table and Canterbury Lions, which awarded him a plaque for his continued contributions and support.

His funeral is at Barham crematorium at 2pm on Thursday, September 8.

Family flowers only are requested but donations can be made to the Pilgrims Hospices.

Ron Woodcock has died after a short illness