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Lawford SMITH Obituary
SMITH Lawford Lawford died peacefully
at Bedford Charter
House on Sunday
27th August 2023.
Much loved husband
of the late Pam.
Father to Amanda,
Sally and Rowland.
Grandad to Sam, Alex,
Freya, Sophie, Grace
and Patrick, Adam
and Ani, Rebecca,
Jack, Eleanor and Harry.
Great-Grandad to
Maddison, Harry, Adeleine,
Archie, Freddie, James,
Darcy and Elsie.
Respected teacher
and musician.
Private cremation at
Bedford Crematorium.
Service of Celebration
in Bury St Edmunds
to be announced in
The Bury Free Press
at a later date.
Tel: 07825 548833
Memories and Condolences
for Lawford SMITH
14 Entries
Kevin Cook
September 29, 2023
Heartfelt condolences to Lawford's family. I owe this lovely man more than I can measure for a lifetime's passion and enjoyment of music. He was responsible for starting me off as a 'cellist at age 12. Though always a hobby rather than a career it has been so fulfilling - not to mention leading me much later to meeting my wife (a fellow 'cellist) and having my current family. A particular memory from those school years is after I had left the Jubilee Lawford inviting me back to play in the band for a production of West Side Story. I owe you so much Lawford. RIP.
John Colleet
September 20, 2023
Lawford Smith joined me on the staff as a year tutor at Westley Middle School when it first opened. He was a very important and well respected member of staff. He was also a very talented musician; we worked together on many school musical productions at Bury Theatre Royal. Some ex pupils, staff and parents might remember these. I thoroughly enjoyed working with Lawford; he was a fine musician, a first rate teacher and a dear friend. He is remembered with great fondness. I send my condolences to all his family at this very sad time.
John Colleer, Headteacher of Westley Middle School.
Bury St Edmunds Friendly Orchestra
September 18, 2023
Bury St Edmunds Friendly Orchestra
September 18, 2023
Bury St Edmunds Friendly Orchestra
September 18, 2023
Bury St Edmunds Friendly Orchestra
September 18, 2023
Lawford was one of the early members of the Bury St Edmunds Friendly Orchestra and a stalwart supporter even after he could no longer play his viola with us.
He arranged music for us and conducted for orchestra members who played at the World Horse Welfare Carol Service held in a tiny church with no electricity. He came up with the inspired idea to conduct wearing white gloves which served to keep his hands warm but also so we could see him conduct!
He had a real twinkle in his eye and his kindness and infectious smile will be remembered by all who knew him. He will be sadly missed and we send our condolences to his family who we hope will find some consolation that he was much loved and respected.
Nic Wright
September 8, 2023
Lawford was also a great contributor to the life of Bury St Edmunds, mostly as a musician. He played the organ until very late in life, despite his agnosticism. He provided music at his home in Guildhall Feoffment in College Street for the annual hidden gardens event. As a viola player, he was an important part of Bury St Edmunds Friendly Orchestra, supporting us and our concerts as long as he could after he had to give up playing.
He was such an important part of the restoration of Bury St Edmunds Theatre Royal that Danusia Iwaszko portrayed him as one of the leading figures in her play A Labour of Love, which celebrated the theatre's restorers. It was performed at the Theatre 16-25 July 16-25 2015.
Like everyone he met, I count him as a friend and an example.
Brian Honeyball
September 5, 2023
Just over 60 years ago, this wonderful human being changed my life ... he taught me (amongst a wealth of so many other things) that there are other possibilites that life could offer us ... and I grabbed this teaching wholeheartedly. Over the years, I have kept in touch with Lawford and although I have lived on the other side of the world, whenever possible I visited him, and we always shared so many wonderful laugh-filled memories. Luckily for me, last month, I managed to visit him a few days before his death. He knew his time was very near, and we talked about all the wonderful - often amusing - things he had done and achieved throughout his life. As we left, he said to my partner: "You now, he (indicating me) always says I did so much for him, but he did much more for me". This was Lawford - kind, sweet, big-hearted, caring, humble, fun-loving, talented and so so lovable!! What a difference he made to so many lives!!
Laura Brummage nee Frost
September 2, 2023
Mr Smith was such a wonderful teacher and one I remember fondly whilst I attended Westley Middle. Always dressed smartly with his bow tie. I would often see him riding his bicycle and he would always smile and give a wave.
Nancy Cushing
September 2, 2023
Mr Smith was a wonderful music teacher at Westley Middle and one my largest influences to continue music as a career. I have fond memories of his involvement in the school productions, always playing The Beach Boys at full volume on vinyl during break times and his fun stories., Over the years we have always stopped to chat in town after his retirement . A fabulous man who will be missed but not forgotten.
Emma Barker
September 2, 2023
Sending all my love to the family and friends of the wonderful Mr Smith.
7 years ago my sister Ami and I had the pleasure of bumping into our beloved Mr Smith. He still supported Westley Middle School Musicals. We were there watching my daughter who was performing.
We chatted about our wonderful memories of the School Musicals, and how lucky we were, and of course, we took a photo! After posting this photo on Facebook we had so many comments of people sharing their own special memories, and I wondered whether he realised how many young people he taught who still remembered him so fondly. I managed to get his address from another teacher from that era, screen shot all the wonderful comments, and printed and posted them to him with a card saying I thought he would love to read all the messages and memories. I then received a lovely hand written card back saying how truly touched he´d been to read everyone´s comments
My folks rang me yesterday on reading that he had passed away. I´ve been thinking about him all day...RIP Mr Smith....you were a true gentleman, with love from your Wendy from "Peter" (Emma Barker) xxx
Kevin Degenhard
September 1, 2023
A wonderfully enthusiastic teacher at the Silver Jubilee Boys´ School in the 1960s. He motivated me to take a life long interest in music. Most importantly he was kind, considerate and cared for his students. So pleased I was able to send him a personal `thank you´ in recent months. RIP Lawford.
Liz Fordham
September 1, 2023
Mr Smith was a lovely teacher, and always took the time to say hello even after I had left school. He was definitely one of the best form teachers you could wish for.
Anne Vine nee Harding
September 1, 2023
Lawford, Pam, Amanda, Sally and Rowland were our neighbours and friends for many years. Lawford was a real gentleman. We kept in touch and he always remembered my birthday and sent me Christmas cards, which I will miss. A lovely man who will be much missed
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