A tribute to Richard Smethers (EG 1962) by Gordon Stringer
Richard Smethers (EG 1962), who has died at the age of 73, attended Highgate School from 1962 to 1968.
His time at school is best recorded by Headmaster Alfred Doulton's final report:
"He can be content! These are high grade reports in their own right, and he will have been exceptionally well organised to have achieved them with all his commitments. He has a very strong head - intelligence, integrity, perseverance, the courage of his convictions, versatility and natural courtesy. (PS - this list could be extended). His influence on our life has been strong and healthful. To me he has been a good friend. Farewell ."
The "commitments" that the Headmaster referred to were sporting as well as academic. Richard was an outstanding cricketer and Fives player, being awarded school colours from 1966 to 1968 in both sports, together with second XI football colours in 1967-68. He was also Head of House, and Head of School in his final year.
For a number of years Richard was secretary of the OC Fives Club and was a strong, regular team member in the 15-year record of wins in the Alan Barber Cup from 1977 to 1991. He was a sound player and reached the semi-final of the Kinnaird Cup with Mark Williams after an all-Cholmeleian quarter-final. In doing so, he defeated Mike Hayes and Robin Rumsam in a marathon 3-2 match. However, his opponents recall, with some mirth, though not without irk at the time, that from the back court, they could not see when or where the ball was coming through two well-proportioned opponents, until the last moment!
At cricket, Richard became a top-class opening batsman, mainly for Barnes CC. He hit the ball with lovely timing, cleanly and powerfully, and on his day, he could dominate the strongest bowling attack. He played a leading role in the Cricketer Cup when the OCs inflicted a surprise defeat on the Repton Pilgrims.
Golf for Richard was erratic, but he was also an accomplished pianist and sang in choruses throughout his life. All this with great modesty and no self-aggrandisement. As everyone found, Richard was so good to be with. One looked forward to seeing him, knowing that conversation would be lively, varied and amusing. He had a great sense of fun and an almost impish sense of mischief.
Richard built a successful professional life in the esoteric world of rubber trading, despite it being a business both competitive and risky. In 1974, he joined the trading desk at Lewis and Peat, then one of the world's oldest and largest distributors of natural rubber. He remained there for 26 years until the company collapsed. However, he was taken on elsewhere and he continued to trade rubber, predominantly from Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. As the manufacturing and customer base shrank in the UK, Richard grew a network of agents and customers, mainly covering Turkey, Serbia, Greece and Israel. He retired in 2019 and set up his own company, which occupied him during the pandemic.
The Worshipful Company of Barbers admitted Richard as a liveryman, something of which he was most proud.
Richard was dealt a poor hand in health, suffering from Crohn's disease for most of his adult life. But he didn't make excuses and made light of the problems to make full use of his many talents. He came to terms with Crohn's, going in and out of hospital for several operations. The illness that caused him so much discomfort and inconvenience led directly to him meeting Caroline whilst an inpatient at St Marks Hospital. Three years later they were married and had a daughter, Imogen. From then on, Richard's central focus was home life, and especially bringing up Imogen. He took immense pride in Imogen - with every justification. The closeness of this small family unit was clearly evident in his final weeks in hospital and the hospice following Richard's devastating diagnosis of sporadic CJD.
The well-attended funeral, ended with three rousing cheers - a fitting gesture for someone who leaves such a void and who cared and gave so much to others.
Our condolences go to Caroline, Imogen and his extended family.
Gordon Stringer