A brave and adventurous man from our town who defied the odds every day of his life has passed away, leaving behind an incredible legacy for his proud family.
There are some people in life who you should never underestimate, because the chances are, they will prove you wrong – and Davey Smith was one of those people.
When Davey was born, on April 10, 1959, the world was not always kind or accepting towards people with Down’s Syndrome.
His parents, Joyce and Athur, were told by dismissive doctors that new baby boy would probably not live beyond five years old; he also probably wouldn’t be able to speak or be able to do anything much at all.
But Joyce Smith, already a mum to three, was not having any of it.
“Davey was never treated any differently to me or my brothers and sister,” said Mags Fortune, Davey’s younger sister and the baby of the family.
Right from the beginning, Davey got chances and opportunities just like his siblings, and just like they did, he got a telling off for any naughty behaviour.
“I think that’s why Davey turned out to be the man he did – he would have ago at anything,” said Mags. “He was an amazing character.”
Davey, Mags and their elder siblings – Richard, Charlie and the late Suzie – grew up in Timperleys, Hintlesham.
When he was around 12, the siblings decided to teach Davey to ride a bicycle. After days of secret lessons, plenty of encouragement and a lot of determination, Davey managed to ride and stay on his bike.
When Joyce saw him, she was so proud she burst into tears. However, Davey was concentrating so hard on riding that he had forgotten to steer – and promptly rode straight into the hedge.
Davey attended Belstead Special School until he was around 18 and then spent time learning and doing activities with the Acorn Village in Mistley and later Genesis Orwell Mencap.
Davey loved it there. He was very good with his hands, and became adept in the workshop, creating benches, tables and all manner of garden furniture.
The rest of the family were speedway fans, a love they shared with Davey. However, Davey was so chatty and sociable that they sometimes had a job to keep an eye on him, turning their backs for a just minute and losing him when he wandered away.
They would find him a short time later, happily enjoying a pint with his newfound friends.
Davey belonged to a karate club, which he “absolutely loved”, said Mags. He was known for his signature karate chops.
A music-lover to the end, Davey loved the Spice Girls, ABBA, particularly Waterloo, Elvis, Shakin’ Stevens and particularly the song Kung Fu Fighting by Carl Douglas. He would always be the first person on the dance floor, confidently dancing the night away while others were still finding the courage to join him.
He stayed with Joyce for many years, but for the last 20 years lived in a supported living facility in Ipswich. He was often to be found at Wots Up, an organisation started by Mags which provides social activities, clubs and activity groups for people with physical and learning disabilities.
Davey was an adventurer, a man who never let an opportunity pass him by, often accompanied by his carer and great friend, Trish. He was a keen traveller, enjoying many foreign holidays, and had even flown in gliders and helicopters.
A loving son, brother, uncle and great-uncle, Davey was an inspiration to everyone he met.
Davey Smith died on May 6, 2026, aged 67.
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