Relatives, friends and Leyton Orient have paid tribute to a dedicated O's fan who sold programmes outside the Brisbane Road club for 32 years. 

John Smith, 70, of Station Road in Chingford, died on Tuesday (June 9) surrounded by friends and family following a short illness with lung cancer. 

He was described as a loyal Orient fan who only ever missed three home games after being given the job of selling the matchday programme. 

To cope with demand on his time, he made the job a family affair, first sharing the job with his son Paul and later getting help from his grandchildren Nicola, 24, and Ryan, 22.  

The club said he occupied the same spot on the corner of the ground for many years and braved all extremes of weather to ensure fans got their programmes.

In a statement, Leyton Orient said: "Leyton Orient were saddened to learn that John Smith, who served the club loyally and staunchly as a programme seller, has sadly passed away. 

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

John Smith (right) with former Leyton Orient defender Terry Howard 

"Highly-respected, he was a well-known face to many Orient supporters on a match day.

"John missed only a handful of matches over a period spanning more than 35 years and his dedicated service to the club was unquestionable.

"The club would like to pass on their deepest condolences to the Smith family and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time."

His wife Jean, 70, said he was was held in affection by many. 

"He was the best husband, father and grandfather anyone could wish for," she said. 

"My son Paul started selling programmes first and then John joined a couple of years later. 

"He just took to it and fell in love with it. 

"Everybody loved him. He was the nicest man and didn't deserve what he got. 

"He will be sorely missed by everyone."

John Mcintyre, of Carol Langley florist in Station Road, first met John more than a decade ago.

He said: "He was a really nice gentle bloke who was well respected by everyone and gave the time of day to anyone. 

"He was Orient mad and only missed three home games over 30 years which speaks volumes about his love of the club." 

John stopped going to games before Christmas and only lived for six weeks after being diagnosed in April. 

His funeral will take place at St Peter and Paul Church in The Green, Chingford, on June 23 at 1pm. 

The wake will be held at Brisband Road in The Gallery from around 3.15pm.

Anyone wishing to celebrate John's life is welcome.

Donations made on the day will go to Macmillan Cancer Support.  

People who are attending have been asked to wear Orient's colours - red and white.  

O's winger Dean Cox took to Twitter during his honeymoon in the Maldives to pay tribute to Mr Smith. 

 

Orient fans and friends also took to social media, posting comments