Kenneth Overton

KENNETH Overton, who has died suddenly at the age of 73, was a past chairman of the highly successful Ryedale Festival for several years, and well known in the district.

By The Newsroom

Published 24th Mar 2012, 06:00 BST

A Londoner, he became a chartered accountant, and was in practice in the South of England before moving to Yorkshire.

He had a keen interest in music, following in the footsteps of his father who was principal trumpeter in the BBC, and Kenneth, also an accomplished trumpeter, played with the National Youth Orchestra, and also with the Salvation Army.

He developed a keen interest in the arts, and was a former member of the York Music Society.

In retirement, he and his wife, Myra, ran the University of the Third Age in Ryedale, for which he organised many trips for members throughout Britain and abroad.

He lived at Slingsby for several years before moving to Wintringham.

Mr Overton, who had been married to Myra for 54 years, leaves two sons, Dean and Ashley, and four grandchildren.