Gareth Smith

Eulogy for my Brilliant Father.

My father, Graham, helped me walk. I eventually followed in his footsteps. And I made him proud. Dad made this loud and clear as he would proudly tell people about his “doctor son” that he guided from knee high to Ph.D. 

My father, Graham was born in Penarth before the Second World War, Tuesday December 4th, the year of our Lord, 1934. He lived his early years rationing food in accordance to the war. Dad would always tell me that he never saw a fresh orange until after the conclusion of the war, and chewing gum provided by American soldiers was considered gold. 

Dad enjoyed many privileges during his childhood such as punnets of cockles from E. Ashtons fishmonger whenever grandma would take him there with his brother, my uncle Terry, whom he nicknamed “Kned.” In return my uncle named Dad “Henry,” or “Hen” for short. This derived from their favourite BBC radio comedy, The Goon Show. During their youth they enjoyed bike riding together from Penarth to Usk, and back. They attended Penarth Grammer School in the mid-1940s and later the Welsh College of Science and Technology throughout the 1950s and early 60s.

My Uncle practised as a geologist, whereas Dad trained as a chemist who eventually specialised in metallurgy, but first graduating from the University of Leicester on July 13th 1962 with his MS.c. in Chemistry. My father had a long and fruitful life full of adventure and success. His early career started in Barry as an analytical chemist for Midland Silicones Ltd whilst he studied. He then transitioned into a research chemist roles in Essex at Carreras Rothmans and Hopkins & Williams. He eventually worked his way into a managerial role at Imperial Smelting Corp. in Avonmouth, Bristol. Dad would then make his biggest move shifting continents, first to Southern Africa, working two stints at Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines for a combined 15 years, with one year in the middle spent at Rustenburg Platinum Mines in South Africa. After this 16 year stretch, he moved onto Peko Mines in Australia, then to Mamut Copper Minning in Malaysia. It was at this time he met my mother Carmelita and a budding relationship began. My father then travelled to the Philippines with my mother and began work at Philex Minning Corp. A few years later, they had me. Thank you for bringing me into this world. A few years later my father moved us back to Wales to help look after my Grandmother, Maud May Heath, who was a gentle loving soul that my father cared for deeply. Dad was present for her to the very end. She and my father are both linked to my early childhood memory of a sweet McDonalds apple pie. I’ll never forget those Sundays.

Dad became a fellow of the Royal Institue of Chemistry (1972), eventually becoming a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry whilst obtaining Chartered Chemist status (1980). Later in his travels he became a fellow of the Institution of Minning & Metallurgy, and a Chartered Engineer (1988). Graham was a talented scientist, and a tremendous parent who had three sons, all of whom became doctors (one medical doctor, one dentist and one chemist just like him).

My father was a social man who loved a chat, pint of San Miguel, and a morning cup of tea with the Daily Mail. He always marvelled at the beauty of the African continent and talked so lovingly of his travels to Kenya, Tanzania and Botswana. He loved reading books written by Wilbur Smith, another fellow Brit who lived in Zambia. He had a keen sweet tooth for cakes, doughnuts, chocolate, ginger nuts, digestives and bourbons just to name a few. He didn’t see many fresh fruits in his early years, but he was surrounded by all the bananas for him to enjoy to his hearts content…. This meaning the house was always empty of bananas. He had a wonderful sense of humour with a tremendous ability to name people, animals and objects. For instance, our family dog Piper’s two favourite squeaky toys “Rodney” the green rubber duck, and “Penelope” the pink pig.  He loved watching sports and adamantly followed the Welsh Rugby Union, the Cardiff Blues, F1 and Cricket. And occasionally premiere league football. He was an intelligent man who always surprised me with his striking articulation, for instance he once described his consultant walking up and down a corridor as him “oscillating.” We will always remember his gentle demeanour and joyous smile that filled a room. Dad loved the simple things and enjoyed being around family the most. I miss him already and will think of him always.

Dad’s favourite memory of me was during a trip to Hong Kong in 1995. It was the first time I experienced rainfall. A few drops hit me, so I held my hands up in confusion. Another favourite of his was the first time I met my grandma Maud when I was a 3 year old. I kicked her in the shin and ran behind her sofa. I don’t think she liked that. My favourite memories of my father are the school summer holidays we spent together visiting Roath Park, Cosmeston Lake and Penarth with my Uncle Terry who’d visit us from Canada. And the pit stops at McDonalds on the way home from Grandmas every Sunday where he’d get me a happy meal and an apple pie. 

God blessed us with so much time together. I did my very best for you as you did for me. The last thing I said to you was “I love you, Dad.” There are no regrets, only comfort knowing we said and did everything and that you are at peace.

Thank you Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. 

“Honour your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12)

Rest Peacefully in the presence of our Lord God. I miss you and will always remember you Dad. You are ingrained in my fondest memories. 

In loving memory of our family patriarch, my father, my motivation, my inspiration, my mentor Graham Arthur-Leroy Smith.