Bob Smith, who owned Smith & Son at Western International with son Paul, has died, aged 63.
Bob, who had also served on the market’s Tenants’Association as Vice Chairman for close on five years, died on December 13.
He came from a family of bookmakers, but started his working life at the age of 15 with Georgie Hill, a South Ealing greengrocer. After a brief spell at the airport, Bob returned to the trade and worked as a porter for Knight & Rawlings at Brentford and later as salesman for the Williams Group for close to 20 years.
Following an eight-year excursion as a publican, Bob returned to the market, where he was a salesmen for Woodland Range until Smith & Son opened its stand in 1995. This partnership with son Paul continued until Bob’s retirement due to ill health in October 2006.
Bob had a life long interest in sport, in his younger days playing squash to County standard and football for the market team over many years. Although never a player, he was an avid watcher of rugby, and he also owned a share in a racehorse trained by Pat Eddery.
Bob leaves a widow, Marina, son Paul and daughter Amanda, grandchildren Robert, Grace, Oliver and Maisie.
The family report an overwhelming number of cards and thoughts received from the many friends Bob made in his life, and sends their thanks to everyone. The donation fund stands at nearly £7,000 at the moment and, in addition to the blood testing machinery already purchased, it is hoped that a mobile scanner can also be obtained.
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