Lifelong Blade dies at 98

[Grappler]

RIP Fred, 95 is a great innings, as has been said, and that is a lovely picture mate.

 

[wavy-blade]

98 is a grand old age as long as you can still manage to get around and are sound of mind its a great innings , i bet he will have seen some changes with the Blades in his time , and a lovely picture with your son '

Don't cry because they're gone, smile because they were here. RIP Blade .

 

[Lawrence]

Sad news: my uncle Fred died last night at the age of 98. Fred Smith was a lifelong Blade who remembered (or claimed he did) when United won the FA Cup in 1925 when he was three years old. One of our oldest surviving fans, perhaps the oldest, he was in the same team school team as Fred Furniss who went on to play for the Blades. Uncle Fred lived in Hackenthorpe having moved there from Attercliffe Common in the 1960s. Until recently he still got the bus into town to meet up for a pint in the Bankers Draft. He was also a keen angler until just a couple of years ago. Here is my favourite picture of him with my son, also a Fred – two Blades, born more than 90 years apart. RIP.

Newbury Blade, Thank you for letting us know a little about Fred! Another true Blade through thick and thin. Condolences to you and your family and to young Fred, love the picture! bless you Fred R.I.P

 

[ashsufc1889]

RIP Mr Smith.

 

[247Blade]

RIP condolences... you've seen the best!

 

[Rufus Smalls]

Very sad news - RIP Fred.

 

[GrayBlade]

RIP Fred. Up the Blades!

 

[Isar]

Wonderful tribute.
RIP Fred.

 

[Johnstreetstand]

RIP . A life worth celebrating. 98 years a Blade.

 

[HammerInPeace]

RIP, grand old man.
Brilliant that he saw you back in the Prem.

 

[William Large]

Quality photo mate. 98 is a proper innings and worthy of celebration in itself. My condolences to you and yours. RIP Blade

 

[Hartley Hare]

Sincere condolences to family and friends Newbury.

Maximum respect to uncle Fred, and great to see the picture to be cherished for years to come.

All to be very proud about, and a real boost, in these dark troublesome days...

HH

 

[Numpty's Dusty Ruts.]

Thanks for sharing this with us Newbury. Although it's sad, it's also uplifting to hear about Fred, who had a very long life and clearly enjoyed it. I like that he enjoyed a pint nearly to the end too. RIP Fred.

 

[JonnyRed(WCFC)]

RIP Uncle Fred..

A great life lost from a great generation of folk that I wish could be around forever as we'll never see their like again.

 

[nopigfansintown]

RIP Blade!

 

[Blade56]

Reyt innings that Fred RIP and enjoy the Blades in our forever stand.

 

[Plymouthblade]

RIP Fred

 

[Devils bump]

Good night fellow Blade.
"Don't cry because they are gone , smile because they were here" , a beautiful quote. Condolences to the Newbury family.

 

[Lane Ender]

RIP Blade
98 is a right innings and kept his marbles right to the end brilliant

 

[bypassblade]

Sleep well Fred RIP xx

 

[JohnDenver]

Sad news: my uncle Fred died last night at the age of 98. Fred Smith was a lifelong Blade who remembered (or claimed he did) when United won the FA Cup in 1925 when he was three years old. One of our oldest surviving fans, perhaps the oldest, he was in the same team school team as Fred Furniss who went on to play for the Blades. Uncle Fred lived in Hackenthorpe having moved there from Attercliffe Common in the 1960s. Until recently he still got the bus into town to meet up for a pint in the Bankers Draft. He was also a keen angler until just a couple of years ago. Here is my favourite picture of him with my son, also a Fred – two Blades, born more than 90 years apart. RIP.

I raise my glass to Fred.

 

[Mike325]

RIP pal. Fantastic innings and a true blade. Hope all who knew him personally are Ok. Sure he be watching up above and cheering us on. Once again respect and admiration to this man. Fred A TRUE PROPER BLADE.

 

[bramptonblade]

RIP