Shepherd Neame announces the passing of President and former Chairman

The company regrets to announce that Robert Harry Beale Neame, CBE DL DCL, President and former Chairman of Shepherd Neame, passed away earlier today Friday November 15th. He died peacefully at home in his sleep. He was aged 85.

Bobby joined Shepherd Neame in 1956, and was a Director from 1957 until 2006, when he became the company’s first President.

He had many outside interests and achievements including being Leader of Kent County Council from 1982 to 1984, and Chair of the British section of the International Union of Local Authorities, High Sheriff of Kent in 2001, President of Kent Cricket in 2003 and Master of the Worshipful Company of Brewers in 1999, as well as numerous company directorships.

He was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Kent in 1992, Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 1999 and awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Civil Law from the University of Kent in 2008.

He leaves his widow, Yvonne, his four children Charlotte, Jonathan, Sarah and Moray and his nine grandchildren.

There will be a private family funeral and a Memorial service in due course. Date to be advised.