Colin Geoffrey Smith, who was made a life member of Howick RSA in 2018, has died.
Smith, who was also heavily involved with the Special Olympics, passed away at Middlemore Hospital on June 22.
His death notice reads: “Loved husband of Beverly. Dearly loved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law and friend to many in Australia and NZ. Colin will be sadly missed and fondly remembered.”
Smith was born and educated in Sydney, NSW.
At the age of 18 he enlisted in the final intake for National Service with the Royal Australian Navy. He trained as a seaman and radar plotter.
On completion of his National Service, Smith met and married Beverly Quedley and came to New Zealand in 1965 and never left.
Not long after his arrival, Smith became involved in many local clubs and organisation as part of their committees. He has dedicated many years to the Special Olympics movement.
He served on their committees in various capacities from 1989 to 2012. He is a life member of that organisation.
Not content with the Special Olympics, Smith put his name forward and was elected to the RSA Executive Committee in 2012.
He first joined Howick RSA in 2004. With his special talents in finance, Smith was made a member of the finance sub-committee in 2013 and in 2015 he was appointed chairman.
Smith was elected VP in 2014 and was senior VP of the association. After a few years as understudy to Jan Lawrence, Smith assumed the title of Poppy Day organiser/co-ordinator.
Smith ran the Mt Wellington U5s rugby league team for about four years, was on the
Owairoa School committee for nine years in the 1970s and was involved with the Panmure Basin Sailing Club in 1980s becoming Commodore. He enjoyed sailing single-handed and with his sons.
- WWII veteran Eric Douglas Wilson died on June 24. See next week’s Times for his tribute.
