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January 2011

One Of The Boys!
By Phil Westren

The Cornish Pirates and their supporters were saddened to hear that Brian Smart had passed away on New Year's Eve. Aged 81, he was brought up in St. Ives, the son of well-known artist Borlase Smart.

Educated at Kelly College and then Millfield School, Brian did his National Service in the RAF and then spent his working life in the building industry. He had his own company based in Leicester, from where he retired in 1986.

In retirement Brian lived in Morrab Terrace, Penzance, close to the hub of the town. It clearly suited him and enjoyed his singing, painting, membership of the Rotary, and his rugby!

A colourful character, he was much liked by fellow rugby supporters who travelled by coach to watch the Pirates.

On returning to Penzance following an away match, when getting off the bus in the Greenmarket he quietly enquired of John Gendall whether he could join him and friends for a drink in Wetherspoons. John 's answer was, of course, “yes”, and Brian joined the crew around their favourite table looking out onto Market Jew Street. Brian was elated, proclaiming “I'm one of the boys!”

Condolences from the Pirates are expressed to Brian's wife Genie and family, and his funeral takes place in Paul Church at midday on Friday 14th January.