The obituary notice of CARL SMITH

Just heard the news and wanted to add to the tributes that have already made. I will always remember Carl as the smiling face that used to meet us training at Holme Pierre Point and later in Nottingham town or at Henely. He brought joy to my day.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

I have only just heard today that Carl has passed away. I am totally stunned. I remember with great fondness training with the guys in Nottingham in the early 80's. I have many wonderful memories of Carl and in particular his wicked smile and sense of humour. I admired him greatly (I so wanted to scull like him!) and particularly remember the excitement at watching him win his very deserved Gold medal with Alan in front of a home crowd in Nottingham.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family

Caroline Dillon

I know that good memories bring laughter. In time, our good memories of my cousin Carl will bring much laughter for all of us who will miss him. Our family was very proud of Carl’s incredible accomplishments as an athlete representing Great Britain. Reading tributes from rowers all over the World continues to move me. Thank-you for sharing your thoughts.

Other than a great rower, Carl was many other things. He is and will always be a father, a brother, a son, a nephew, a cousin, a mate, a friend, a coach, a colleague and a mentor to many. I know if you experienced Carl in any one or more of these relationships you were blessed, because in each of these roles I know he excelled. Carl made all of our lives so much better.

Ben, Lydia, Ros, Carl's sister Gail, Brooke and Mark, your family in Canada shares your loss. We're always here for you. Love "Uncle Dan".

I first knew Carl from his school days at Jesse Grey and West Bridgford Comp. Even in those days he was always a likeable lad and enjoyed his sport. On leaving school our paths diverged but I followed his rowing exploits and successes through the media.

It was not until I met my wife Tonia Williams (see early tribute) that I really appreciated the scale of these achievements and the scale of the man. one word - "OARSOM"! It was a pleasure to have known you. You lived the life.

A very sad and untimely loss - my thoughts are with all your family.

Stephen Payne - Auckland NZ

Carl was my mentor, from the age of 10 he was an inspiration to me and someone I wanted to emulate. I used to watch him sculling on the Trent whilst having history lessons at Becket. I was fortunate enough to have rowed with him in many races and won many medals with him shouting at me from the 2 seat or the 6 seat to push, and go and dont let them catch us and go for the record. My sympathy to Ros, Ben and Lydia, he was the best. Love Toby Stella and the kids.

To all Karl's family and friends,

Having just heard the sad news of Karl's passing, I wish to express my condolences and those of all my fellow oarsmen to all his family and friends. As part of the Irish Lightweight Squad during the early 80s, I got to know Karl and his other crew mates. Whilst our initial contact was one of rivals we had huge respect for his lightweight four who beat us on the way to winning the Visitors in 1982. As mentioned in previous tributes, he was a gentleman,an outstanding athlete and a true ambassador for the sport of rowing.

Gerry Macken, Neptune Rowing Club Dublin

'Ar dheis lamh De go raimh a anam'

Very sad and shocked to hear of Carl’s death. My memories of Carl go back to his pre NCRA years when ‘Snapper’ Carl the teenager rowed with us ‘old men’ and won his first 2 pots at his first regatta winning elite B 4’s and 8’s. Not bad for a novice! 10 strokes off the start he shouted across to the opposition with a chuckle ‘See you then lads!’
Happy days!
Carl, you will be greatly missed. Love & condolences to you Ros, Ben & Lydia.

Sid Mitchell NURC

Carl
Ours is just a simple prayer
God Bless and keep you in his care

Caring thoughts to the Ros Ben Lydia Family and Friends
From Peter and Annie xx

Carl, Gibbon, your nickname at school, such a lovely school friend, will always remember you, can never change your school days. much love to all your family. RIP carl
sian xx