Christopher John Smith (Chris)

Suddenly and unexpectedly on Tuesday 1^st March 2022 our beloved Chris passed away. He leaves a huge hole in the hearts of his family and friends who were always entertained by his stories and extremely dry sense of humour.

Chris was born in Blackburn on 21^st November 1964 to Gerrard and Elizabeth Smith. He was raised in Mill Hill alongside his sister and three brothers and went on to work hard as a partner with his brother in his engineering business. At the age of 20, Chris travelled to Israel where he lived for a year, he had very fond memories and loved to share stories about this time in his life.

He was beloved by everyone whoever met him. A gentleman, an amazing father, grandad and brother and the best husband anybody could wish for. He had a big heart and would always, always put others before himself. He met his wife in 1986, they married in 1991 and went on to raise three amazing children.

It’s hard to make a list of the memories we cherish the most as our lives were packed with so many. Chris loved cars, travelling and clothes. He also appreciated architecture and interior design. He could name the make and spec of any car you pointed out, old or new.  Anybody that knew him will remember him for his love of Belstaff jackets and his dapper sense of style.

Family flowers only please, donations in memory of Chris are being gratefully received on behalf of Yorkshire Ambulance Service and/or Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

 

Please feel free to leave a message for Chris’s online memorial book by completing the form below.

 

MESSAGES for the family of Christopher John Smith (Chris)

 

Amber

It has been an absolute privilege to know Chris. He is truly a one of a kind, amazing man who left a mark on every single person he met. I’m so grateful to have witnessed the incredible bond between the Smith family with Chris at the very heart. You will be so missed by many, many people 

 

Dean Townsend

Thinking of you all. Lots of love, Dean.

 

Becky Smith and family

We are so so sorry to hear of the passing of Chris, he was an absolutely fantastic bloke, one of a kind. We send all our love to you all, if there’s anything me or my family can do please reach out xxxxx

 

Janet and Pete Turner

Thinking of you all at this terribly sad time , sending all our love to Maxine and family xxx

 

Pete Grimble

A amazing man and we did compare belstaff over the years , my deepest condolences 

 

Ryan Eccles

I’m so sorry for your loss. Chris was a truly great guy, the kind of guy you could chat to in the pub about anything. I can’t begin to imagine the hole he has left in so many people’s lives. My heart goes out to all his family. I was extremely privileged to have known Chris for 25+ years. He’ll be sadly missed. All my love to all his family xxxx

 

Fiona

I’m so sorry for your loss of such a wonderful man, he was one of life’s gentlemen. Sending you my love condolences and hugs at this devastating time. Xxx

 

Wendy Newsome

Seeing Chris always reminded me of my happy teenage years with everyone at Beechwood. Im so sorry and saddened by this news. Lots of love to you all xx

 

Ann Slater

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

 

Paul Scholey

Was such a shock to hear this terrible News, I knew Chris a long time, I worked at the Station pub for many years , Chris was a regular , we had many conversations., My condolences to his wife Maxune and family x

 

Martin Mulligan

My heartfelt condolences to Max and the family, Chris was brilliant company, we enjoyed lots of laughs and intense squash matches. Rest in peace mate.

 

Lucy Jackson

You were a gentle sole what a sad time sending love.

 

Anne McGinty

Thinking of Chris’s family and friends at this very sad time. God Bless.

 

Karen Greenwood

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I’m so very sad to hear of the terrible loss of such an amazing man.

 

Pete & Carol

OH! Our good friend Smiffy, how we are going to miss you, the crack, your banter, your whit, the cheeky comments, your trust but most of all You! Jaz, Lew(young Smiffy), Lee and Max, be strong for each other, talk about the good times, you are his legacy. Good Night & God Bless Chris, all our love & thoughts for you all. Pete, Carol, Lisa & Carly

 

Olivia

You can’t think Uncle Chris without thinking about his pristine car that he’s probably giving someone a lift in, his sense of style that should’ve been sponsored by Belstaff/ Barbour, his practical, down to earth demeanour and how much of a lovely bloke he is. Sending my love to all of the Smiths. Uncle Chris is loved by and will be missed by many.

 

Ray O’Horo

Top man. Thinking of you all.

 

Pete, Carol, Lisa & Carly

OH! Our good friend Sniffy how we are going to miss you, the crack, your banter, your whit, the cheeky comments, your trust but most of all You! Jaz, Lee (young Sniffy), Lee and Max be strong for each other, talk about the good times, you are his legacy. Good Night & God Bless Chris. All our Love & thoughts for you all.

 

John McVey

Chris was a true gentleman and will de sadly missed by all who knew him.

 

Michaela and Craig Douglas

Meso very sorry to hear of the loss of this true gent. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends.

 

Lisa-marie Hunt

The friendliest of faces, the kindest of souls and lots of fab memories from The Station Hotel and after! Sending love and hugs to his beautiful family xxx

 

Shaun Spavin

So so sorry to hear awful news, thinking of you all at this incredibly sad time, thinking of Chris always makes me think of games at Ewood, never easy and afternoons at the Station. A top man who will be hugely missed by all who had the pleasure to know him..

 

Carol and David Lee

You are all in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Sweet dreams Chris, fly high with the angels.

 

Tom Rowe

Love to you all Max, Lew and Jas. Chris was a great man, he will be sorely missed. So sorry for your loss x

 

Jill Townsend

AKA Natty! Chris will be remembered as a True Gentleman both of dress and manners. A proud husband, father and grandad . Your smile and your presence will be missed by many xx

 

Debbie Howard

To all of Chris’s family and loved ones, I’m so terribly sorry for your loss. Chris was such a lovely man, always seemed fun, warm and friendly. I’m so very sad to hear of his death. Sending you all so much love and strength at such a terribly sad time. With love Debbie xx

 

Jane Tattersall

Only ever wonderful memories of Chris with Maxine, fun times and plenty of old photos to remember! A lovely, lovely man 

 

Darrell & Lindsay Stuart

Maxine & family, our most sincere condolences to you all. Chris “just there” always and Chris was one of the BEST blokes I’ve ever met. So sad but the memories make me smile.

 

Tracy & Steve Holden

So sorry for your loss Maxine and family, thinking of you all at this sad time.

 

Karen Hamill (place)

Thinking of you all with love xx ❤❤❤❤

 

Janet Symonds (Walker)

So sorry for your loss, sending love and best wishes to you all.

 

Diane Howard

Sending love to you and your family Max. So many happy memories of you two. My heart is broken for you. Chris was such a gentle, kind soul and will be missed beyond comprehension. Fly high Mr Smith ????

 

Tracey, John & Neeve Hulton

Sending all our love to you all. xxxx

 

Becky Eaton

Dearest Maxine and families. Sending love to each of you at this heartbreaking time. Treasure every single memory and treasure how very much Chris was loved by so many people. I pray you will find peace soon Becky.

 

Florence Morgan

I am so sorry to hear this news, Chris was a lovely man and I have fond memories of him from growing up. I am sending all my love to you Jasmine, Maxine, Lewis and all of the Smith family during this time. ❤️ Xxx

 

Karen (Smith) and Stephen Doughty & Martin & Antoinette Smith

Thinking of you all at this sad time. Lots of love.

 

Thomas Cramsie

Thinking of a man that is a giant in my memories. It’s still surreal! As a young kid you and Max treated us all as one of the family. I don’t just mean inviting us into your home, watching movies and feeding us. I mean things like sitting us down and giving stern advice whether we wanted to hear it or not, taking the mickey out of how cool we thought we were, going for runs, and as we grew older sharing a pint and good natter which generally ended up you taking the mickey out of me again????. You were sincere in you the way spoke to people, integrity came naturally, you were the definition of a grafter, and you loved your family. I watched and learnt. It’s sad to think I will never get the opportunity to share another drink but you will always be in my memories as a positive role model. I’m sure I’m not the only one thinking this. Till we meet again.

 

Wilky

A great guy with a big heart, always loved his company chatting about the daft Border terriers we had amongst many other conversations. Rest in peace. Chris, please save us a set at the bar up there.

 

Julie Hindle

We shared many great memories Beechwood, Scooters and always one of the gang who could be relied on for wise advice. Deeply sorry for his family. Love and strength xxx

 

Julie and Hannah Mitchell

Chris was a special man who touched the lives of everyone he knew. He will be sorely missed xxx