‘Tadcaster in mourning’ over death of Sam Smith’s Brewery owner

As the Press reported earlier this afternoon, Humphrey Smith, the owner and chairman of Tadcaster-based brewery has died aged 81.

Mr Sweeting says that though it has been known Humphrey Smith has been unwell for sometime, his passing still came as “a shock.”

He told The Press he wanted to thank Humphrey Smith for his ‘contribution’ to the town.

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“It’s the end of an era. Mr Smith has been part of Tadcaster for many year and has done a lot for this town.

“But he wasn’t one for publicity. He would like to do things behind the scenes. We wouldn’t have a lot of the facilities in the town if it wasn’t for Mr Smith and the brewery.”

The town council chairman continued: “I knew Mr Smith extremely well. There was one thing he did have. He did have the town at heart. He was a Tadcaster person.

“I have known him all my life and his mother. He has done a lot for the church and the community. To me, he’s just Mr Smith. They do a lot of unseen things.”

Tadcaster Mayor Richard Sweeting knew Humphrey Smith well and says Tadcaster is in mourning. (Image: NQ)

“Talking to people in the town, Tadcaster is in mourning. It’s the end of an era. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this sad time.”

Mr Sweeting said it was too early to speculate about the brewery’s future and how the town might mark his passing.

“We have lost the head of the brewery. We have lost one of the main characters of Tadcaster. He was part of Tadcaster, very much so.”

He added: “I had a lot of respect for him. He knew me. He was a proper gentleman.”

What tribute would you like to pay to Humphrey Smith? Did you know him? Did you ever meet him? What changes do you think may happen at the brewery now and will they be a good thing? Please share us your thoughts in the comments below.