Former Enfield mayor dies

Tributes are pouring in for retired Enfield councillor, Eric Smythe who died peacefully in hospital on Thursday 3rd November.

Eric who was 94, had a long career in local politics and with his wife Rita, who was also a councillor, they clocked up over a 100 years on the council.

Eric and Rita lived in Crescent Road, Edmonton and today Smythe Close is named after them.

Representing the Labour Party, Eric was first elected in 1950 to Silver Street Ward, on the then Edmonton Council before the reorganisation of London boroughs when Edmonton became part of the borough of Enfield.

Later he represented Pymmes Ward from 1964 to 1971 and then St. Peter’s Ward from 1974 to 2002.

He became Mayor of Edmonton in 1963/1964 and was elected
Leader of Enfield Council from1966 to 1968. Later he served another period as Mayor of Enfield in 1999/2000

Professionally he was a journalist and NALGO publicity officer.

Tributes from:

Council Leader Doug Taylor
“Eric made a major contribution to the lives of the people of Enfield. He was tireless in his search for a better life for the most disadvantaged and excluded. He was a major figure in local political life and he will be missed by many.”

Opposition Leader, Michael Lavender
“Eric was the Edmonton councillor for the ward in which I was born and was Mayor of Edmonton when I was born.  There is an inevitable sadness when the present becomes history.  Eric however leaves a legacy for Edmonton; the demolition of much of the poor quality and shared housing in Edmonton and its replacement by much of its social housing serves as a permanent reminder of Eric's vision for the area.”

Cllr Mike Rye, former Council Leader
Eric served Enfield for many years and was a socialist of the old order. While we disagreed politically in the council chamber, he was always most agreeable outside.

Edmonton MP, Andy Love
“With his wife Rita, Eric gave a lifetime of political service. Together they were a dedicated partnership and worked tirelessly for the people of Edmonton. Eric was born in Edmonton and lived there all his life. Politics, Rita and Edmonton were his life.”

Cllr Anne- Marie Pearce and Barry Swain formed an association with Eric after his wife Rita died. They both supported Eric seeing him regularly, especially at weekends. Eric often stayed at their house. Barry said:

“Eric was an independent and spirited man. He was principled and proud of his Edmonton roots – especially the naming of the road Smythe Close at Edmonton Green. He thought of the people of the borough as his family since he had no children, and he was devoted to his wife Rita.

“As mayor he established an association with Edmonton in Canada. To the very end he remained bright, in full possession of his faculties and was always ready for a political discussion.”

Funeral arrangements
Friday 18th November
3.30 for 3.45 at New Southgate Crematorium, Brunswick Park Road, East Barnet, N11 1JJ

The family have requested no flowers but anyone wishing to make a donation should do so to Children's International Voices of Enfield and send via Co-operative Funeral Care, 113-119 Lancaster Road, Enfield, EN2 OJN.