John Smiley, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, died peacefully in August 2025 at the age of 82. Born in July 1943 to Elsie and Norman Smiley, he grew up in Beaconsfield with Ruth, Caroline, and Tim, developing a love of nature, adventure, and meticulous attention to detail.

John attended Davenies Prep School in Beaconsfield and then Marlborough. He made strong friends there as he shared the highs and lows of boarding school life in late ‘50’s. He was a keen sportsman, particularly enjoying hockey and cross country. He thrived under the Housemastership of Dennis Silk, whom was later to become Warden at Radley to his sons Tom and Mark.

After Marlborough, John read Chemistry at Oxford, following his father’s example. His time at New College was formative—intellectually and personally. He captained the college hockey team (1963–1964) and the Oxford Occasionals. He embraced student life with energy and warmth. At a commemoration ball in 1963, he met Victoria (Vicky) Hambly; their partnership of over fifty years was marked by laughter, shared faith, birdwatching, and Hebridean holidays.

John’s career began at Guinness, managing hop farms and later in Personnel at Park Royal, before moving to Lloyd’s of London with Thomas R. Miller and Sons.

Faith, nurtured from childhood, became the defining thread of his life. His relationship with Christ was thoughtful and sincere, expressed through service to family, church, and community. He worshipped at St Helen’s Bishopsgate and St James, Gerrards Cross, later helping to establish a congregation in Henley-on-Thames. In retirement, as founding chairman of A Rocha UK, he united his love for creation with his conviction that caring for the earth is a Christian calling.

John will be remembered for integrity, gentle humour, and unwavering faith. His family take comfort in his words: “looking forward to heaven”—and now, at last, he is home. He is survived by Vicky, sons Tom and Mark, and six grandchildren.