CATHERINE MURPHY

TRIBUTES have been pouring in following the death of a wellknown former cricketer who played alongside some of the all-time greats.

Donald Smith, 81, from Hazel Grove, passed away following a struggle with asthma and pneumonia just one day before his 53rd wedding anniversary.

His wife Ann, 76, said: “Donald was such a kind person. He was extremely modest and was one of those people who never realised just how good he was.”

Mr Smith, who has two children – Andrew, 52, and Carolyn, 49 – was a keen cricketer and got noticed for his talents at an early

Donald Smith age while attending Stockport Grammar.

He went on to study at Cambridge University, where not only did he manage to gain a law degree but also played for the cricket and football teams.

Donald played alongside all-time greats Freddie Trueman and Leonard Hutton, and turned down the chance to play professionally.

Brian Rendell, who knew Mr Smith from his early days of playing the sport, said: “Donald was always excellent at cricket.

“We became close friends when he played for Stockport, he loved local cricket and he played for Cheshire County and Poynton too.

“He was approached by clubs wanting to sign him professionally but he loved the game too much to take it on at a serious level.”

Despite refusing to go professional, Mr Smith remained a keen sportsman and would play cricket regularly as a hobby along side his teaching position at Marple Hall School.

Mrs Smith explained how her and Mr Smith’s love of sport was one of the reason their lasted so long.

She explained: “Donald loved his sport – whether it was cricket or football – and I loved playing golf and skiing.

“We always made sure we enjoyed our own hobbies as well as making time for each other – we were never the type of people to just sit in.”

Since the death of her husband, Mrs Smith says she has been inundated with messages of good will and kind words about him.

She said: “I am overwhelmed by the kindness of people, everyone’s been wonderful.

“Those Donald has taught and those he had played against all remember him – that alone sums up the type of person he was. Very memorable.”

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