In memory of

David Mervyn Gilbart-Smith

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10 Entries

Dianne T.

October 8, 2024

It would appear that I have Mervyn´s collection of Franklin Library Books, so I Googled him to try to see what type of man he was. I never knew him personally but my intuition about him was absolutely correct in believing that he was a lover or fine arts, Shakespeare, books in general, and I would guess that he liked classical music as well. These are all interests that I enjoy as well. Many messages left in his honour state that he was a gentleman. I can believe that about him. I´m glad that I am the new owner of his collection of Franklin Library books. They are comprised of the 100 Greatest Books and another collection of the Greatest Writers. I´ve had these books for a while now, several years, and I cherish them so much. I love books - I´m a bibliophile. I have a vast collection of books in general including antique books and first editions, etc. in all subjects: philosophy, sciences, history, art, acts & plays, poetry, and classical literature, etc. I have many, many books (a personal library) and I am pleased to add Mervyn´s books to my collection. I will cherish them always as I´m sure he did.

Clint Clarke

February 7, 2018

Mervyn was a long time friend to my family and I. We met Mervyn some 25 years ago when we had a stain on our couch. He became a dear friend to us over the years and I was tempted many Times to spill red wine on the carpet just so we could spend an afternoon together. Over the years we shared a connetion to Churchill. Mervyn and my son and I would share a cup tea and a few biscuits overlooking English bay.
We'll miss you my friend!

Joan Stewart

January 31, 2018

Mervyn and his English Bay Blue Aston Martin was a wonderful addition to the Vancouver All British Field Meet at VanDusen Garden each May Victoria Day weekend, and also the following day's All-Brit Run to Whistler. He phoned me during his illness and I was blessed to share a prayer with him. May he rest in peace and may light perpetual shine upon him.

Barrie & Jenny Ihaksi

January 25, 2018

My husband and I first met Mervyn in the 1980's. We soon became friends and often took my mother to have "high tea" with him, and he sometimes had lunch with us and joined us for Christmas. Much to the delight of our grandson, who delighted in his stories of adventure and his recitals!
We will miss him and all he stood for. Rest in Peace dear friend.

Vincent Caffarello

January 10, 2018

I first met Mervyn, via a telephone conversation in June of 1986. I had just begun working at Duraclean Corporate and the then owner and President handed me a list of 36 Duraclean businesses who were still using the original hand cleaning methods. I was asked to inform these owners that the new mechanized systems would provide faster service and deeper cleaning. Anybody who had the pleasure to know Mervyn knows you didn't just call him up and change his ways. To say we had a heated exchange on the phone would be an incorrect classification. Fortunately we became friends after that initial meeting. Mervyn was indeed a, "one of a kind." A history buff with love for the arts while building an incredible loyal customer base performing Duraclean's original hand cleaning for his customers. Mervyn will be missed by everyone whose life he touched and certainly by me.

Mary Paxson

January 4, 2018

I met Mervyn during my years of employment with The Churchill Centre. We got to know each other during a conference in Charleston SC. I was looking for a phone # this am and came across his contact details - so I thought I would google him. So very saddened to hear of his passing. Very good man.

Paula Metcalfe

January 3, 2018

Mervyn will be sadly missed. He was my friend. I will miss his exuberance on everything British, his love of food, his passion for the arts and of course his famous bow-tie. Rest well, my friend. Paula x

Richard Thompson

December 12, 2017

Mervyn and I met as students at the Camborne School of Metalliferous Mining in 1965. Happy days! We stayed in touch, meeting at various places from time to time in Brussels, Marlow, Vancouver, and Pwll Glas, North Wales. He was a steadfast friend throughout his life had both a great sense of adventure and good humour. We spoke several times during the last few months and he remained positive throughout that time. I shall miss his kindness. Above all, he was a gentleman to the end, God bless him.

From Richard Thompson, North Wales U.K. via Vancouver.

Doug Hatlelid

December 11, 2017

Mervyn and I first gravitated towards each other at Bard on the Beach events as fellow wearers of bow-ties. I found him such an interesting and interested man, such a consistently bright spark, that our conversations expanded far beyond neckwear. He was a man of strong opinions, and one that we agreed on was that the reputation of Richard III was unfairly maligned by the otherwise glorious Bard. Gone far too young.

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