Barry Hewett (19 Aug 1943 - 10 Aug 2025)

In loving memory of Barry Hewett who sadly passed away on 10th August 2025

Barry Hewett was born on 19th August 1943 in Dartford, the first-born son of Peggy and Percy Hewett, and later a proud big brother to his sister, Gloria.

He grew up at 51 Priory Close, where his love of sport began, especially football. From an early age, Barry had a strong work ethic — at just 11 years old, he took on a paper round, sparking a lifelong drive to succeed and keep a few pennies in his pocket.

Leaving school at the age of 14, Barry began an apprenticeship at J&E Halls as a control panel builder, a role he took to with skill and determination. Around this time, aged 16, he met the love of his life, Anne, at the Court School of Dancing. Many happy evenings were spent there as their relationship blossomed. Over the next four years, they worked hard to save for their first home, managing to put down an impressive £1,000 towards it — a remarkable sum at the time.

Barry and Anne married on the 10th of September 1966. This was a special year as some of you will know !!

In 1966, Barry and Anne married and moved into their first home at 25 Courtfield Avenue in Lordswood, a three-bedroom semi-detached house they had bought the year before for the princely sum of £3,680.

In his early twenties, Barry sought new opportunities and joined Airconaire as an air-conditioning engineer. During this time, he and Ann welcomed two sons — Mark in 1969 and Michael in 1972. His work often took him far from home, to Belgium, Russia, France, the Isle of Rona, and even the oil rigs, installing air-conditioning systems.

In 1977, Barry made the bold decision to start his own company, Opus Air Conditioning — a business that still thrives today. The early days were tough, with little work coming in, until a fortunate call from an old contact led to a job at Lloyds Bank in Dartford. Barry’s workmanship shone, and soon, more opportunities followed. That same year, the family moved to Hempstead, before settling in Southfleet in 1981, where they remained for the next 25 years.

Barry’s business flourished thanks to his skill, his knack for building relationships, and his ability to sell. His success allowed him to share life’s rewards with his family — from early trips to America to many other adventures.

As the years passed and the children grew, Barry and Ann travelled widely. In 2005, Barry bought a house in Spain, followed by a boat, and they also enjoyed touring the UK in their caravan. Spain became a second home for Barry, earning him the affectionate nickname “Judith” at his golf club, after Judith Chalmers, due to his habit of disappearing abroad for the winter months — a title he wore with pride.

In 2006, Barry and Ann moved to West Malling, a home Ann fell in love with — even if it was more than Barry had budgeted for. By now, holidays had become central to their lives, with cruises taking them to the Caribbean, America, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa.

Barry was passionate about sport, especially anything involving a ball. Football and squash in his younger years eventually gave way to his greatest sporting love: golf. After some time at West Malling Golf Club, Barry found his true golfing home at Kings Hill Golf Club, where he formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. He loved the social side of the club, the competitions, and especially “the swindle” — something he shared with his son Mark. He was an active member of the Kings Hill WhatsApp group and spoke often (perhaps too often for Ann’s liking) about his golfing adventures.

Some of you here today may have played those last nine holes with Barry. For him, Kings Hill was more than just a golf club — it was a community, a passion, and a second family.

Barry was a devoted husband, a proud father, a loyal friend, and a man who embraced life with warmth, humour, and determination. His love for his family, his generosity of spirit, and his zest for life will be remembered by all who knew him.

A great man, who will be deeply missed.