David Smith - a true gentleman of the shipping industry. I first met Dave around 1969/70 when I was a newly appointed sales rep for one of the many shipping lines that had offices in London at that time and he handled the shipping operation of a wine and spirit merchant that had offices in Deptford if I remember rightly. Unlike many people that held such a position Dave always had time to spare for a visiting rep and would do so, more often than not, even if no appointment had previously been made. His jovial personality coupled with his detailed knowledge resulted in his becoming well respected within the industry, indeed, I would go as far as to say that he was one of the outstanding characters of shipping in the second half of the 20th. century For his sins Dave never really managed to escape my calling on him over a period of 25 years during which time we became firm friends. As time passed our individual circumstances both changed dramatically but we still kept in touch and, even though I eventually no longer worked in shipping, I would still look him up for a chat when I was in Horsham under a different guise and we would mull over bygone times. Years passed and we both retired but the bond built up over such a long time could not be broken and, although he lived in West Sussex and I ended up in Devon, we remained in touch. Farewell me old mate, it was a pleasure and an honour knowing you but remember - the next time we meet you'll have to introduce me to whichever watering hole you've found.