2023 has been a tough year for many, and the Chronicle has paid tribute to some of the locals we sadly lost this year.

Here’s a list of some of the people we said goodbye to in 2023.

Mrs Joye Blackman

Earlier this year, Mr David Blackman wished to give recognition to his late wife Mrs Joye Blackman who he fell in love with immediately in the 1950s.

Mr Blackman met his future wife back in the 50s when he was waiting for a train to Peterborough. “By the time we got to Peterborough, I was well and truly in love with her,” Mr Blackman said.

Mrs Blackman was for many years Head of the Geography Department at Southlands School, and later at the Hemdean House School in Caversham.

Mr Blackman acknowledges his wife as someone who will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her. She was over 89 years old when she passed away.

Mr David ‘Geordie’ Marshall

Geordie, who received exceptional care from the Sue Ryder hospice, sadly passed away in February 2023 after battling cancer for three years.

15 Newbury locals raised £7000 when they completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge in memory of him.

Earning his nickname through being a Geordie down south, Geordie has been described by the people who knew him as kind, caring, funny, and the life and soul of the party.

Jason Marshall, Geordie’s son, was very close to his father, and he also has five grandchildren.

Mr Kian Pereira

Kian Pereira, 18, was a regular visitor at The Royal Albion alongside his family where he was a member of the youth pool team and then the Albion C Pool team.

Described as the team’s “funny younger brother”, Kian was a passionate player who worked in the Salisbury Club and the Fox and Hound in Tilehurst.

Landlady, Samantha Lane said: “Everyone here is devastated. I met Kian when I started at the Royal Albion and over the last year, he has become like a younger brother to my team.

Reading Councillor and Deputy Mayoress Colette Dennis

Colette, 60, passed away at the John Radcliffe Hospital on Friday, June 9, after she was "suddenly and unexpectedly" taken ill.

Reading Council shared their thoughts with her husband, deputy Mayor Councillor Glenn Dennis, her family, and her close friends.

Colette was first elected as a Norcot ward councillor in May 2022 and was recently re-elected by Norcot residents in May’s local elections.

Newbury District Council Leader Paul Hannon

“He was my soul mate,” said his wife Siobhan. “We both loved talking about politics and horses. We always used to have a glass a fizz when we went to the races.

“I shall raise a glass to him the next time I go, with fond memories. We had our first date at Newbury racecourse.”

She went on to say how they got married in Las Vegas the same year they met in 2009 and had the wedding party at Newbury racecourse.