Rochdale says goodbye to Sir Cyril Smith

Sir Cyril Smith's funeral - Monday 13 September 2010 - Rochdale Town Hall

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Hundreds of people attended the funeral service of Sir Cyril Smith MBE today (Monday 13 September 2010) at Rochdale Town Hall.

Sir Cyril passed away in Hurstead Nursing Home on Friday 3 September.

Sir Cyril’s brother Norman, Norman’s wife Shirley their children and grandchildren were amongst the mourners which included numerous political personalities, local councillors, friends, family, and members of the public there to say their goodbyes’ to Sir Cyril.

Guests were able to sign a book of condolence on their way into the Town Hall before taking their seats in the Great Hall, many people also piled into the reception area of the Town Hall to listen to the service on the speakers.

Sir Cyril’s coffin was carried up the steps to the Grand Hall and the service began at noon.

The service was conducted by the Rev Gillian Peel from the Rochdale Unitarian Church, she explained that the service was as Cyril had requested and he had chosen both the hymns and the readings for the funeral.

It was clear from the number of people in attendance how many hearts Sir Cyril had touched in his lifetime, each person in the room having there own special connection with Rochdale’s most famous former MP.

The first reading was read by Lord David Alton; he read the poem ‘Death is nothing at all.’ This had also been read at Sir Cyril’s mother, Eva’s, funeral.

Lord Alton explained that he heard of Sir Cyril’s passing whilst away in Africa, when he returned he was met by a letter from Sir Cyril with detailed arrangements for today.

Lord Alton said: “Norman and Shirley, Christine and Craig, you are very much in all our thoughts at this time. Your faithful companionship and devoted love, your daily visits, keeping watch at Cyril’s bedside, is a moving and inspiring example to us all.”

Despite a sense of sadness amongst the mourners in the room, past tales led to spurts of laughter as well wishers were reminded of fond memories of Sir Cyril.

North West Euro MEP Chris Davies, spoke of his memories and time spent with Sir Cyril, he spoke of the letters Cyril wrote and the help he gave to himself and many others.

“He told me, always finish an argument on a high note,” said Mr Davies. “And, he who never made a mistake never made anything.”

Rochdale’s former MP Paul Rowen, described Sir Cyril as: “Cyril, big Cyril, the man, Mr Rochdale, my friend, my mentor.”

Mr Rowen said: “Cyril led and we followed.”

Mr Rowen spoke of Sir Cyril’s help with his own campaign when he stood for council in 1983, he told the guests, “Sir Cyril famously said to me “enjoy it lad – you only won because there was no conservative standing.”

“I know he was disappointed earlier this year when I didn’t win but when I saw him in June he was still as sharp as ever, he said “this coalition will be the death of us.””

Sir Cyril’s nephew Craig B. Smith M.I.H spoke on behalf of the family when he said: “Uncle Cyril, we often say of someone’s passing that they have left a void – Cyril’s passing has left no void.

“He was there when we needed him the most and he will be there always.

“I have many fond memories of Uncle Cyril, he was so generous, he was like a second dad. He spoilt us at birthdays and Christmas.”

Craig told the mourners about a coach trip to Plymouth which he and his sister, Christine, went on with their Uncle Cyril when he was about 10 years old.

On the trip Sir Cyril gave his niece and nephew presents, Craig’s gift was fishing tackle.

The night before the family were due to go on a fishing trip Craig hid his bait under the bed ready for the next day – the smell woke Sir Cyril up and he demanded to know what it was.

Craig told his uncle it was his bait- needless to say Sir Cyril dispatched of the bait out of the hotel window!

Craig said: “Uncle Cyril taught us to treat others how we wished to be treated ourselves.

“I will miss our chats. My dad, Norman, will miss him more than anyone, they were inseparable.”

Craig thanked numerous people especially Christine and Lisa for caring for Cyril.

Craig concluded: “God bless you Uncle Cyril, rest in peace.”

In Cannon Alan Shackleton’s Eulogy he described Sir Cyril as “a great man.”

He said: “He was totally dedicated to the promotion of Rochdale and the welfare of its people.”

The service ended with the song “I did it my way.”

The coffin was carried back down the town hall steps and the family left for a private cremation.