Geoffrey Dean-Smith

How does one begin to share a person’s life with meaningful words, especially one’s younger brother, namely Geoffrey Dean-Smith, someone who created adventure wherever he chose to go and be. 

Born 25 September 1946 Stockport, England Geoffrey Dean-Smith said “Adios Amigos” on 2nd July 2024, surrounded by me, his sister, Pauline, & our family, who cared for and loved him. Particularly the Staff at NHC Health Care, North Augusta SC, this last year. 

THIS IS NOT A TRADITIONAL OBITUARY—HE WASN’T TRADITIONAL

He was unique, even as a boy ….full of fun, mischievous energy, and a tease….. impulsively responding to any dare, with a unique sense of humor. He grew up in the Manchester area.

He attended West End Primary School, Denton, Harden House in Alderley Edge, Cheshire finishing at Kings School Macclesfield, Cheshire. He played Rugby for Wilmslow Rugby Club, began to play Golf at 11, and was a single-digit handicapper in his time, a Member of Wilmslow Golf Club, Cheshire. 

After growing up in the Manchester area., he worked briefly for my father, a toy wholesaler, 9am-5pm was not his cup of tea or his destiny. Our son Geoffrey’s quote “Geoffrey, a Brit and naturalized American from Manchester, England, was the lesser known most interesting man in the world. He was irrepressibly restless. Thus began his self-inspired journey traveling the globe, enchanting many and seeking to fill life with adventure and days to remember. He made many, many dear friends along the way.”

As a young man Geoff left the UK for the United States with a friend. First stop NYC, teaching at St Davids School, then preparing a camp in the Adirondacks for an upcoming Summer, driving a taxi cab in NYC, and for a very brief period navigating a big truck ..OH my is right!! Need money will do!!

South to AIKEN, SC staying with my family for 5 months, working in a machine shop, and also picking peaches. 

Time to move on, so let’s buy an old Triumph sports car, no roof, and paint a Union Jack on the boot. He and Clive set off for the Mississippi River and riverboat work. The Triumph even made it across the desert to L.A.CA. where he had a multitude of jobs….challenging & exciting times. He had many stories to tell !!!!

Back to NYC, he became a Trip Director for Medical Conventions held in exotic places, Puerta Vallarta, Jamaica, Bermuda, etc. He also traveled to Cuba, Curacao, Brazil, Argentina and Europe.

After that work dried up, he persuaded the Greek Embassy in NYC to send him to Patmos, Greece, where he would be a writer in residence at the Monastery of St John the Divine. He was there for 6 months and had the most wonderful view from his large”Office”, he returned many times. Our family visited him in that beautiful place…where he made up a fantastical tale for he, his nephew and nieces about a private island that they would own together one day. Fun Imagination.

He eventually returned to LA , and chauffeured Randolph Hearst for a while (unreal as he had no sense of direction) funny stories from here. Geoffrey had epic stories of driving the rich and famous, Leonardo DiCaprio and Alex Trebeck, he loved Jeopardy.

Somewhere in between he spent 6 months teaching children English in Xian, China 

He has always loved reading and writing and he became a Freelance Travel writer for the LA Times, traveling to various places of interest including the Monasteries on Mount Athos. Then investigative journalism about Pol Pot in Cambodia where he discovered a one-hole Golf course.

His most permanent residence was in LA, self-labeled “the British Embassy” in Los Angeles. He was Chair of the Board of his sole proprietorship, UNICA International. One was honored to be a member.

 He began a company “We drive your Car”, then Uber appeared. He and a friend marketed 2 wine labels, USA Cabernet and Holy Wine.

 Geoff had a great sense of humor even after he developed Dementia it would arise out of the blue. 

HE LOVED & CHERISHED HIS FRIENDS & ALWAYS TRIED TO MAINTAIN FRIENDSHIPS THROUGH CORRESPONDENCE, CARDS & LETTERS & PHONES, ESPECIALLY MY PARENTS AND FAMILY.

From his nephew Geoff “He loved cigars, exceptional wine, food(CURRY) & writing. He was a bachelor, yet had great loves in his life. He loved to swim, run & stay fit, smooth, tough, fun & particular, frustratingly stubborn at times. “ He even ran in the Care Home…fortunately they had wide corridors, he just had to maneuver the wheel chairs. 

I DO BELIEVE HIS LEGACY IS THE LOVE AND RESPECT HE SHOWED TO EVERYONE HE MET the likes of who we will never meet. THOUGH HE HAD VERY LITTLE MONEY, HE WAS THE BEST TIPPER IN THE WORLD AND HE SPENT IT AND SHARED IT. 

As I finish writing I am smiling and sad, yet glad that he can be himself again.

Geoffrey Dean-Smith was the son of Eileen Gibson Smith & Walter (Wally) Dean Smith. 

He is survived by his sister Pauline Trig Penland( Dick), Nieces Nikki Jane Fraley (Keith), Andrea Jane Thumpston (Kevin), Lindi Jane Putnam (Billy) nephew Geoffrey Richard Penland(Jen). Geoff had 15 Great & grand nieces & nephews Abigail,(John) Hayley, Lauren, Leah, Dean, Andrew(Ruth,Ezra & Caleb) Lydia,(Micah) Ally, Shane, Emma, Sofie,(Ryan) Libby, Ellie,

Our Family celebrates Geoffrey’s life for none of us are angels, yet we believe each of our lives are a gift from God. God loved Geoff like He loves each person he created in his image. Knowing and believing God through Jesus Christ, we receive his Mercy and forgiveness, and the desire to honor Him with strength to face the challenges of life, like the loss of loved ones.

HIS LIFE WAS AS UNIQUE AS HE WAS…..HIS WISH WAS TO RETURN TO ENGLAND…

WE WILL TAKE GEOFF’S ASHES BACK HOME TO ENGLAND IN SEPTEMBER…

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HANYE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801.