Martyn Smith
It is with great sadness that I bring you news of Martyn Smith’s death.
Martyn had been a Sandwell Liberal Democrat Councillor for nearly 30 years and was re-elected to office in May 2007. He was a real driving force in the Council group and amongst the local West Bromwich party.
Martyn had been suffering from a serious illness for a considerable amount of time and deteriorated over the course of the weekend. He was taken to hospital in the early hours of Monday morning and passed away peacefully later in the day. I was with Martyn for a few hours on Monday and am pleased to say he didn’t appear to be in any pain.
I would like to place on record here my deepest sympathies to Martyn’s family, in particular to his wife and fellow Councillor Sadie Smith, who did a wonderful job in caring for Martyn as his condition deteriorated.
This is a huge loss for both Sandwell Council and the Liberal Democrats locally.
Please feel free to leave comments here and I shall pass them all on to the family.
October 10, 2007 at 4:06 am
How sad. I only knew Martyn (and Sadie) from Cix and he always seemed absolutely committed to the cause, sharp as anything and well rehearsed in every issue I read from him.
October 10, 2007 at 1:44 pm
This is very sad indeed. I knew Martyn from years back when I was campaigning in Perry Barr just over the border from them in Great Barr.
A true Liberal stalwart and one who will be sadly missed. My sympathies to Sadie and family.
October 10, 2007 at 7:05 pm
I felt I knew Martyn from my old CIX days. I liked what he wrote and I like the positivity coming from him. Such a shame.
October 11, 2007 at 8:34 am
My sincerest sympathies Dave.
October 12, 2007 at 8:16 pm
Very sad news indeed. Martyn helped me on a number of issues, even though I live in the neighbouring ward, and i found him most pleasant. He was one of the few councillors I had respect for.
October 14, 2007 at 11:43 am
[...] the sad death of Martyn Smith earlier this week, the year ahead is going to be tough at best. Martyn did an incredible amount of [...]
October 14, 2007 at 7:20 pm
I remember Martyn and Sadie from the 1970s, and was immensely saddened to hear the news. Please convey my condolences and best wishes to Sadie.
October 16, 2007 at 6:12 pm
[...] Martyn, you’ll be sorely missed The funeral of former Sandwell Liberal Democrat leader Martyn Smith took place this afternoon at West Bromwich [...]