A prominent former businessman has passed away after a long illness.

John Fowle died on Saturday, December 30, at the Hengist Field Care Home in Pond Farm Road, Sittingbourne. He was 80.

Born and bred in Sittingbourne, Mr Fowle took over the running of the Iwade Fish Bar from his parents Jack and Ethel Fowle.

Besides running the restaurant and fish bar, he also put his education at the Kent Farm Institute to good use, farming land off School Lane in Iwade, and opening a popular farm shop.

Originally an arable farmer, he later switched to beef cattle and his prize herd of distinctive Charolais became something of a local attraction.

In his youth, he was a talented shot-put sportsman and continued to be an avid sports fan throughout his life, following darts, snooker and football in particular.

He was also a keen philatelist and a member of the Swale Philatelic and Postcard Society.

His brother, Dennis Fowle, the former owner of the Downs Mail newspaper, said: “John was 10 years my junior, but nevertheless we were good friends.

“He was a friendly and very sociable character who I am sure will be well remembered by the many people who knew him.”

John Fowle suffered a mild stroke just before Covid which brought on dementia. More recently he suffered from a chest infection. He had been seriously unwell since January last year and endured several bouts in hospital.

He is survived by his widow Pam, children Tracy and Jamie, and two grandchildren, his brother Dennis and sister Cynthia.

The funeral will be held at Bobbing Crematorium, Bobbing, Sittingbourne, on Tuesday, January 23, at 1pm.