Perth’s ‘Janny’ Smith, aged 88

Lawson Smith, affectionately known as “Janny” Smith to thousands of Perth schoolchildren, has died at the age of 88.

He served as janitor at Kinnoull primary for 33 years but was more than just another employee to all the children educated there throughout that time.

He spent many hours after school coaching youngsters in football and his efforts were rewarded when some of his teams won the Small Schools League.

Mr Smith was greatly loved by fellow staff and pupils, taking an interest in them long after they had left the school.

One pupil recalled: “My dog used to come to school with me but was not allowed in the class.

“So ‘Janny’ Smith took him into the boiler room and looked after him until school had finished.

“He always asked after me long after I had left school and recalled, with a chuckle, when my dog used to accompany him on his rounds.”

Following his time at Kinnoull, Mr Smith was a janitor at Perth Academy.

Born in Perth, he was raised in the Friarton area of the city and attended St John’s School.

After leaving school, he joined the railway where he worked as a fireman on steam locomotives prior to becoming a janitor.

He spent his National Service in the Navy and was proud of the fact his grandson, Scott, joined the Navy a few years ago.

Mr Smith was an elder at St Andrew’s Church of Scotland and also at St Matthew’s Church of Scotland.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Muriel, son Paul, daughter-in-law Elaine and grandson Scott.

His funeral will be held tomorrow at Perth Crematorium at 3pm.