Tributes to retired police chief inspector Sidney Smith

7:50pm Friday 18th July 2008

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TRIBUTES have been paid to a former Selby police chief inspector who has died, aged 85.

Sidney Smith, of Doncaster Road, died in hospital on Sunday after a short illness. He is survived by his wife, Betty, son Michael, daughter-in-law Carole, grandsons Michael and Alistair, and great-granddaughter Sophie.

Michael paid homage to his father yesterday. “He was an extremely compassionate man and would help anyone if he could,” he said.

“We all loved him dearly and we’ll miss him greatly, but of course we’re thankful he didn’t endure prolonged suffering.”

Mr Smith spent 29 years in the police force, retiring in 1976. In his final year in the force, he was in charge of prosecutions in York. Before that, he was sub-divisional commander at Selby for seven years.

He set up a private detective agency after his retirement, which his son, Michael, ran after his father finished working for good aged 67.

He retired to pursue his interests as a founder of Selby Walking Club, a keen gardener and traveller, and a devoted grandfather.

Born in Shafton, near Barnsley, Mr Smith was the third of four children and was a keen sportsman, playing football and cricket. He served in the Second World War and married Betty on his return in 1945.

He joined the West Riding Police Force in 1947 at Morley, near Leeds, spending eight years in the town.

He was later stationed at Barkisland, near Halifax, Rawmarsh, near Rotherham, Shipley and Castleford. In 1961, while at Rawmarsh, where he was promoted to sergeant, he was commended for “courage and devotion to duty in arresting an armed man wanted for attempted murder”.

He was made an inspector upon his move to Castleford and a chief inspector while at Selby. His promotion came just in time to organise the Queen’s visit to Selby Abbey on Maundy Thursday 1969.

On his retirement, Mr Smith built a bungalow in North Duffield.

Mr Smith’s funeral will take place at York Crematorium today, at 2.30pm.

Flowers should be from family members only, but mourners can make donations in lieu to St Leonard’s Hospice.