Wedding day: Michelle and Sean (May, 2015)
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Douglas Smith (11 Nov 1935 - 29 Mar 2016)
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In loving memory of Douglas Edwin Smith who sadly passed away on Tuesday 29th March, 2016. He died peacefully at his Giffnock home of over 50 years, in the presence of his family. Douglas was the beloved husband of June, the loving father of Gary, Glen and Gail - and the adoring grandfather of Lauren and Michelle.
Born at an early age, Douglas began disrupting the world, or at least his small corner of Partick, in November 1935. As he grew through boyhood and into his teens, he expanded his area of influence far and wide, often accompanied by his younger brother Alistair on their bikes. After 24 years, 6 months and 23 days, he married June Adams (in, for maximum effect, the month of June), for a relationship that would go on to last just short of 56 years. Three years later, he became a father for the first time. Gary failed to put him off fatherhood, so he repeated this madness another twice, bringing Glen into the world two years later and Gail five years after that. Douglas was now 34. As the kids grew up a kind of peace settled for a few years (aye, right!) but when he was 55, he and June became grandparents to Glen's twin daughters, Lauren and Michelle. His parents, Catherine and Andrew, sadly slipped away within a few months of each other, when he was 61. At the age of 79, Douglas added "grandfather-in-law" to his collection of titles, when Sean married Michelle. Curiously, on their wedding day, Michelle was only 17 days younger than Douglas had been on his own wedding day.
Douglas slipped and fell in 2014, breaking a rib. This never quite healed properly so he was back and forward to the hospital several times for tests. On the day following his 79th birthday, he was given the news that he had "mesothelioma" - a type of lung cancer. This particular cancer was caused by exposure to asbestos, which was identified as having happened while he was serving his apprenticeship as a marine engineer. He had worked at Yarrow Shipbuilders in Scotstoun, on the north bank of the River Clyde, from age 16 to 21. Douglas informed us that he had been told by his consultant that many people who develop mesothelioma do so after only 20 to 40 years. Douglas managed to remain one step ahead for around 60 years before it suddenly caught up with him.
He was amazingly strong over the following year, both physically (for a 79-year old) and spiritually. He had always been active in the local church (just try and hold him back!) and his faith kept him strong, right to the end. He had the support of family, neighbours and many friends. Just after Christmas 2015, his health began failing him and from there it was sadly downhill. Supported by increasingly frequent visits from the marvellous medical professionals, he finally lost the big fight at the end of March, 2016. Douglas lived for 80 years, 4 months and 18 days.
Douglas and June received their first home computer, an Apple Macintosh, when Douglas was in his late 50s - and "a monster was unleashed". Douglas began trying to learn everything he could do with this new toy, and then with the succession of newer iMacs which followed that first one every few years. Although not professionally trained, he was particularly interested in (and adept with) some of the creative graphic-design packages. Then, inevitably, he moved into iPods, iPhones, iPads and, of course, the Apple Watch. A would-be geek, right to the end, we hope he would like what we're trying to do for him here at this web site.
We have deliberately left gaps in the portrait we have painted of Douglas Edwin Smith. We present a sketch rather than a detailed painting. One of the reasons is that we hope you might like to share a memory or some thoughts about the lovely man who is sadly no longer with us - and who meant so much to so many. (When you're ready, please click the appropriate button from the row just below.)
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Wedding day: Douglas and June (June, 1960)
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June, I just wanted to say how sorry I was to hear of Douglas' death. I have such fond memories of Douglas visiting us on his work trips to Aberdeen. Me getting to play endlessly on one of his hand held Donkey Kong computer games and also him taking me to see Return of the Jedi at the cinema! He was a lovely man.
I had hoped to make the funeral however unfortunately I had work commitments I couldn't change. Please accept my condolences.
Love,
Neil (son of John & Sheena Clark)
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So saddened to hear of the passing of Douglas . Met him and his charming wife June through Harlequin Amateur Dramatics, he was a lovely gentleman in the truest sense. I know he will leave a huge void in many people's lives. Sending my condolences to all his family.
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Withered here, only to blossom in heaven.
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Remembering Douglas, a lovely generous man
whose talents were many and varied.
Sadly missed,
Fiona Weir.
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what was not to like about Douglas. He had a lovely smile and a willingness to help wherever he could. Many people benefitted from Douglas's work. He was a committed Christian and was very faithful to the Church throughout his time in Giffnock. Many examples of things he made are around the place and in many homes, mind included. A little light has gone out of the world with his passing and so have lit a candle in his memory. x
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In loving memory of a good friend.
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A Douglas Smith creation.
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To our dear sister June,
It is with the saddest of feelings that we learned of the passing of your dear husband, Douglas. He will be missed by a myriad of friends and by his loving family, all of whom recognized his generous nature and readiness to offer help to anyone who was in need.
From installing his own central heating in his home, to landscaping the back garden on the side of a hill, to creating beautiful and interesting gifts, Douglas was an astonishing artisan. Welcoming, enthusiastic, often conspiring with a jovial glint in his eyes, he made life happier for others.
We were so fortunate to have known Douglas as our brother-in-law.
Our deepest condolences to you and to all of the family on this very sad loss.
Bill and Eileen
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Us throughout the years.
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From the day Lauren and I were born, it was obvious just now much you loved and adored us. I’ve never heard anyone else have a grandparent who ran the length of Giffnock, just to break the news that their grandchildren had been born. Through out our childhood you were a play mate, a fellow adventurer, someone who loved to be cuddled as much as I loved to cuddle you, a nap partner and a source of comfort and unconditional love. Lauren and I would proudly tell everyone that we wanted to marry you and uncle Gary when we were older.During school terms all I would look forward to would be school holidays when we would come up and visit you. Keen to be your second in command in just about anything; I would sit with you in your workshop, follow you around the garden and help you wind up grandma. 2003 was a terrifying time for Lauren and I. You and grandma held our hands the whole way through it and by the end of the summer it was decided that we were going to live with you and grandma full-time until we were adults. Although you had already been a father to us, it was clear you loved us both as if we were your own.Throughout my teenage years we continued that bond we had always had. We shared a love for just about anything creative, music in particular, baking cakes and making random items. I would sit with you playing computer games, keeping an eye out for grandma coming home so to side track her when she came to tell you off for spending “far too long on those silly games”. Before we knew it I was all grown up and engaged to Sean, from the first time I brought him home to meet the family, you and grandma adored him as much as I did. When you got the news of your cancer I felt my world crash around me, I wanted to do anything I could to make it better and easier for you. I always knew I had wanted you to give me away so now we began wedding planning. You wanted to be involved with everything!! I joked that you were more of a Bride-zilla than I was. Anything that you could create you wanted to make - wedding invitations, seating arrangement, name cards and more importantly my wedding cake! It was perfect. I was so proud that you were willing and able to give me away on my wedding day. You are my role model and best friend. Life will never be the same without you but I will live each day in honour of all the lessons I learned from you. Your loving Grand-daughter, Michelle
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I first met Douglas in the early 80's when I joined the then Congregational Church. Douglas was an enthusiastic member of the bible study group, enlivening our singing by playing his guitar. Rather infuriatingly Douglas only played the songs he liked but we loved him just the same! He also regaled us with wonderful faith stories from various Christian fellowship groups he visited when travelling around the country on business. When we began meeting for prayer early on Sunday mornings Douglas divided his time between the prayer meeting and choir practice. We greatly appreciated his deeply meaningful and beautiful prayers.
On a more personal note, I was horrified when having spent a lot of money having bedroom curtains made to discover the rail was too close to the ceiling for them to be hung. Calling on Douglas as friend and neighbour he came up with a very ingenious way of solving the problem and the curtains have been hanging successfully ever since.
Douglas will be sadly missed as a spiritual friend and neighbour.
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Douglas was a big, big-hearted man and I'll always be grateful for his friendship and many, many kindnesses to my Mum and Dad across the street. And I treasure this gift of a model Charles Rennie Mackintosh chair which shows how his strength was matched by delicacy and artistry.
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A photo I couldn't find is of the beautiful hand-made banner Douglas and June put in their window to congratulate Jenny and Andy Forrest on their Golden Wedding. I still smile at the memory of Douglas lurking behind his curtains till they had gone to bed so he could surprise them with it when they opened their own curtains on the day. That showed the good humour and enjoyment of life that went with the innumerable oddjobs, lifts to hospitals, social events etc that he was always ready to offer whereever needed. The stories of others on this page show how many people have lost one of their truest friends.
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Douglas was a great friend of ours for over 45 years. We became leaders of the junior youth fellowship (known as the Seekers) in 1970, along with John and Pat Young. He was full of ideas, both good and bad, and also full of energy.
In 1976, he came up with the bright idea of the Seekers putting on a pantomime, and during the discussions, he revealed that he had booked Eastwood Theatre for a week's performance. We told him he was off his head. We persuaded Church Members to produce the pantomime, and it really was a great success, when we had a cast of 76 - not all from the church. After the event, we had a long discussion and decided that we would have to carry on. This led to the formation of Harlequin, Eastwood Theatre for Youth, under the direction of Grace Smith (no relation) and it is still going strong 39 years later.
Douglas was wonderful with his hands, extremely creative, and great at taking a half inch off a friend's door when they bought a new carpet.
He was a fine Christian gentleman, an enthusiastic member of the Church choir, and will be sadly missed by all his friends.
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Douglas was an activist and an enthusiast, a life lover whose 'can do' attitude was infectious. We need such people around us, and his death will be keenly felt, not least by his family and friends and by Giffnock URC (formerly Congregational).
He was a practical genius - there were few jobs he would not undertake and do well. His love and loyalty to those he committed himself to was unswerving. Many have cause to give thanks for his life which was well lived and wholehearted.
We give God thanks for his life and hold his family in our prayers,
Thank you Douglas for being you.
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Wedding day: Michelle and Sean (May, 2015)
Wedding day: Douglas and June (June, 1960)
Withered here, only to blossom in heaven.
A Douglas Smith creation.
Us throughout the years.
Douglas was a big, big-hearted man and I'll always be grateful for his friendship and many, many kindnesses to my Mum and Dad across the street. And I treasure this gift of a model Charles Rennie Mackintosh chair which shows how his strength was matched by delicacy and artistry.
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