There were several reports about five days ago on British mechanical
music websites that John Smith died a few days before Christmas.
While no details were given, there also have been no corrections,
so I believe the news is correct.

John's plans for the John Smith Busker, followed by several other
more advanced designs, have brought hundreds of builder/grinders into
the fraternity. His impact has been worldwide.

Wallace Venable

 [ This announcement is at the home page of the British Organ Grinders
 [ Association (BOGA), http://www.boga.co.uk/index.php --
 [
 [ "You may already have heard the sad news that John Smith - creator
 [ of many organ designs for amateur builders and a very active member
 [ of BOGA from the early days - has died. His widow, Julia, has advised
 [ that although a small private funeral will take place, a Memorial
 [ event is to be arranged, but that this will be at a later date when,
 [ hopefully, the COVID and weather situations have improved. Details
 [ will be posted here when they are known."
 [
 [ -- Robbie