David Ashford-Smith (25 Feb 1934 - 20 Dec 2015)

I first met David in 1959 whilst in the Army in Northern Ireland have kept in contact ever since. He was a very supportive and close friend and many good times were had with him and Vera. He will be deeply missed.

Michael O'Dell.

One of my earliest memories as a child was helping Grandad with deliveries in the Scottish Borders, accompanied by his bosses dog 'George', and making small planes from Balsa wood in his workshop, in Selkirk.

He will be sorely missed, and will remain in our hearts this Christmas and for the future.

I will also put this on Dad's obituary section, however anyone that would like to contribute to the SAS Regimental Association can do so following this link:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/finalCharityHomepage.action?charityId=1005329

As you can see this is via Virgin Money Giving, and is a direct donation rather than going through the family. As for the charity itself:

The main aims and objects of the Special Air Service Association, are to promote the well- being of its members and their dependants and to maintain the Regiment's traditions and esprit de corps. However the Association's priority and main aim is to relieve members or former members of the Special Air Service Regiment or their dependants who are in need by virtue of hardship, sickness or old age.

We picked up shrapnel together during the 'blitz" We were inseparable during childhood We were fortunate to have close and loving familiesHe was my brother and my best friend and I miss him

I will always remember Dave as a very warm, kind and loving man. I know his family will miss him every day.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. I will always remember him for his example of service and the laughter in which his phone calls to my Dad always ended and would then spread throughout the house as Dad retold David's latest story. I also will remember a very hot curry that left me in tears.