Mervyn SMITH Obituary

I only knew Merv through my association with
the "Taste for Food" TV commercials ( I wrote and he performed) over a 3+ year period). We seldom met and never socialised though I did get an invite to see his trains. He always gave 110% as far as performing in these commercials was concerned, and certainly enhanced them with his acting-performing talent and rapport with his sidekick, Pam Seebold

Merv you were a top broadcaster on the radio in the Golden days of 1ZB.We'll always remember you on the radio in the mornings before school in the 1960s and 70s as well as appearances on tv at AKTV2. Loved McCarey the spider and Fortescue Frog, two great characters.
R.I.P Merv.
From Ian, Paul, Mike & Shirley Davies.

Dear Merve,you were a great guy.I listened to you daily and so did my 3 Boys before they went to School.I send my sincerest sympathy to your Wife and family.Rest peacefully with all your loved ones that have gone before you.God Bless Merve.Heather Richards.

Dear Gill and Family So sorry to hear of
Merv's passing. Kim Mark and I send ourCondolences, we have many happy memories
of our Times together
Love and Best Wishes,
Val Hoare.

Dear Merv Smith you were on our radio every weekday morning years ago and we always thought of you as someone we knew, a friend. I remember you saying one morning "I looked in the mirror this morning and thought it's enough to frighten small children" Always happy like that.
We really enjoyed taking the Grandkids to see your wonderful display at Monterey Park and know that trains were one of your great loves. Our love and sympathy to your family. Thank you for all the memories.
Jos and Frank Riley. Glendene [now Geraldine South Island ]

So sad to see you go. I will treasure great memories living next door in Avondale. The amazing miniature world that you created in the garage and the funny little car that you drove - quite a sports car back in the day. All my love to Gill, Lloyd and Terry and your families.
Kim Barrow

Merv, thank you for being a GOOD teacher when I was learning the craft of being a broadcaster. I'm absolutely certain I wouldn't be where I am today if you and hadn't met. To your wife Gill, John and Caroline Chapman who gave me my first full time radio gig at FM Country. Merv will be remembered as a kind generous man. Rest easy, New Zealand's first radio super star.

I loved your show, from the National Anthem (Bluegrass Band style) to McHairy and your jocular happy style.
I will never forget winning the clock radio as the daily winner of the 'Name the Auckland Zoo new elephant' competition. My entry 'Hyacinth' eventually losing out to Kashin. It was great fun.
You will be missed.
Condolences to Gill and your family

Merv was a close friend of my father Barry, great memories of playing with the train set in the garage, a wonderful caring and very funny man. Much love to you and your family . Our thoughts and great memories are with you. Love The Simeon Family xx

Vale Merv - I am deeply saddened by the loss one of the best friends I ever had. Dear Merv, I will miss knowing I can talk or send messages of railways worldwide. However and forever more, you can now build the biggest Pikki Pikki ever! I was privileged to have had a wonderful friendship with a gentleman. Gill, Lloyd, Terry and your families, I am choked with tears and send the deepest of condolences to you all. Phil

Now on the train to Eternal life ....
Truely outstanding broadcaster very funny man , great workmate and
special friend . The wireless in Heaven will be compulsory listening
with your arrival Legend .
Hon. John Banks Radio Pacific ( circa late last century )

Thank you Merv for the joy you bought over 40 years to blind and low vision people to whom you bought to life, through your beautiful narration, the books they loved to read. You were well loved by them and will be sadly missed.

All of us at the Blind Foundation are thinking of you Jill and your family at this sad time as you farewell Merv who was generous, talented, caring and giving. Thank you for sharing him with us.

Sandra Budd
Chief Executive
Blind Foundation

Thank-you Merv for my great child-hood memories.
Thank-you for memories of my young adulthood....getting up at 5 a.m. to go to work: "Wake up New Zealand, it's 5 o'clock." Followed by the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band playing the National Anthem. The world was enriched by your presence. Michael.