George Arthur Smith (5 Jan 1927 - 11 Jan 2015)

In loving memory of the late George Arthur Smith who sadly passed away on 11th January 2015
Much loved Dad and Grandad
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Our Dad, died peacefully in his sleep at home on the evening of the 11th January 2015. He had reached the age of 88 and for most his life had been active and fit.

The second of three children, George was in a strong family group, an older brother Thomas and a younger sister Alice. The war, as with so many children interrupted his education, being evacuated to Devon along with Alice. Dad enjoyed the time in the countryside, being placed on a farm, enjoying the outdoors lifestyle and freedom.

Post war, Dad undertook National Service. When questioned on what this involved, the standard answer was “I made the chips”. Actually Dad was in the engineers and spent a lot of the time driving diffused bombs around. Dad was too young for a call up and was involved in the clear up campaign.

Post war Dad got employment in engineering as a job and remained in the same profession as a lift engineer his entire working life. He built and installed lifts on “jobs “all over the country. Dad was used to travelling and was often out before 7 am and back late in the evening. He actually worked for the same company his whole working life and was considered the senior engineer for many years. Despite being offered managerial posts, he was not to be lured to a desk preferring to work manually, solving issues on a job and working on some new and exciting new projects such as glass lifts.

Dad married Mum (Elizabeth, “Betty”) on the 19th February 1955. We have posted a wedding photo on this site.
In September 1960, Lynne was born and followed by Carole in 1966. Growing up with Dad was fun. Despite working long hours, there was always time at weekends to go to the park and play games. Dad was keen on sports and a strong supporter of Football. Both daughters have a keen interest in football and other sports due an enthusiastic Dad, who in the absence of sons encouraged his daughters to join him at Millwall, Fulham, and even Cricket at the Oval. Dad was also passionate about horseracing, and was a keen watcher of the races on a Saturday. Grand National Day was a day when everyone had a bet and even a family sweepstake. We don’t think Dad won or lost much, as always Dad did not want a fuss, but just to enjoy a simple pleasure.

Dad encouraged all sports and often spent the whole of Saturday morning playing Tennis in the local park against one of his daughters. Usually winning, and always making it look so easy.

The daughter’s weddings and grandchildren were all greeted as great events and a time for a party. From the start, the Smith family loved a party and it was a standard joke that all pictures of Dad at any party were with a drink in his hand. Yet, we don’t think we ever saw dad drunk.

The Grandchildren were a time for Dad, who had retired to enjoy the silly games and days out in the summer. Two boys for Carole, Joe and Stephen, and two girls for Lynne, Emily and Victoria. Joe being the oldest. Many of the stories from the kids involve strict words from Grandmother, but a Granddad who usually ignored his wife and added to the mischief and chaos that was a day out. In many cases the mischief was started by Granddad. Chasing kids around a garden, playing football, helping the kids on the swing or slide, nothing was too much trouble, it was fun!

We are now saying goodbye to an intelligent, quiet man, who was always around and never ducked from his responsibility. He was a great Son, Brother, Dad, Granddad, and Uncle. Always around for a quiet chat, a helping hand, a drink and a few words of wisdom, not imposing or loud just “George”.

RIP and good bye to a fantastic Dad

Lynne & Carole