Chris Smith

Chris Smith, a former Cardinals player and for many years landlord of one of the area’s most popular pubs, has died aged 81. Our sympathies go to a family that has strong connections to the club with two of Chris three daughters, Lucy and Emily, being former players in our Womens team and grandson Huw just graduating from the Colts having played for the club since he was five years old. Chris was a Londoner who moved to Kent in 1972 and became landlord of The Gate Inn at Marshside for 36 years. In addition to playing for the Cardinals in the 1970s and 80s his love of the game inspired him to found Marshside RFC. Daughters Lucie and Kate are married to two former Canterbury first team players – Kate to Tony White and Lucy to Dave Frattaroli. Chris’s funeral is to be a family affair only but there will be a celebration of his life at Chislet Church on October 29th. The family have requested no flowers but donations can be made to the Pilgrims Hospice.