SMITH, Declan

This was published in the following publications on 06.01.2026:
Irish Times

SMITH - Declan, (Glenageary), 2 January 2026, in the wonderfully compassionate care of the staff of Blackrock Hospice, Rev Godfrey Declan Burfield Smith. Son of the late Canon Thomas Smith and Elizabeth Burfield, brother of the late Patrick, he is deeply loved and so much missed by Heather, his wife of sixty years, their beloved sons Ciaran and Ronan, his very dear grandchildren Chloe, Tabitha, Levi, and Aoife and Emer, brother Peter and his wife Mary, daughter-in-law Abigail, the wider family and friends in Ireland and abroad. Former rector of Donoughmore, Donard and Dunlavin, Declan ministered in Zambia, Ireland and Spain, and travelled on behalf of CMSI in Ireland, Africa, India and Nepal. The private cremation service has taken place and Declans ashes will be interred in Castlegregory, Co Kerry, his boyhood home. All are welcome at a musical celebration and Thanksgiving for Declans life in Kill o The Grange Church, Co. Dublin on Saturday, 10 January at 3 pm.

Beach

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Sending sincere condolences to Heather, Ciaran, Ronan and all the family circle. Although we haven’t been in touch for many years, we remember Declan as a very special person who had a big impact on our lives. Fiona worked with him in CMSI in the mid-eighties and fondly recalls him in his trademark Icelandic jumper. He was a warm and open-hearted colleague, with a gift for drawing people into Mission and always ready with a big bear hug when you needed it! Later he visited us both when we were teachers in Dodoma, Tanzania and made a great impression. He spent time listening to all the Mission personnel, praying with us and generally encouraging us with his spiritual counsel and good humour. He was a lively speaker too – often producing his guitar & launching into an impromptu African praise song at the end of his talks & sermons. A few years later he preached at our wedding in Eglantine parish, Hillsborough (sharing the service with Cecil Wilson and Fiona’s rector William Bell) and true to form he burst into a rendition of “Jabulani Africa” from the pulpit! One of Roger’s abiding memories was when Declan was a guest in his house & he took the trouble to tackle a large pile of washing up, leaving it all clean and neatly stacked - a rare example of servant leadership. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Roger & Fiona Thompson

5mos

Deepest sympathy to Heather, Ciaran and Ronan and the extended family on the death of dear Declan. He was a very faithful servant of the Lord resting now in eternal rest . You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Rev Suzanne Harris and Muriel Meates

Rev Suzanne Harris and Muriel Meates

5mos

Giving thanks for the life of beloved former CMS Ireland staff member, Declan Smith, who contributed so much to the work and ministry of the society over his 18 years of service. Remembered fondly by the CMS Ireland family and church partners across the world for his warmth, openness and musical gifts.

Jenny Smyth, CMS Ireland Mission Director

5mos

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