Fitting service in memory of 'kind and compassionate' Eric Smith

Hundreds turned up to honour Eric, who passed away aged 89 at Whiston Hospital on Thursday, April 26 after being taken unexpectedly ill.

Mourners included family, former Tyrers' owner Ali Tyrer and representatives of Gideons International.

A service led by Reverend David Eastwood paid tribute to Eric, described as "kind, gentle, considerate, humble, generous and compassionate".

Described as the ‘right hand man’ to former managing director at the Bridge Street department store, John Tyrer, Eric started as an errand boy at Tyrers at 14.

At 52 Eric became manager of St Helens Citizens Advice Bureau, bringing support to residents with a team of volunteers.

He launched the concept of a Legal Panel, soon afterwards rolled out to CAB offices nationwide and represented the North West Group of CAB offices at National Executive Level.

Eric, a committed "servant of Jesus", was a preacher in the Methodist Church, senior church steward and circuit steward responsible for matters relating to property owned by the Methodist Church in St Helens and Prescot.

He served also as president of the Free Church Council in St Helens.

Eric also founded the first St Helens branch of the Gideons International, seeing every secondary pupil in St Helens, for the past 40 years offered a free Gideon Bible.

He was said to never leave his house without a Gospel on him.

Eric Smith

At the service, anecdotes were told of Eric by son Andrew, revealing his "sense of humour" including the time the lifelong pianist told hospital nurses after a stroke he could not play before now.

A video was also played of him renewing his baptismal vows.

Revd Eastwood paid tribute, stating: "What a wonderful man and what a wonderful life".

A widower to pre-deceased wife Florence, Eric is survived by daughter Kathryn, son Andrew and five grandchildren.

The service was followed by committal at St Helens Crematorium.