RIP - Norm Smith

OBITUARY FOR NORM SMITH

RIP – Norman (Norm) Smith,

Upper Hutt Rifle Club / Trentham Rifle Club.

I am saddened to report the recent passing of long time Upper Hutt / Trentham Rifle Club Member, Norm Smith.

Norm began his shooting career in the early 1960’s in the days of the .303. He steadily progressed through the grades and became a very solid shooter within the Upper Hutt Rifle Club. He was a member of many successful Club teams and, individually, qualified in the Queens 50 Final on at least one occasion.

Norm contributed significantly to the management of the Upper Hutt Rifle Club, being a valuable Committee member for many years. He was Club Selector for quite some time and many of his selected teams won National titles during the 1980’s and 90’s.

Through the Club, Norm met his wife to be, Lyndsay Jones, a fellow shooter who later became a New Zealand Ladies Team representative. When Lyndsay and Norm became a couple, there was a TV show screening at the time, “Alias Smith and Jones,” and this title became somewhat of a joke  amongst Club members.

Norm and Lyndsay have two daughters, Donna and Christine, both of whom were part of the Club scene whilst growing up. I remember Christine being part of the medal ceremonies during the Club’s Centenary Championship in 1991 and, Donna was a very competent Club Secretary during the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. The Smith family, at that time, were very active in organizing and participating in some fun social events, including theme nights and other dress up occasions.

For many years, Norm and Lyndsay took on the role of Clubhouse Custodian, spending many hours cleaning the Clubhouse midweek in readiness for the following Saturday’s shooting. They did a fantastic job and their efforts were truly appreciated by all.

From all members and ex members of the Upper Hutt Rifle Club / Trentham Rifle Club, we offer our sincerest condolences to Lyndsay, Donna, Christine, and families on your sad loss.  RIP Norm.

John R Whiteman,

Trentham Rifle Club.