David Smedley (OK 1948)

David Vincent Smedley 20.11.1930 -29.09.21

A lifelong affection and relationship with the school, an ardent supporter and a best friend since the age of eight and his three sons attending also in the 1970`s, grew up and lived within a seven-mile radius almost all of his life.

A professional career in property as a Chartered Surveyor ultimately self-employed, a Samaritan, a keen interest in politics as a local Councillor and also a public servant as the Deputy Mayor and Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames.

David was born in Southend and grew up in New Malden surrey. He was commissioned in the Royal Engineers and attended The Reading College of Estate Management thereafter. He initially joined the FSVA and was very pleased to be elevated to the RICS when they merged in the late 20th century. He became Hammersons’ most senior non-director and enjoyed a particularly good relationship with its then chief Sidney Mason. And played a big hand in the development of Brent Cross and many other shopping centres when they were much in demand and favour.

Sidney Mason provided plenty of work when he left Hammersons to set up his own property consultancy with Douglas Garrod. David was an honest, hardworking, enterprising surveyor and a dab hand at negotiation-always seeking to find a way forward and avoid conflict. Never has so much been learned by so many in such a short time. His opponents/competitors characterised him as a gentleman of a gentleman.

David was dedicated to his three sons, his two wives and living a good, fun and decent life. Which he achieved. He was a Royal Borough of Kingston District Councillor for ten years, became Deputy Mayor then Mayor in 1990. Was verger at All Saints Church, Kingston for many years and a Trustee of the Elizabethan Chapel in Kingston. He set up a family charitable trust funded by property investments which donated much to really needy causes. He served as a Samaritan for many years listening to and helping people solve their problems. David was a man dedicated to the ethos of public service. And private enterprise. Both with a human touch- he was a people person.

He will be much missed by many. And brought much good into the worlds he inhabited. He leaves three sons and six grandchildren.