A wife has paid tribute to her loving “gentle giant” of a husband, who passed away after suffering a heart attack.

Paul Everest died at his home in Admirals Walk, Halfway, on Sunday, December 22. He was 67.

He and his wife Sylvia, a former lollipop lady, married in Hastings in 1975, and moved to Sheppey around 30 years ago from St Mary’s Bay near Folkestone.

They had two children, Philip and Samantha, and two granddaughters.

Mr Everest was in charge of the payroll department for the Medway Health Authority until his retirement, and was well known for his voluntary work as a hospital car driver, helping people get to and from appointments.

He was also a bell-ringer, something he learned as a young boy and continued at Minster Abbey after moving to the Island, where he taught others the hobby.

Active in the community, Mr Everest was chairman of the 8th Sheppey Scout group, a member of Minster Abbey and a regular churchgoer.

He could also often been seen out and about walking his beloved rescue dog, Shadow.

Mrs Everest said she wanted her husband’s funeral to be a celebration of his life and for people to remember him for the lovely things he did.

“Paul had a kind word for anybody,” the 65-year-old said.

“At 6ft 2in, he was a gentle giant, and that’s how everybody on the Island saw him.

“He was a loving father and grandfather and had a very loving nature.”

She also said the support she had received following her husband’s death had been amazing, and that she would like to thank everyone for their kind words.

Mrs Everest also thanked PC Chris Kiddle and PC Steph Wyles, who came to the house when her husband fell ill, the 999 call operator, the paramedics, and the Rev Tim Hall and his wife Georgina.

Mr Everest’s funeral will be held at Minster Abbey on Monday, January 13, at 1pm,
followed by a service at the Garden of England Crematorium in Bobbing.

All friends and family are welcome, and are asked to wear bright colours instead
of black.

They are also invited back to Minster Working Men’s Club, next to the abbey, for a reception after the service.

Family flowers only. Donations to children’s cancer charity CLIC Sargent via Havill Funeral Services on 01795 666355.