Tributes to Whitstable farrier Kevin Howes killed in horror crash
A FARRIER who worked with top racehorses, including the 2006 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, has died in a road accident.
Kevin Howes of Whitstable, whose widow Kelly is expecting the couple's second child, was 31.
He died at the scene of the crash on Friday night after his Volkswagen Transporter van overturned on a bend and was in collision with two cars. The incident happened near the Wagon and Horses pub in Faversham Road, Charing.
Mr Howes also had an 11-month-old daughter.
He had run Ridgeway Forge Farriers in Ridgeway Road, Herne, since qualifying as a farrier in 2004.
He was duty farrier at the Kent County Show for the past six years, and was featured in a county council promotional video about his trade.
He had treated top racehorses which had damaged their tendons, including Cheltenham Gold Cup winner War of Attrition.
Lisa Russell, of Pink House Farm, Seasalter, "Kevin had been our farrier for two years. He always had something funny to say. I think he was a keen grass-track rider when he was younger.
"We are devastated by his death. I feel so sorry for his family."
Helena Jakeman said Mr Howes had helped her farrier husband Simon when he had a back injury. She said: "Kevin was always chatty. Nothing was too much trouble. He was a lovely man and extremely popular."
Kent County Show horse co-ordinator Pat Rowe said: "This is shocking news. Kevin had been our duty farrier and was always reliable and a very well-thought-of man. He was always so willing to help."
The Times was unable to speak to Mr Howes' widow this week.
The coroner has ordered a post mortem examination and opened and adjourned an inquest.
Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident. The road was closed for eight hours. The other vehicles were a black Jaguar XF-R and a black Citroen Picasso, but no one else was injured.
Pub landlord Ray Homewood said staff and customers rushed to help before emergency services arrived.
Mr Howes' funeral details had not been announced as we went to press.
If you saw the crash, call police on 01622 798538.
3 Comments
by charlotte_l_s
Thursday, October 27 2011, 6:47PM
“I've known kevin for about 8 years he was the nicest man you could ever meet and was always talking about amelia. You could tell he was a doting husband and was born to be a father. I will miss our chats and his sense of humour. He will be sorely missed and my love goes to all his family xx charlotte”
by Tendonology
Thursday, October 27 2011, 12:43PM
“Kevin was a first class farrier who I trusted totally with the racehorses in my care for tendon treatment. Many top class racehorses are racing today thanks to kevin's expertise. He was a pleasure to work with and what set him apart was his creativity, imagination and desire to solve a problem. There are so many cases we dealt with where I can say that Kevin's knowledge was as much a part of the treatment process as my input. I believe he really relished the challenge of the injured racehorses and derived pleasure when he saw them racing again at the highest level.
He was a fun, lively and I think sensitive man cared deeply about his work. I know he was immensely proud of his young family. I was fond of Kevin; professionally and personally I will miss him.
Dr David Chapman-Jones”
by Tendonology
Thursday, October 27 2011, 12:37PM
“Kevin was a first class farrier who I trusted totally with the racehorses in my care for tendon treatment. Many top class racehorses are racing today thanks to kevin's expertise. He was a pleasure to work with and what set him apart was his creativity, imagination and desire to solve a problem. There are so many cases we dealt with where I can say that Kevin's knowledge was as much a part of the treatment process as my input. I believe he really relished the challenge of the injured racehorses and derived pleasure when he saw them racing again at the highest level.
He was a fun, lively and I think sensitive man cared deeply about his work. I know he was immensely proud of his young family. I was fond of Kevin; professionally and personally I will miss him.
Dr David Chapman-Jones”