A north-east man who developed a passion for training guide dogs during his retirement has died at the age of 69.
David Smith lost his battle with cancer at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, but leaves behind a legacy which testifies to the commitment with embodied his life .
Mr Smith was born in the Granite City in 1947 and attended Aberdeen Grammar School before starting his career at the Stoneywood Paper Mill.
He married his wife Joyce at a young age and had two children with her – Gillian Rich who now lives in Norwich and Lyndsey Gallacher who is based in Torphins.
However, after the love of his life died in 2008, with Mr Smith only recently retired, he felt devoid of purpose before the door suddenly opened to a new chapter.
Mrs Gallacher spotted an advertisement from Aberdeen Guide Dogs, who were on the lookout for volunteers at the time and recommended it to her father.
And, straight away, he welcomed the opportunity to become involved in a new venture where he could actively watch the fruits of his labours.
During his time with the group, he took a total of seven puppies under his wing – all of whom blossomed to become guide dogs.
in addition, he made a habit of collecting donations for the group and promoting their work all across the north-east.
And his unstinting efforts were praised by fellow volunteer Mary Rasmussen.
She said: “The work he did as a volunteer was truly extraordinary.
“It was all voluntary and he did not get paid for it, but he was very committed and, of the seven puppies he took on board, they all managed to become guide dogs.
“This is a stunning achievement, because not all puppies are able to become guide dogs, but he was able to do it with all of them.”
Ms Rasmussen added: “He did not just work with the dogs, but managed to get collections of donations from quite a high number of businesses right across the north-east.
“He would also go and speak to lots of people including children at schools and informed them about our organisation and the work we were doing.”
Much has been written about the bond which exists between animals and humans, and there was no doubt Mr Smith forged a link with the creatures he nurtured from an early age.
At the time of his death, he still had three dogs in his possession – Apple, a brood bitch, Perry, a stud dog and Scout who was a pup.
Other people will need to carry on the work. But nobody who benefited from the charity will forget Mr Smith’s efforts.
