Obituary: Jos Smith

Jos Smith

Jos Smith unexpectedly died at Royal Oldham Hospital on Monday 1 May 2017 at the age of 88 following complications after a routine operation.

The much-loved husband of Sheila Smith, and wonderful devoted father to Lisa, Sarah, Paul and Brian, also leaves behind his grandchildren Jonathan, Joshua, Shauna, Shelby and Mollie, and three beautiful great-grandchildren Jessie, Gracie and Pearl.

Jos was a loving family man who was devoted to his wife and very proud father of his children for their successes in life. His family was his life.

Jos was born in Lancaster on 17 February 1929 but lived in Rochdale from a very young age with his late mother, May Truman, and late dad, James Truman, and his brothers and sisters.

He served in the armed forces for six years from 1946, where he started his own demolition business, P & J Brothers with his siblings. They were even well known for demolishing Britain’s most famous haunted hotel, The Palace Hotel in Southport, in 1969.

His interests included music from the 1950s-1960s. He also enjoyed horse racing, darts, being outdoors and spending quality time with his family. His favourite holiday destination was Spain.

He is described by his family as: “Always having a smile on his face, if you were in trouble and he could help, he would without question. Those who met him, remembered him. He was a very proud man with a brilliant sense of humour.”

The funeral service will be held at Rochdale Crematorium on Thursday 18 May at 2.20pm for those wishing to pay their respects.

Family flowers only please, donations are accepted and will go to the Poppy Mai Foundation.

All funeral enquiries to:

Clifford Oldham Funeralcare
203 Drake St
Rochdale
OL11 1EF
01706 646186