Donoghue Frederick Smith (31 May 1922 - 28 Feb 2016)

Donoghue Frederick Smith who sadly passed away on 28th February 2016
The Funeral is 2:0 pm Monday 21st March City of London, South Chapel

Donoghue Frederick Smith (Don) was born 31st May 1922, the 7th son of the 7th son. He had a full and adventurous life. He was a traveller and was brought up on the fairgrounds – not an easy life. When war broke out he joined the Royal Marines and fought for his country. His ship was blown up in Arctic waters and only a few survived. He was flown to a hospital in Scotland but did not wake up until a week later. He didn’t know where he was or how he got there. His only memory was being strapped to a wooden board. They said he had maybe three months to live (how wrong they were!) When he came out of hospital he was pensioned off. He found out that one of the other Royal Marines had lost his legs so he gave him his pension to help.

On 4th April 1950 he married Elsie Irene McDonald, born 19th March 1919. Elsie sadly passed away on 14th September 1981. They lived in East London and had three children, Don, Brian and Janice who they loved and cherished.

In the 1960s Don started his own company, Newington Salvage Company Limited which dealt in iron, steel non-ferrous metals and had a council contract for clearing cars (at one time there were 1,000 cars in his yard).

Don loved horses and had stables. He had made to measure saddles, boots, hat and riding attire and won many rosettes for show jumping, travelling around the country to compete with two of his horses. Dancing was another great love. He used to start the afternoon dancing off at the Lyceum in London and was paid 5 shillings a session. He would leave the Lyceum to travel to Edmonton and compete in wrestling bouts. He was also a bit of a gambler, betting on horse racing, greyhound racing and poker. He once left home in a Lagonda (quite a rare car) lost his money and the car and came home in a cab. Don liked the West End and was a long-time member of the Astor Club and Don Juan in Mayfair, Berkley Square where he spent his nights out. There were good and bad times but never dull.

About 5 years after Elsie passed away, Don’s children booked a cruise for him. Don, Brian and Jan took him to the station and put him on the train for Southampton but he did not look happy. The first night was not so good – it’s not easy on your own. However, the second night and with a drop of ‘Dutch courage’ (champagne), he invited a lady onto the dance floor and was then in great demand as a dance partner. He had a fabulous holiday, met some nice people and then went cruising every year, seeing most of the world.

When his granddaughters were born, Laura now 23 and Sarah 21, he was so happy. He loved them dearly and was very proud of them. He spent a lot of time with them, mainly Sunday lunch when he would turn up with flowers and fresh seafood. He liked to go to the fish stall and choose tasty treats that all the family enjoyed. He would watch the girls play and dance and they always enjoyed his company and his stories. Even in his 70’s and 80’s he was always driving off somewhere. He had a few lady companions but there was no-one like mum.

Don had great dress sense – his own style. His suits and shoes were made to measure and he loved a waistcoat, ornamental neck string tie and pocket hanky and of course his hats. He was old school with great respect for others, helping anyone if he could, although he didn’t suffer fools gladly and remained defiant to the end. Don was a proud man full of love for his family and friends. His fun, laughter and the cheeky glint in his eyes will never be forgotten. He has left some amazing memories and will be sadly missed.