Herbie Smyton, one of life’s gentlemen, was part of the fabric of Portadown society

He died peacefully, aged 70, at his home in Margretta Park, surrounded by his loving family on September 13.

Herbie was born on January 9, 1950, to Thomas and Margaret Smyton who lived in the Clogher Valley area.

With a younger sister Florence, the family lived in the Clogher area up until Herbie was around five years old when they moved to Bleary due to his Dad’s work.

Herbie attended Bleary Primary School and Lurgan Boys’ Junior High School. He attended Knocknamuckley Boys Brigade and was a regular attender of Sunday School at Knocknamuckley Parish Church.

In his youth Herbie enjoyed going to dances and helping on a farm during school holidays.

He met his wife Evelyn Carson in 1969 while she was training to be a nurse at the former Lurgan and Portadown Hospital. They married in 1972 in Mullaghdun Parish Church (Fermanagh).

Initially they set up home in ‘The New Craigavon’ and later settled in Portadown. This year, 2020, marked 48 years of marriage during which time they were blessed with a daughter, Lynette and a son, Richard and later a daughter-in-law, Elaine and six very much loved grandchildren, Adam, Alexandria, Matthew, Joe, Aaron and Harry.

Herbie’s working life was a busy one. He held various jobs before starting a financial career with The Provident. After completing financial exams he moved to work with United Dominions Trust.

Herbie progressed in his career from salesman right through to management level before moving to work in GE Capital WoodChester Finance.

He moved to self-employment as a financial broker for around ten years before he retired.

Herbie had lots of interests and passions, one was to see the progression of young people. He loved to help young people reach their full potential. This passion led him to become involved as a 
leader with Seagoe Church Lads Brigade.

He founded Portadown Boys Football Club alongside Ronnie McCoo and, through this, he was asked to join a committee to set up Edenvilla.

He then became a director of Edenvilla Multi-Sports Facility with Dessie Gregg. It was through this passion that he became a Mentor for over 15 years with the Princes’ Trust.

Herbie was a keen gardener, a fair-weather golfer and enjoyed getting out and about and keeping himself fit with his walking club and yoga in his spare time.

He was a past member of the Outdoor Bowling Club, Portadown Golf Club, Portadown Masonic and was President of Portadown Rotary Club 2007-2008.

Herbie got involved with Rotary through his good neighbour Bertie Martin. Whilst in Rotary Herbie was involved in many charity campaigns and also achieved a Paul Harris Award.

In recent years Herbie became a member of Portadown Probus Club.

During his retirement Herbie enjoyed his Friday Culture Club in which he visited many art galleries with his great group of friends.

He was also a director in Craigavon Industrial Development Organisation (CIDO) and thoroughly enjoyed his role there.

Another major passion of Herbie’s was the wonderful game of football. He was an avid Aston Villa supporter striking up a great friendship with fellow supporter Colin Millar.

Herbie was also an enthusiastic member of the Portadown NI Supporters Club for over three decades attending many a match both at home and away. Indeed, another great friendship with Billy Hughes developed through this club.

Herbie was also a season ticket holder at Linfield FC, and this passion for football is very much carried on through his son and grandsons.

Throughout his life, his faith was evident from his commitment to the family church, Seagoe Parish.

He became a member of the Select Vestry and was Church Warden in 1986 and 1987.

At Seagoe he became known fondly as one of the valued back row crew at the 9am services, more great friendships developed and will be missed by them all.

Herbie was one of life’s gentlemen and always made an impression on whoever had the pleasure of speaking with him. Herbie was held in the highest regard throughout the local community and will be missed by so many friends and family.

He was a devoted family man which was evident in the love he shared for his dear wife Evelyn. He was the much loved father to Lynette and Richard, cherished father-in-law to Elaine and truly devoted grandfather to Adam, Alexandria, Matthew, Joe, Aaron and Harry and a dearly loved brother to Florence.

Herbie enjoyed life to the full and took great pleasure from many trips abroad with wife Evelyn and family.

He will always be dearly missed by the entire family, who will hold their cherished memories of him in their hearts.

A special man never to be forgotten.

Herbie’s funeral, at Seagoe Parish Church, was conducted by Rev Terence Cadden and assisted by Rev Stuart Moles, the music was led by Alison Cadden along with singing by Griania White.

The family wish to express their sincere thanks for their support throughout and delivering such a fitting service for Herbie: “Due to Covid restrictions the numbers had to be kept within guidelines and we know many people couldn’t be there that would have been in normal circumstances so we as a family would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every person who sent cards, flowers, messages and letters of condolences as well as donations in lieu of flowers.

“This kindness has been very much appreciated at such a difficult time.”

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