Condolence - David John Smith

David was born on 6 May 1942 in New Malden, Surrey. He attended Christ Church, New Malden, where David sang in the church choir and later became a Pathfinder leader. Here he met Pam, also a Pathfinder leader and they later married in 1966. He trained to be an electrical engineer, working initially at Hackbridge and later at AEI Rugby.

In 1969 Andrew was born, followed by Kathryn (1971) and Rebekah (1973) and Christopher (1976). After the death of Kathryn in 1975, David and the family moved to Oak Hill Theological College, London to follow David’s calling to the ordained ministry. David was ordained in 1977 and became curate at St Mark’s Leamington Spa. In 1981 he was invited to become Vicar of Holy Trinity Hartshill. Shortly after starting at Hartshill, David had 80% of his right lung removed due to bronchiectasis. In 1986, he was asked by the Bishop to take on the parish of Holy Trinity Atteborough. 

David was never happier that when he was engaged with people from the World Church whether in this country or in Africa. Throughout these years the family enjoyed having overseas visitors, which in turn deepened his understanding of Mission. David had long supported Crosslinks and for nine years served on General Council as the representative of the West Midlands Council. 

Keen for a new challenge he took on a new appointment as Northern Regional Co-ordinator for Crosslinks in 1995. Unfortunately just before commencing this he suffered a stroke that initially left him unable to walk or speak. With excellent care and a great perseverance, he recovered and started his new work part-time six months later. Pam was his driver and constant travel companion and a vital part of the Crosslinks/Smith team. This also involved David and Pam visiting Tanzania to see the work of Crosslinks in action. With his long involvement in Crosslinks, David was able to give good support to newer members of the team. 

David retired in 2003, and celebrated by another trip to Tanzania to visit some of the mission partners he’d been involved with. He continued his Crosslinks involvement as a volunteer, sending up prayer letter updates.

In 2004, a chest infection put him in intensive care, where again excellent medical and nursing care together with David’s determination led to a gradual recovery. Despite having to make some adjustments, he has enjoyed visiting friends over the last year, and was looking forward to officiating at Christopher and Lindsay’s wedding on 30 May 2005.

David died peacefully on Sunday 1 May 2005, and at his thanksgiving service on 20 May, Crosslinks was represented by the Chairman, General Secretary and many employees and mission partners both past and present.