THREE prominent businessmen in Rochester have died within 10 days of each other. Funeral services for two of them, jeweller Denis Green and property owner Mike Slack, are taking place at St Margaret's Church tomorrow.

And hundreds of people turned up at Medway Crematorium last Friday for the funeral of printing company owner Tom Fogarty.

Mr Slack, 58, who died suddenly on Sunday of heart disease, had been a prominent figure in Rochester High Street since setting up a property business there in 1976. Apart from a brief stay in Australia, he had lived in Rochester since the age of two.

Marcus Lacey, who owns an internet café in the High Street, has known him for three years. He said: "Mike was intelligent, confident and very approachable. He personally gave me advice on all aspects of life and was always willing to give advice on business. He was a well-known figure within the High Street and will be sorely missed."

His wife Sally said: "He was always very ambitious. There was always another venture on the horizon. His daughter Tami said: "He was mad and loud. He was always the life and soul of the party."

As well as his involvement in the High Street Mr Slack also actively took part in Rochester Round Table. As well as Tami, 30, he leaves another daughter Becky, 29, from his first marriage to Angela and a son Daniel, two, with Sally. His funeral will take place at 1pm tomorrow.

Mr Green, of Denis Green Jewellers, died after a battle with cancer. His friend, Netty Iles, runs the Francis Iles Galleries in the High Street, said: "He epitomised the strength and character of Rochester as an individual and as a specialist in the High Street. He was a gentleman with a very keen sense of humour." His funeral will take place at 2.30pm tomorrow

Mr Fogarty was 51 when he died on May 9 of a brain tumour. He had been ill for three months. He had been joint owner of printing company TT Litho, in High Street, Rochester, with his wife, Sue, for 26 years.

Allen Trice is a director at the company who had known him for 35 years, said: "He was lively, witty and wonderful company. He was generous but above all he stimulated conversation, debate, fun, jokes and laughter. He was a real character in his social life and everyone in the High Street knew him."

Mr Fogarty was publicity officer for Chatham Town FC and the club is planning to rename their Maidstone Road grandstand after him when refurbishment work is finished.

Steve Hearn, former manger of the club, said he would be sadly missed. He was one of those people everybody likes. He told great tales and great jokes and made people laugh." Mr Fogarty leaves his widow Sue, and three daughters, Lucy, Ellen and Jenny.