Son, 41, dies after visit to dad on his deathbed
FAMILY DEVASTATED BY THE LOSS OF FATHER OF FOUR TO COVID, WHO HAD BEEN TO SAY GOODBYE TO HIS OWN FATHER WHO ALSO HAD BEEN
A FAMILY have been left devastated by the death of a loving son who died of coronavirus after visiting his Covid-stricken dad on his deathbed.
Greg Smith had been to visit his dad Roy, who was in Burton’s Queen’s Hospital, to say goodbye.
Within days he found he was suffering with coronavirus, and was admitted to the same hospital.
After fighting for his life on a ventilator, the 41-year-old Muller shift manager died.
Now, their family have said words “cannot express their heartbreak” at the deaths of 67-year-old Roy on December 31 and Greg on January
24.
In a statement, the family said: “Greg’s partner, Natalie, and his mother, Deborah, along with his four children and stepdaughter, are truly devastated at the loss of a husband of 45 years, a grandfather and only son at the age of 41 - a loving partner and amazing dad.
“Words cannot express our heartbreak. It has been the saddest of times but we have taken great comfort from the many tributes, kind words and gestures and to know how much they were loved.”
Greg, who lived in Worcester, leaves behind partner Natalie Passey, four children from the age of four, and his stepdaughter.
He was well known as an amateur footballer in Barton under Needwood, where he spent most of his life. He had been coach of Barton Rovers and also played for Lichfield Colts, Barton FC and the Shoulder of Mutton.
Former Needwood Distribution boss Roy, who suffered from MS, lived in Alrewas with wife Deborah,
66. Last week, Greg and Roy had a joint funeral, with socially distanced mourners lining the streets of Barton and Alrewas as the procession made its way through the villages.
Some paid their respects at the Holland Sports Club, where Manchester United and Burton Albion fan Greg had loved playing football.
His youngest son, four-year-old Oakley, and nephew AJ paid tribute by wearing Brewers shirts bearing his beloved number 10. Greg also leaves behind children Ivy, seven; Cody, 12; and Ceejay, 18; as well as stepdaughter Jessica, 21. Greg’s cousin, Millie Watson, 34, from Burton, said: “I still can’t believe this has happened. I’m going to miss them so much.
“The last time I saw Greg was after Roy had died and I went round to leave some food on his doorstep.
“He greeted me with his usual ‘all right bab?’ and stuck his head round the door.
“But the last time I properly saw him before that was his 40th birthday party.
“I’m so pleased my last memory of him was to see him happy and dancing.”
A Gofundme page has been set up to raise funds to support Natalie, who was made redundant from Debenhams last year.
I’m so pleased my last memory of him was to see him happy and dancing.
Millie Watson, Greg Smith’s cousin