Although there were a few tears at Craigton Crematorium mostly there were laughs and smiles - his pal Colin Arbuckle recounted a life of activity - as well as his family QV had interests - his early membership of the Boy’s Brigade predated service to the Masonic order in Lodge Oatlands (of which he became Master), the Royal Arch, the committee of Cardonald Bowling Club. Small in themselves they show a pattern of putting something back into life rather than only ever looking out for number one.
And it showed - the Crematorium was filled to overflowing - with family, friends and workmates who came to show their respects. The crowd flowed out into the corridors and into the open air. There simply wasn’t enough room for everyone. For some all they heard of the service was “The Lord’s My Shepherd” and the closing hymn “We Have An Anchor” - sung at Drew’s own request “with gusto” by the assembled at the end as a reminder of his childhood days in the 167th Boys Brigade company.
In Cardonald Bowling Club for a bite to eat we giggled about his contributions on the website, his articles in the fanzine, his patter down the pub and how he’d probably be a bit bemused by the response to his passing shown on the messageboard.
As time goes by and the threads about him slip off the messageboard we’ll leave QV’s part of the Rangers story behind. But his passing will not be un-noted - in years to come his love of his club will shine through to those who comes across his writings in old copies of the fanzine in private collections and libraries around the world.
We may not build statues or write a biography about Drew Smith but the fact that he cared enough about his club to get up off his backside to write and campaign is his testimony - if we had a few more like him the world would be a better place. His contribution to Rangers is appreciated by his friends and will stand the test of time. Don’t grieve for Drew Smith - thank him for his effort and then go and do something similar yourself - that’s what he would have liked.
Thanks for all the laughter, Drew - it was a pleasure to have known you.
“We have an anchor that keeps the soul,
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,
Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour's love. “