Obituary: Jack G Smith

A former assistant general manager with the Bank of Scotland, Jack G Smith a died at the beginning of July.

Born in Kilmarnock, the only son of Archie & Evelyn Smith, he was brought up in New Galloway. Jack was dux of St John's Town of Dalry Primary School before going on to Kirkcudbright Academy.

On leaving school, he entered the service of the Union Bank of Scotland shortly before its merger with Bank of Scotland. A transfer to Gatehouse Branch followed and from there he spent his two years' National Service with the RAF in Stornoway.

A move to Bank of Scotland's London chief office came at around the time of his marriage to Margaret - they had known each other since their schooldays at Kirkcudbright Academy.

Their first home was in London. He was eventually returned north to help set up the new branch at Currie. It was while living there that their three sons were born.

Jack was promoted into the inspection department in Edinburgh, where he developed deep and lasting friendships among colleagues with whom he continued to meet up at regular intervals over the years. Managerships at the Lanark and Irish Street, Dumfries, branches followed, then came the senior managership at Annan, followed by his second and final senior managership, at Stirling principal office.

His promotion into branch administration came next, first as a regional manager then, finally, as an assistant general manager from which senior role he retired to Dunblane at the age of 57, but not before having had the Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Scotland conferred on him.

His three sons followed him into the world of finance: Michael, an actuary, is senior insurance risk officer at ING. Derek is a partner with Ernst & Young and Duncan is a director of corporate banking with Bank of Scotland.

A man of high integrity and decency, with a terrific sense of humour, Jack enriched the lives not only of his family and the bank by his qualities, but also of any community where he worked.

He served on the Committee of the Caravan Club in Lanark, was treasurer of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in Dumfries, and was a member of the Rotary Club in Annan, where he was also treasurer of the Annan Old Peoples' Welfare Committee. Jack was hugely honoured when invited to be chieftain of the Stirling Highland Games one year.

An extremely generous host, Jack, with Margaret, was popular and respected by colleagues and customers alike. An evening in their home often included an organ recital by Jack, who maintained a life-long passion for the sound of the cinema organ.

One treasured family possession is the (featured) photo of Jack alongside the famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom Organ.

His passing marks the end of an era for his family, colleagues and wide circle of friends. He is survived by his wife Margaret, their three sons and their wives, and six grandchildren.

REV GEORGE K LIND