Scroll down to read some of the wonderful tributes  and dedications to DR

Unfortunately, sad news has reached Trials Central on the death of British Trials star, Don Smith. Don passed away peacefully in hospital on Wednesday 6th October at the age of 66.

A charismatic character, Don reached the height of his career in the 60's, being a factory rider for Greeves and also associated with Montesa, Bultaco and Kawasaki. He was a double winner of the European Trials Championship.

The funeral will be held at 16.30 on Thursday 14th October 2004 at West Suffolk Crematorium Bury St Edmunds Address Nr Risby, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP28 6RR.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made if desired, payable to the NCCU Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 2QQ, UK

Flowers should be sent to the Funeral Directors: Michael Denney and Sons, 27 High Street, Lakenheath, Brandon, Suffolk ,IP27 9JS.

Our thoughts are with Don's family at this sad time.

r2wtrials wrote on 11.10.2004:
Everyone trials rider should read his "ride it" book... my bible when i was a kid starting in this great sport... sorry to see him go

Vojta Klecka wrote on 10.10.2004:
Don,
have nice trial "up there"
and do not forget paket of cigarets in the saddel of yours
"trial-bike-of-heaven.."
as you always had..

We all see you there soon or later..
WBR Vojta Klecka.

What a sad day for trials. Don Smith was a great ambassador for trials over many years. He was a true professional but had time to speak to anyone. If he couldn't remember someone's name he had a novel way around the problem, he just called you ACE!

He told me recently that his book Ride It! was becoming popular, having been many years out of print. But he also said: "If you see one in a bookshop, just as you are about to buy it, say to the seller - is it a signed copy or totally original? The seller won't know, so then open it up and if it's blank, say... Oh Dear! I wanted a signed copy and barter the price down, he went on ... if it has my signature on it, say... Oh Dear! I wanted an unsigned copy and barter him down"

That was Don!

"A Gentleman can never have too many motorcycles"!

I don't know where Gustav Franke is these days but if he's still around it means that Don was the first "World Champ" to pass away.

A great loss for trials. Godspeed Don.

That book certainly hooked me into the best sport in the world. It's enthusiasm is as infectious now as it was when it was written

Pictures of DR and the Greeves were the inspiration for me to switch to pre-65, because that was the bike I'd wanted ever since my father took me to a mid 60's Bemrose.

Don was perhaps unfortunate to be at his peak at the same time as Sammy Miller, but rather then bemoan the fact, it seems to have made him even more determined to succeed.

God bless you Don, thanks for everything.

I had the fortune to attend a couple of weekend Trials schools run by Don back in the 70's. Don made a return back to the sport in recent years and when ever we met he always greeting me with a smile and a remark about being one of his old pupils. (with my standard of riding most people would probably prefer to forget) Last February Don agreed to be guest at our Club award evening dispite it being at one of our events that he did his shoulder injury that stoped him riding for about the last year. During the evening Don frequently disapeared, we soon found him out side having a quick puff. Soon after I next met Don at the pre 65 awards presentation at Kinlockleven. Well to be precise just outside the hall once again!

Thank you Don for inspiring me as a young lad. We don't produce many Trials Champions in this part of the world (Eastern Center), but you proved the exception.

Stuart

Got the book, is brilliant.

Incredibly sad to see such a great character go. Don't forget the fags and keep yer feet up on the ride up there.
Pete.
 

Don Smith passes
 

We received this message from the family of Don Smith. Don was European Trials Champion in 1964 - 1965, 1966 - 1967 and 1968 - 1969.
 

"We regret to announce the passing of our father, Don DR Smith. He passed away
yesterday 6th October at 15.20. His passing was peaceful. This is a very sad
time for the family and indeed a great loss to the sports of Motorcycle Trials
and Speedway. Don was associated with Greeves, Montesa, Bultaco, Kawasaki to
name but a few."

The Montesa Story/History PDF also features DR

Monday, October 11, 2004

kt 250 trials

Monday, October 11, 2004 Don Smith passes message from the family of Don Smith. Don was European Trials Champion in 1964 - 1965, 1966 - 1967 and 1968 - 1969. "We regret to announce the passing of our father, Don DR Smith. He passed away yesterday 6th October at 15.20. His passing was peaceful. This is a very sad time for the family and indeed a great loss to the sports of Motorcycle Trials and Speedway. Don was associated with Greeves, Montesa, Bultaco, Kawasaki to name but a few."

The death of Don Smith 

The death of former motorcycle trials ace Don Smith on Wednesday marked the passing of a remarkable character in British motor cycle sport and shocked his rivals. He was a factory sponsored rider in the sixties with Greeves, Montesa and Kawasaki with an enviable record in British and European events. Known througout the biking world for his trademark of a cigarette clamped between his lips, whether riding in a contest, or socialising. A double winner of the European Trials Championship, and in the main the creator of what became the world trials championship, Don  Smith won the formative Henri Groutars trial in 1964 and 1967. The trial was upgraded to European status a year later and Smith took the first full title. He was planning a return to trials after a shoulder operation, riding a British single cylinder Triumph machine, supplied by his old rival Sammy Miller, also a multi champion on bikes. He leaves a son Paul and daughters Karen and Amanda. He passed away in Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, not far from his Bury St Edmunds home. Funeral details have  yet to be released. Close friend Peter Gaunt was shocked to learn of his death and was looking forward to riding against his rival of forty years ago within the next few weeks. 

Barry Robinson