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David Walter Smith MBE (13 Jun 1932 - 15 Aug 2022)
Funeral Director
In loving memory of David Walter Smith who sadly passed away on 15th August 2022.
His funeral service will take place at Portchester Crematorium on Wednesday 7th September 2022 at 10.45 am.
Family flowers only by request, as donations to The Salvation Army would be preferred.
Donations can be made online using the JustGiving link on this page, or by cheque payable to The Salvation Army and sent c/o Lee Fletcher Funeral Services, 95 High Street, Cosham, Portsmouth PO6 3AZ
The service will be webcast for those unable to attend and can be watched using this link
https://watch.obitus.com
Username mugi3995
Password 342922
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David was born in June 1932, the 3rd child in a Salvationist Family residing in Plymouth, Devon and attending Plymouth Exeter Hall Corps of the Salvation Army.
David started his musical career at an early age, taking up a brass instrument and joining the Young peoples Band of the S.A. from age 7
David continued his playing career until , aged 85, when he decided to retire from active playing.
David was married at age 20, to June, and they remained together for over 70 years, celebrating their platinum wedding in July 2022, just weeks before his sad passing.
David left school aged 15, and completed a 5 year apprenticeship in Electrical Engineering at Plymouth Devonport dockyard, exiting that as a fully qualified Electrical Fitter
He followed this apprenticeship with his period of National service, serving with the RAF
At the end of National service David was employed by the civil service, first in Plymouth Devonport, followed by a spells in Birmingham, Liverpool before finally settling in Portsmouth in 1965, aged 33
He continued his employment with the Civil Service, through a variety of roles, and retired from work at the age of 60, in 1992. His final role within the Civil service was within the MOD as part of the Captain Weapons Trial team
The year before he retired, 1991, David was awarded the MBE and received his medal personally from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Bucking Palace, accompanied on that occasion by his wife June and his two sons. The London Gazette entry from 14.6.1991 read "David Walter Smith Higher Professional and Technology Officer Ministry of Defence"
Brass banding was a big part of David's life. He played with a variety of different Salvation Army bands for 33 years from age 7 until he moved to an 'outside' band in 1972, aged 40, predominantly so that he could 'go contesting', something that membership of a S.A. band (at that time) precluded.
David's first 'outside' band (after the S.A.) was Southsea Silver, later to become known as Southsea Band, a band he stayed with for, I think (correct me if you know better) about 10 years. During this time he competed in many band contests with the band as well as a multitude of solo (euphonium) contests, for which he won several trophies.
David joined the Nelson Royal Naval Volunteer Band, based in Portsmouth Dockyard in about 1982 and was their top euphonium player for most of 10 years, before deciding to 'hang up his Euphonium' and retire from playing. At this point he was 85 years old.
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1977 David with his Mum and Dad, his brother Harry and sister Hilda
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David in REF Uniform during his National Service, with June
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January 1952 age 29
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David in school uniform (maybe)
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David's first car , a Wolsley, Left is his niece Barbara, Right is his niece Jean
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It's a 1935 Wolesley Wasp bought in 1954 for £120 and sold 3 years later for £90
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David's first car , a Wolsley, Left is his niece Barbara, Right is his niece Jean. Notice how empty of car Baring Street is!
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I think it may be a Wolsley 9, not sure
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It's a 1935 Wolesley Wasp bought in 1954 for £120 and sold 3 years later for £90
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Cornwood 1938
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Left to Right. David, sister Hilda, Brother Harry. Taken 1935 so David's about 3
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29 May 1937 age nearly 5
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David with great niece Rebecca 27 October 1981, David would be about 49 years old
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June & David, taken I think outside 8 Baring Street, Plymouth
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brother Harry with David
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July 2012, David aged 80, Harry aged 84
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Portsmouth Spinaker Tower July 2012
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July 2012, 60th Wedding Anniversary celebration
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60th wedding Anniv.
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correction, it's 12.4.2008 Aged 75/76
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Goodwood Festival of Speed 2008
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Queens Hotel Southsea with Sara , David.T. and June
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So sorry to hear of the passing of David, a kind, intelligent man with a great sense of humour. Remembered of course for his superb euphonium playing - an example of which is captured on the 1968 RAH performance of 'The Triumph of Peace'. Saddened but not forgotten. RIP.
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Christmas dinner with Trev, David W., David's Mum Irene, and June
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David on Euphonium as part of a brass Quartet playing at Grandon David and Sara's Wedding
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It was my pleasure and privilege to play in this quartet with Dave, Kev and Bob for three years. We had many prestigious gigs during this time and lots of fun too. I am so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing and send my sincere condolences to June and all of his family. RIP Dave and good bless. Tina xx
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... NELSON BRASS - Brass Quintet - Music for most occasions - available for Dinners, Weddings & Functions ...
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2nd son trev with his dad David
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son trev, Grandson David T. with David W.
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David, June with Judy from next door
1977 David with his Mum and Dad, his brother Harry and sister Hilda
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