Farewell to respected council man
More than 100 people attended the funeral service for Mick Stevens this week.
Mr Stevens was a former leader of Maidstone’s Liberal Democrats and was leader of the borough council for five years from 2001.
He was the first leader when the council switched to the cabinet-led system of governance, and as the Lib Dems were in a minority at the time, he presided over a coalition cabinet.
Mr Stevens was first elected to represent the Heath ward in May 1990, and served on many committees.
He was well known for his relaxed and informal manner and left strict instructions that there should be no wearing of black at his funeral on Tuesday at Vinters Park Crematorium.
Instead mourners entered the chapel to the music of Dire Straits, were treated to some Van Morrison halfway through, and left the service to the tune of Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life.
Cllr Fran Wilson, current Lib Dem leader and leader of Maidstone Borough Council, said: “The service fitted Mick to a T. He was a lovely man and it’s tragic that he’s been taken from us too soon.”
Mr Stevens was 63 when he died at the Heart of Kent Hospice on August 20, a short time after being diagnosed with cancer.
Politicians from all parties and current and former council officers, including the former chief executive, David Petford, were among the mourners.
Cllr Dave Naghi said: “Mick was a very respected leader and was very popular with his voters in Heath ward.”
Mr Stevens had been a greetings card salesman until he decided to do a history and politics degree at the South Bank.
His wife, Shona, said his character made him the ideal politician.
She said: “He was very fair, very non-judgemental and willing to see both sides of any argument.”
His hobbies included gardening at his allotment, walking, and taking holidays abroad.
Mr Stevens leaves Shona, four children and six grandchildren.