Former Broadstairs College IT tutor and Margate resident Justin Shorten passed away on 6th April, aged just 52.
Justin was born in Cleethorpes and liked to joke that he had been slowly making his way down the East coast, via his adoption to his parents in North Norfolk and then his working life in London, before finally settling in Margate in 2018, where he felt he had finally found his home with his partner, Nikki.
Justin loved everything that Margate and Thanet had to offer. Fascinated by history, he took a keen interest in the many historical places to visit nearby. A lover of art, he could frequently be seen in the many galleries talking to the artists and/or owners. Obsessed with music, he was always going to gigs locally, especially of his beloved Libertines.
Deeply engaged with the community, he joined in with a number of local events, including many organised by his local resident group, ARTRA (Athelstan Road Tenants and Residents Association).
An extremely talented communicator, Justin spent much of his career as an IT Trainer. His work varied from teaching adult literacy skills, delivering clinical systems training to the NHS and providing specialised training sessions to government organisations and corporate companies in places as varied as Copenhagen, Malta and Gibraltar.
His skills and reputation were highly sought after, but his proudest personal work achievements came after joining the East Kent College Group in 2018. Originally working in adult training, Justin then took a position as an IT Tutor teaching young people at Broadstairs College. He felt that he had finally found his vocation and it seems that his students felt the same way, voting him ‘Tutor of the Year’ – an accolade he was immensely proud of.
Unfortunately, ill health restricted his capacity to work and he was forced to leave his position officially in 2023. However, he spoke often of hoping to return to the college in some capacity when he was better.
His death has come as a huge shock to all who knew him and the outpouring of grief has been wide amongst family, friends, and loved ones across the UK.
His funeral will be held at Thanet Crematorium on 7th May at 3.15pm followed by a memorial event at The Albion Rooms afterwards. For further information, please see https://bit.ly/Justin-Shorten.
Written by Nikki Humber
