John SMART

Published on 23/02/2024

SMART John Edwin 1927 2024 John died on the 11th February, aged 96 years, in Frimley Park Hospital, Frimley, Surrey, after a brief illness. John was a resident of Southend and Leigh-on-Sea for his whole life, until he moved to Surrey to be near family in 2019. He was born on 21st February 1927 and attended Southend High School for Boys. After demob from the RAF he trained at Southend School of Art, taught for a short time then joined the Science Museum, South Kensington in 1954 where he became curator of the Print Gallery, and of the Textile Machinery collection. He was also Chairman of the Museum's Union (Institution of Professional Civil Servants) Branch. John retired from the Museum in 1987. He and his late wife, Lylie were married in 1955 and moved to Leigh-on-Sea to Oakleigh Park Drive. They formed a happy partnership, with many shared interests, and toured various parts of Europe. Together they assembled a sizeable collection of historical clothing, which he later donated to the Beecroft Gallery, Westcliff. Sadly, Lylie died in 1975. After retirement, John became busy and active with many groups and projects to "keep him from getting bored"! He was a founder-member of Southend U3A, was very active in Leigh Horticultural Society, and also lectured locally on social history (toilets were an entertaining speciality!). He played bass recorder and composed for the Essex Society of Recorder Players as well as playing in other musical groups. As well as his musical skills, John was an accomplished artist, and a Scottish country dance enthusiast. He had a great love of beautiful gardens and trips on beautiful steam trains! He was also a late-flowering IT enthusiast, so much so that he received a special diploma from Southend College, having completed every computer course on offer, and having gained his City and Guilds, both when well into his eighties. He counted himself as a true son of Southend, who took great pride in his locality and especially Leigh. John was an extremely knowledgeable, talented, amusing and kind gentleman who will be greatly missed by his family, and is remembered with affection by all those who knew him. Funeral service to held at Aldershot Crematorium on Wednesday 13th of March 2024, at 11:30am. For further information please contact the Funeral Directors: Thorne-Leggett, Wrecclesham, Farnham, Surrey GU10 4PR. Tel: 01252 715 520

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