Herbie Smyton, one of life’s gentlemen, was part of the fabric of Portadown society

Herbie Smyton, a highly respected and well known member of Portadown society for generations, has died - leaving a huge legacy in his wake.

He died peacefully, aged 70, at his home in Margretta Park, surrounded by his loving family on September 13.

Herbie was born on January 9, 1950, to Thomas and Margaret Smyton who lived in the Clogher Valley area.

With a younger sister Florence, the family lived in the Clogher area up until Herbie was around five years old when they moved to Bleary due to his Dad’s work.

Herbie attended Bleary Primary School and Lurgan Boys’ Junior High School. He attended Knocknamuckley Boys Brigade and was a regular attender of Sunday School at Knocknamuckley Parish Church.

In his youth Herbie enjoyed going to dances and helping on a farm during school holidays.

He met his wife Evelyn Carson in 1969 while she was training to be a nurse at the former Lurgan and Portadown Hospital. They married in 1972 in Mullaghdun Parish Church (Fermanagh).

Initially they set up home in ‘The New Craigavon’ and later settled in Portadown. This year, 2020, marked 48 years of marriage during which time they were blessed with a daughter, Lynette and a son, Richard and later a daughter-in-law, Elaine and six very much loved grandchildren, Adam, Alexandria, Matthew, Joe, Aaron and Harry.

Herbie’s working life was a busy one. He held various jobs before starting a financial career with The Provident. After completing financial exams he moved to work with United Dominions Trust.

Herbie progressed in his career from salesman right through to management level before moving to work in GE Capital WoodChester Finance.

He moved to self-employment as a financial broker for around ten years before he retired.

Herbie had lots of interests and passions, one was to see the progression of young people. He loved to help young people reach their full potential. This passion led him to become involved as a  leader with Seagoe Church Lads Brigade.

He founded Portadown Boys Football Club alongside Ronnie McCoo and, through this, he was asked to join a committee to set up Edenvilla.

He then became a director of Edenvilla Multi-Sports Facility with Dessie Gregg. It was through this passion that he became a Mentor for over 15 years with the Princes’ Trust.

Herbie was a keen gardener, a fair-weather golfer and enjoyed getting out and about and keeping himself fit with his walking club and yoga in his spare time.