Tributes paid as Herbie Smyth passes away

Tributes have been paid to a Tandragee businessman who passed away yesterday (Tuesday, April 25).

Herbert (Herbie) Smyth was a well known figure having run a popular and successful furniture shop there for many years.
He died peacefully in Craigavon Area Hospital.

Late of Rose Cottage, Glebe Hill Road, Tandragee, Herbie was the beloved husband of Betty, also a treasured brother of John and Rhoda.

A family death noice requested the house be kept private.

His funeral service will take place on Friday at 12 noon in Tandragee Presbyterian Church with committal following in the adjoining Churchyard.

Family flowers only please, donations for the benefit of Tandragee Presbyterian Church via www.MilneFuneralServices.co.uk/donate or cheques made payable to Tandragee Presbyterian Church c/o Milne Funeral Services, 59 Seagoe Road, Portadown, BT63 5HS.

The family death notice concluded: “Very deeply regretted and sadly missed by the entire family circle.

“Absent from the body, present with the Lord.”

Local estate agent and councillor Paul Berry paid tribute to Mr Smyth stating, “Tandragee has lost one of life’s true gentlemen, not just my Landlord for my business but a good trusted friend. Promoted to Glory.”

Others also paid tribute with one posting on the Milne Funeral Services Facebook page, “Such sad news... Herbie was a true gentleman, one of the most sincere people, and a great boss back in the days of Tandragee Property Sales and the Furniture Shop. Deepest sympathy and prayers to Betty and all the family circle.”

Another stated, “So sorry for the passing of Herbie, he was a lovely man that helped us buy our first home where my boys grew up. He was so special to us. I’m so sorry Betty, his loss is heartbreaking.”

Tandragee based journalist and author, Billy Kennedy, paid a fullsome tribute to Mr Smyth, “Herbie was a respected pillar of the community, if anyone deserved the dedication ‘Mr Tandragee’ it was him.”