David Smout (1937-2017)

David Smout, who died in 2017 at the age of 80, was an Old Salopian Fives player. Below is his obituary from the Old Salopian magazine.

David Smout (DB 1950-1954)

David and I first met at the New Boys’ Tea Party in Dayboys Hall in September 1950. It was the start of our very close relationship spanning the next 67 years. Before coming to Shrewsbury, David had been at Lawrence House Preparatory School in Lancashire. His brother John joined Day Boys in 1958. Although only completing four years rather than the more usual five, David had already become a praepostor, a member of the 1st XI football team and of the 1st fives Four and a sergeant in the CCF. Academically he was a serious classicist, much to the delight of his housemaster, Stacy Colman. In the editions of ‘The Salopian’ of the period, after playing for the under 16 Xl against Malvern on 22nd November 1952, David was described as “the most dangerous forward, but he held on to the ball too long” whilst after the 1st Fives Match v Highgate on 29th February 1954 it was reported that Smout “dominated the step and volleyed very well”. Mr Smout played “very vigorously” for the Old Salopians to defeat the School’s Second pair on 12th March 1955. David also played county golf for Shropshire and was good enough to gain entry for the Carris Trophy, played annually at Moor Park. At the time this was the equivalent of the Open Championship for boys under 18.

On leaving school, David joined the family printing firm, Livesey, who published ‘The Salopian’ under Michael Charlesworth’s editorship. Commissioned into the King’s Shropshire Light Infantry, David saw National Service in Kenya during the Mau Mau troubles. A keen soldier, he completed many years of Territorial service in the King’s Own Scottish Borderers and he assured me he was the oldest serving major in the British Army. After National Service David joined Unilever and worked for Walls for ten years. He then moved to Piper Products, a subsidiary of Associated Fisheries, as General Manager, and remained there until 1972. Moving to Berwickshire in Scotland from Dorset, David set up and managed Tweed Valley Foods in Eyemouth. He was strategically placed for his two major products – frozen fish and frozen soft fruit, (particularly raspberries), being situated near a fishing port and in rural countryside. From 1996-2001 David spent five years as Bursar of the Diocese of Ely and lived in the cloisters of the beautiful cathedral. Upon retirement he moved back to Scotland and was licensed as a Lay Reader in the Diocese of Edinburgh, having earlier undertaken their training course for the ministry. He was ordained deacon in 2003, to serve St Ebba’s, Eyemouth, and a year later he was ordained priest to serve the same church as part of the Ministry Team, a vocation which he continued until his death. Throughout his life David consistently put into practice the three R’s that he learned at Shrewsbury School: respect for others, responsibility and resilience. He also had a good sense of humour. Arriving for my black tie 50th birthday party, he entered the room carrying a tray upon which were 50 tonic bottles, 50 lighted candles and a bottle of gin. He got a warm reception! David never juggled less than four balls in the air at once: a favourite family story relates that David was rushing to Berwick station to catch the overnight sleeper to London. As the train pulled out, he realised that the keys to the family car were still in his pocket, so he pulled the communication cord, and, as the train ground to a halt, he opened the carriage window and threw the keys to Sian. The conductor appeared and accused him of committing a criminal offence. David replied “My fear of my wife’s wrath is considerably greater than my fear of the wrath of British Rail”. The conductor was so amused that he took the matter no further.

David and Sian celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 2010. She survives him, together with three of their four children – Lucinda, Simon (OS) and Tessa (my goddaughter) and nine grandchildren. Jonathan (OS) was tragically killed in a skiing accident in France in December 2003.

John Lavelle (DB 1950-1956)