125256: Tribute to Donald Smith

Tribute to Kenny Dan Smith

There was a deep sense of personal loss in the Community when we learned of the death of Kenny Dan Smith on 3rd August 1999. Although he had retired to Onich we always thought he would be there to consult and advise us in any direction we needed. His wealth of knowledge and understanding of his language and culture was so rich that his discussions could be very in depth.

Kenneth Donald Smith and his twin Marion were born in Broadford, Skye in 1925 to Rev Murdo Smith and his wife Margaret, who sadly died shortly after childbirth. There were two other daughters in the family, Peggy Mairi and Dena Isabella which left Murdo to rear four young children.

When Murdo died in 1936, aged 54, Kenny and Morag were brought up by their uncle Alexander Smith (The Tailor) and their aunts Johanna and Marion at 31 Leurbost. Peggy Mairi and Dena were brought up by their grandfather and aunt in Ullapool.

Kenny educated at Leurbost School and the Nicolson Institute, during which time he became founder member of the ATC (Air Training Core). Straight from school he went to the Royal Air Force where he spent the great part of the war in India. During this time, he learned his skills as a radio operator, which would be put to good use later when he pioneered Gaelic Schools Broadcasting Services.

After the war he went to Aberdeen University and studied for an Arts Degree. After graduation in 1951 he taught in various schools and in 1958 became further Education Officer with Ross and Cromarty County Council. He married Rosemary in 1959.

Kenny returned to teaching in 1973, first to Laxdale School and then Leurbost School where he remained until 1984 when he retired due to ill health.

It was during this time that Leurbost School celebrated its centenary in 1979. Kenny Dan as editor of A Bhiorach the Centenary magazine, referred to the family connection to the school. His father Rev Murdo Smith served as Pupil Teacher in 1889 and himself as former pupil returning as a member of staff.

Through his many activities he was involved with the Drama Society, was founder member of Lochs Gaelic Choir and founder member of the Rotary Club. A lifelong member of An Comunn Gaidhealach and adjudicating at National Mods. Kenny Dan was also the Convenor of the first Mod nan Eilean in 1979.

We remember the family on their loss, his widow Rosemary and daughter and son in law and his sister Dena Arnaud in Inverness.

North Lochs Historical Society