Whitby RNLI is paying tribute to former Chaplain
The lifeboat station's flag has been at half mast in memory of Reverend Canon David Smith
Whitby RNLI is paying tribute to former Chaplain Reverend Canon David Smith.
The lifeboat station's flag has been at half mast in memory of him.
Canon David Smith became the Chaplain at Whitby RNLI lifeboat chaplain in 2007 after he took over from Father Terry Leathley.
However his first encounter with the crew was when he stepped into help at the station during a call-out.
Back in 2007 a tragedy was unfolding in Whitby after a boat capsized in stormy conditions and all three on board drowned.
Mr Smith happened to be passing the station that day and went inside to offer his assistance.
He stayed all day making cups of tea for those involved, the crew who had responded to the incident, retrieving the casualties from the water, and police conducting interviews. The RNLI says he brought a calm presence to what was a difficult day for the volunteers.
The charity added that no-one had met him before as he had just taken on the role of Rector of Whitby, but Whitby’s Coxswain Howard Fields said he was part of the furniture after that.
He said: "He came back the next day, and then after that we saw him regularly, he was our chaplain and then later press officer. David had a knack of always being in the right place at the right time and always knowing what to say. He was very well respected amongst the crew and has been a friend to them over the years, providing emotional support after particularly difficult call outs.
"He was a great listener, calming but he also had a sense of fun too, one look from him and you knew what he was thinking."
Mr. Smith supported the crew through good times and bad, christening many of the crew's children aboard the lifeboat, conducting funerals and weddings, and always supporting them.
His funeral service will take place on Friday 13th May in St. Mary Magdalene Church, Yarm at 1pm prior to cremation in the chapel of St Hilda, Teesside Crematorium at 2.15pm. Family and friends are being asked to meet at the churches, with family flowers only. Donations in lieu if so desired to Kidney Research UK and RNLI Whitby Lifeboat.