Kevin Raymond Watkins (2 Oct 1969 - 9 Jul 2026)

In loving memory of Kevin Raymond Watkins 'Kev' who sadly passed away on Thursday 9th July 2026 at Fair Havens Hospice, aged 56 years.

Kev, our beloved husband and father was also a son and brother, cousin and uncle, son-in-law and brother-in-law as well as a colleague, boss and a friend to the many, many people that knew him.

He passed away at Fair Havens Hospice after receiving palliative care from his family, the Community Team and the Fair Havens Rapid Access Team at home.

Kevin attended Shoeburyness High School in the early 1980’s and later joined Southend Council’s Parks department, initially working in Shoebury Park. During his career with Southend Council, Kev spent many years working in the Parks department before also managing Southend’s Cemetery and Crematorium for the past seven years, working closely with fellow members of the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Managers to develop the service.

It was during his time at Shoebury Park that he became more interested in bowls, playing for Shoebury Park Bowls Club for many years before joining Essex County Bowling Club, and representing the county of Essex in over 100 games, including at the National Championships.

He was a real family man and retired from bowls in 2020 to spend more time with his family, devoting himself to Sarah his wife, and Charlotte and Sophie, his daughters - talking about them wherever he went.

It was Kevin’s wish to receive care from Fair Havens Hospice at the end of his life and he was so grateful for the support he received, enabling him to stay at home for as long as possible. Towards the end of his life, at the hospice he continued to receive outstanding care, whilst the staff also supported the family – who continue to receive support through the bereavement support team.

Kevin was adamant that flowers should be kept to a minimum at his funeral, because he would rather people donated money to support Havens Hospice. It costs at least £7,217 to provide one day of care to patients at each of their Hospices - Kev received three full days of care at Fair Havens. Please support them as best you can, in the knowledge that the money will support other patients with specialist care.