A caring Ramsgate mum and nan who was involved in everything from charity fashion shows to Broadstairs carnival and serving in district and town councils has died aged 81.
Kay Dark, who was a serving Ramsgate Town Councillor and deputy mayor at the time of her passing, was a passionate supporter of the community and was known for giving up her time to help others and make them feel welcomed.
Kay Ann Dark was born in 1942 at her family home in Mortlake Surrey.
The family moved to Pimlico London and Kay went to a convent school at three-and-a-half years old, going on to attend grammar school and then secretarial college where she gained a qualification in Public Relations. Kay and her mother owned a dressmaking business in Sloane Square.
In 1980 Kay moved to Ramsgate with her five children and became involved in community events and local politics.
She started a local Twin Club as she had identical twin girls herself along with her three sons.
In the early 90s, Kay organised numerous fashion shows at Courtstairs in Ramsgate in aid of Cancer Research UK , a charity close to her heart, as her mother had died from the disease. The models were all residents and the clothes on parade were loaned by local clothing, bridal and sports shops.
In the mid-90s Kay became the secretary for Broadstairs Carnival Association and was the main fundraiser. She often went shop to shop along the high streets in Thanet asking for raffle prizes and selling advertising spaces in the carnival programmes.
The carnival association took the court and float to The Lord Majors Show and The New Year’s Day Parade in London. Representing Thanet, they won prizes for Best Float and Court at virtually every carnival in Kent.
In 2003 Kay became involved in local politics and was a Thanet District Councillor for Northwood ward and Town Councillor until 2015 and was involved in local politics until her death.
Kay held tenures of Vice Chair of the Council in 2011- 2013; Chairman of the Council 2013-2015; Mayor of Ramsgate for stints from 2008 and, at the time of her death on 11th February, Kay was the Deputy Major of Ramsgate and a Ramsgate Town Councillor after winning her seat at last year’s election.
A statement from Kay’s children says: “Kay was known as being very caring and friendly and we have received many happy anecdotes from her friends and peers across all parties of the council. ‘Kay always had time for others and warmly welcomed new members and made them feel at ease.’
“Kay loved her family and was exceptionally proud of her five children, six grandchildren and her extended family.
“She also loved big events and was proud to have attended two garden parties at Buckingham Palace as well as routinely visiting the Chelsea Flower Show.
“She will be extremely missed by all who knew her.”
Kay’s funeral will be on March 7th at 1pm at Thanet Crematorium.
Flowers or donations in memory of Kay to Cancer Research UK via Gore Brothers Limited Ramsgate
Tributes will be paid at Thanet council tomorrow (February 22) following a minute’s silence.
Council leader Rick Everitt said: “Kay was proud to represent residents in Northwood and the Labour group at TDC was saddened to hear that she had passed away.
“I will personally remember her with affection and respect, we had remained in touch since she lost her seat in 2015, and it was a mark of her tenacity that she returned to local politics last year at the age of 80.”
Kay leaves behind her children Blake, Adam, Matthew, Rebecca and Beth, her grandchildren, extended family and many friends.
