Andrew Smith (27/12/1936 - 04/09/2017)
Andy Smith was born in Bridgeton on 27 December 1936. He served his time as a plumber in the shipyards and, as many of them closed, Andy moved to the Paisley Mills then to Tower Construction.
Andy never played in a brass band, but his interest in the administration side provided the Scottish Brass Band Association (SBBA) with someone who gave lots of good practical advice with his positive comments at all of our meetings. His other interests included gardening, photography, the life and works of Robert Burns and long stitch tapestries.
Andy joined SBBA in 1985. Before that he was a member of the Strathclyde Charities Band Association and was presented with their Award of Merit in 2004, in recognition of his work for the association. He represented Johnstone Band between 1980 and 1995, CWS (Glasgow) from 1996 to 1998, and Barrhead Band since 1999.
He was a founder member and past president of the Alamo Burns Club in Paisley. In retirement, he gained an HND in computer hardware at Reid Kerr College and also taught computing to many of the silver surfers in the Paisley area for many years.
SBBA President Carrie Boax commented: “We are still struggling to get our heads round this sudden loss. Andy was simply a true, honest gentleman who had a winning smile and kind heart. His words, wisdom and banter have been flashing back to me this week making me laugh and I thank him for that. We were kindred Burns spirits and I always did ‘get him’ when he finished his stories with his phrase ‘know what I mean?’”
Carrie concluded: “I feel so privileged to have known Andy and call him my friend. He will be sorely missed by all of us in the banding community, none more so than around the SBBA Executive table.”
One of the best workers and achievers any organisation would be delighted to have, Andy served SBBA over many years. We will miss his positive attitude and hard working service. Thank you, Andy.
The funeral service for Andrew Smith will take place at the Paisley Crematorium, 46 Broomlands Street, Paisley PA1 2NP, on Tuesday 12 September at 2.00 pm. All friends are most welcome to attend.
