Antony Smith (12 Jun 1923 - 9 Jul 2016)

In loving memory of Antony Smith who sadly passed away on 9th July 2016.
As a child I always liked my uncle Tony. I was delighted when he came to visit, or we travelled to Chatham. He had done a lot of interesting and exciting things. There were lots of stories.....
On school exchange he stayed with a German family and became lifelong friends with their son. The German boy bought bags of tomatoes in Chatham to eat - they were unobtainable in the re-armed but other ways impoverished 1930s Germany.
He joined the RAF as a navigator and travelled all over. I learned all sorts of technical details of Avro Ansons, Airspeed Oxfords and Douglas DC3s. In Sarawak there were toothbrush stealing monkeys, large snakes and heat.
He skied in the Alps, damaged his knee and still bandaged it for support over 20 years later. He eventually gave up on that as not worthwhile.
There was the yellow Reliant 3 wheeler that went all over the country and even the the Irish Republic in the 1960s. That was followed by a brand new VW Beetle bought in 1970. He had ordered one originally in about 1950, but cancelled - too rash at the time. The Beetle stayed with him until he stopped driving only a couple of years ago. He always wanted a red sports car and eventually bought a Mazda MX5 at 88. He loved it.
Tony always attended church and liked to sing. This became his new career as a soloist.
He also kept intouch with many friends around the world and went to see them - in Canada, the U.S.A, Australia, plus trips to Germany, etc.
Maybe the travels and adventures made up for a career in the civil service, suffering the frustration of both government burocracy and haphazzard rail services to London.
All this time he increasingly became a carer for his mother, and much later for his sister (my Mother).
Who was there to care for Tony he thought? - he'd better take best care of himself, remaining very self-reliant and independent for as long as possible. Even a few months ago he was discussing ways to get back home and away from the food at the nursing home where the food was "a bit grim". It was probably unrealistic, but his mind was still active and thinking. Alas his body failed him. Independence was no longer possible, so I think he knew it was time to let go.
Tony had many interests & talents. He was always helpful, gave thoughtful and considered counsel and I realise he was a true inspiration in my life. I admire him for those things and he will be greatly missed.
Nigel