A much-respected former councillor and mayor has died.

Paul Oldham passed away on Sunday aged 79 after a battle with cancer.

He was first elected to represent Barming Ward, later known as Barming and Teston, for the Conservatives in 1984, where he continued to serve for 24 years until 2008. He was also Maidstone Mayor from 1993 to 1994.

Born on July 25, 1944, Mr Oldham was the only son of William and Edith Oldham.

He had a sister but she died in childhood, after which his parents doted on him.

Their affection was returned and after their death, in 1995 he established the William and Edith Oldham Charitable Trust to do work in their memory.

The trust has six objectives: to promote education in Maidstone, to provide bursaries at Wadham College, Oxford (Mr Oldham’s alma mater), to support the less fortunate in the parishes of Barming and Teston, to promote the study of archeology and history, to support Maidstone Museum, and to help preserve Kent's historic buildings, in particular St Margaret’s Church in Barming.

One of the Trust’s most recent donations was the gift of £100,000 for a new archeological wing at Maidstone Museum and Art Gallery.

As a youth, Mr Oldham won a scholarship to Wadham College, Oxford, where he graduated with a history degree. He kept a deep love of the subject all his life.

He pursued a career in finance which took him all over the world.

Back in Maidstone, he became an expert on the town’s history and would give lectures on the subject whenever invited.

Indeed, he was said to have regaled his family members with the story of Barming Bridge from the 1700s onwards only as late as the day before his death.

What Paul did not know about local history was not worth knowing...

He was, to an extent, a man born out of time. He had a dislike for anything technical or digital. and refused to have either a TV or microwave at his home in Hermitage Lane, Barming, until the final two months of his life.

His father had tried to persuade him early on to learn to drive, but unfortunately, his very first attempt led to a spectacular crash in which he wrote off the family car, after which he decided driving was not for him.

He walked everywhere, until the last year of his life, when he could occasionally be seen taking a bus.

He was known as a very private person and his express wish was that he should have a direct cremation funeral with no service, a wish that his family is honouring.

Maidstone Borough Council however will mark his passing with a minute’s silence at their next full council meeting on February 21.

Cllr Dave Naghi (Lib Dem), who was on the council at the same time as Mr Oldham, said: “Paul was one of the most competent councillors I have ever come across.

“His ability to ask probing questions at scrutiny committees was a joy to behold. His knowledge of the history of Maidstone, of course, was encyclopedic. It’s very sad that the town will no longer have that great wealth of insight to call upon.”

His remarks were echoed by Barming resident Lloyd Porter who said: “What Paul did not know about local history was not worth knowing. Any time that he gave a talk to a local community group, the hall would always be packed.”

Leader of the council, Cllr David Burton (Con), said: “Paul was a legend in his own time. Although I never had the privilege to serve alongside him on the council on the occasions that we met he was an inspirational individual who willingly shared his incredibly detailed knowledge of Maidstone.

“He liked to do things properly and was famous for avoiding entry into the digital world, preferring to take the time to rewrite a letter that he would hand deliver or send by post.

“A true gentleman who will be missed by many. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

A minute’s silence will be held at the next Maidstone Borough Council Meeting in respect of Paul’s contribution to the borough in particular remembering the work he carried out during his time as Councillor for the Ward of Barming.

Mr Oldham, who wasn’t married, passed away on Sunday, January 7, after a battle with cancer. He was 79.

His cousin Judy Moore added: “Paul was kind and caring. We will miss him.”