Hundreds say goodbye to "proud Gypsy" Barry Smith after Kilburn tragedy - Derbyshire

From the Derbyshire Telegraph

During the ceremony Canon Willett read out a poem, penned by the father-of-four's family, which read: "I wish we had you here today to say the things we didn't say, to ask the questions we need to know, for you to watch your babies grow.

Mr Smith, 48, was found dead outside Kilburn Welfare Social Club at 8.30am on October 6.

Four people have been charged in connection with the death.

About 200 people packed into Doncaster's largest church while a crowd of 100 or more remained outside during the 30-minute service.

Canon Willett told how Mr Smith was a father to daughter Billy-Jo, 21, Barrie-John, 19, Luke, 19, and Nathan, 15. He also had three grandchildren – Josephine-Star, two, Selina-Louise, one, and three-month-old Arlie-John.

Canon Willett said: "Barry was a very proud grandfather and dad.

"He had moved to Derby, working as a handyman and he always loved a gossip, phoning his brother-in-law asking 'what's new, what's happening?'

"He was also something of a joker and had a very kind heart. He particularly liked his food and drink.

"There is much to remember in Barry's short life."

The service yesterday included Always On My Mind by Elvis Presley and the Green, Green, Grass of Home by Tom Jones.

Mr Smith's body was then taken to the nearby Rose Hill Cemetery for a committal before a celebration of his life at wife Dawn's home.

Vincent Aitken, 43, of Chapel Street, Kilburn, his daughter, Emma Aitken, 18, and Miss Aitken's partner, Nathan Doherty, 27, both of Derby, have all been charged with Mr Smith's murder.

Aitken's wife, Pamela Aitken, 40, is charged with assisting an offender.

All are in custody and are due to appear in court again in February.

FAMILY'S TRIBUTE TO BARRY

I wish I had you here today,

To say the things we didn't say,

To ask the questions we need to know,

For you to watch your babies grow.

I wish we had just one more kiss,

Upon our cheek, that would be bliss,

Just one more hug or joke or smile,

Or simply a chat for just a while.

I wish your lass, your Billy-Jo,

Could tell you she loves you more than you know,

Or your eldest son, your Barrie-John,

Could tell you now that you're gone.

I wish your Luke, your Ten Men,

Could talk to you just now and then,

Or Nathan your baby, your Golden Balls,

Could have from you just one last call.

I wish you weren't just snatched away,

But we'll think of you every single day,

To say goodbye, we weren't quite ready,

not your sister Kookie or your Brother Freddie.

I wish you were here to ask your in-laws today,

"Am I still the favourite?" and you'd hear them say,

"You're still the favourite, you should know that by now,

"Just don't tell Geroge-Henry or there'll be a row."

My final wish, you're with David your brother,

And to keep you from trouble is your father and mother.

As for your grandkids, we'll make sure they see,

Just how special their Granddad was and on that we ALL agree.