Thomas Malcolm (Tom) Smith (22 Oct 1937 - 20 Jun 2024)

In loving memory of Thomas Malcolm (Tom) Smith who passed away at home in Ingatestone on 20th June 2024, surrounded by his sons and wife, after a short illness.

Tom was from a background and a generation that just did, rather than just talked about doing; and that got on with things rather than moaning about the fairness of things. He was a man who always tried to do the right things, and to do things right. He loved to win right but, if he (unavoidably) had to lose, he made sure to lose right, too. He would often step up and do what needed to be done, simply because he knew that, if someone didn't, whatever it was might not get done at all.

He rarely looked for immediate gratification or shortcuts, and usually didn't have much time for those who did, either in life or at traffic lights. He always looked to the future, whether it was learning new skills like photography or planting a pear tree in the garden while imparting that "One plants pears for one's heirs". He loved perfection in any form, whether it was a perfect single raspberry or a huge dramatic view - or a photo of either. Most of all, he appreciated maximum effort, whether the result was perfection or nor.

He hated getting older, and frequently advised against it! It was never going to be time to put his feet up, and disliked that sometimes, as he got older, it was essential to do so. There is some comfort for us, his family, in knowing that his life was long and well-lived, that his terminal illness was short, and in his knowing that we were all there with him right to the end.