Tributes have been paid to a school caretaker who died while doing the job he loved.

Terry Smith had worked at the Isle of Sheppey Academy from when it was Sheppey Comprehensive and after that Minster College for more than 40 years.

The 57-year-old had a heart attack at the west site in Jefferson Road, Sheerness, on Wednesday, April 10.

Mr Smith, who would have celebrated his 58th birthday on Saturday, suffered a heart attack just days after being diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

He was a keen cyclist but had been having difficulty breathing and was on antibiotics.

The Sheerness resident, who was a born and bred Islander and one of six siblings, was a pupil at Sheppey Comp and returned there to do some voluntary work in his late teens.

He was employed as a junior caretaker in January 1972, part-time at first and later the job became full-time.

When he wasn’t at work, Mr Smith was a keen gardener and enjoyed doing things around his house.

He also had a pet cat and spent a lot of time doing work for charity, including Battersea Dogs’ and Cats’ Home, the Red Cross, the British Heart Foundation and Adopt a Child.

His brother Trevor, 56, said: “Terry loved his job.

“He wasn’t much into education itself, but he liked being around people – he was very much a people person, although he was quite quiet and shy.

“He wasn’t an academic person and didn’t like computers or modern technology, but he was chatty and interested in people.

“Terry was a good brother and supported all his family well – he looked after our mum and dad and cared for them when all of us went off in different jobs and got married.”

Mr Smith’s funeral will take place at the Garden of England Crematorium in Bobbing on Wednesday, May 1, at 10am.

Family flowers only and donations to Swale Cats’ Protection League or the British Heart Foundation.

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Colleagues at the academy have also paid tribute to Mr Smith.

Teacher Aaron Ford-Wilson said: "I have worked with Terry for three of his 41 years – a drop in the ocean in comparison to his decades of service.

"In that short time, I have had numerous conversations ‘putting the world to rights’.

"He was always personable and made time to chat. He would frequently sit in my classroom at the end of the school day giving me brief glimpses into his
life and history.

"Terry seemed to be one of the good guys, a hardworking, dedicated and loyal man.

"He was proud of his years of service to the Island. I recall him being devastated that he had to take time off due to illness earlier in the year.

Teacher Darren Mongan said: “In the past few years I found Terry to be a very friendly person who most evenings when I worked past 5pm or 6pm he would call around locking up.

“During this and over time I got to know about his life and he always helped a weary teacher put life in perspective after a stressful day.

“He was helpful and always said stay on working until ready to go ready before locking up.”

"He recognised, understood and believed in traditional values. Terry and those like him are seldom seen in these modern times.

"His passing is a real loss to the academy and indeed the Island."

Strategic leader of attainment Laura Ellener said: "Although I have only been with the academy for less than a year, I soon realised what a lovely man Terry was.

"Nothing was ever too much trouble and he had a gently and calm way which endeared him to all."

PA to strategic leader attainment Corinne Reveley said: "My first job on leaving school (in 1974) was as laboratory technician at the then Sheppey Comprehensive School.

"Terry also started work at the school around the same time.

"Although I didn’t know him well, he always had a smile, a friendly word, and was willing to help where he could if asked.

"Despite the challenges he faced in daily life he was still smiling when I returned to the academy Minster site almost four years ago.

"I know he will be sadly missed."

Teacher Fiona Louch said: "I first worked with Terry when I came to Minster College in 2004; he always said ‘hello’ and was always willing to help you and have a laugh and a joke.

"He was very proud of the fact that he had worked in the school for so long and I will remember him with fondness."

Unqualified instructor Kelly Prior said: "He was a very unique individual who always had time for people.

"The last time I spoke to him was just before the holidays when he was putting up pigeon holes in the staff room.

"I was doing marking and was feeling a little stressed, and his witty remarks certainly brightened my day.

"We ended up having a lovely chat and I went home in really good spirits.

"He was such a friendly man who was always interested in how people were, and he was never too busy to stop and say hello.

"He is a face I will truly miss around the academy. God rest Terry."

Former Minster College employee Jennifer Sowah said: "I worked at Sheppey School/Minster College from 1979 to 2003; for all those years Terry was an exceptionally supportive colleague.

"He had a great sense of humour and if I turned up early in the morning or at the end of the day looking for help he would greet me: ‘Here comes trouble!’ then, with a show of reluctance, come and provide watever assistance I required; his speciality was moving filing cabinets, with all their contents inside.

"Over the years I came to admire Terry more and more: he faced all the problems life dealt him with a positive outlook.

"In the early days, he was sometimes angered by the behaviour of certain pupils; however as the years passed, he became more philosophical and he was more able to deal with their thoughtlessness, particularly when he took the time to reflect on his own success in doing such a good and worthwhile job and setting up his own home.

"I remember with affection Terry’s kindness: his patience and helpfulness. My fondest memory is of chatting to him at the end of a working day as he waited to lock up: the mood was always warm and friendly: he was never impatient.

"What a wonderful world this would be if there were more people like Terry: hard-working, kind and always prepared to help."