SMITH Christopher Of Ripley, Derbyshire died Tuesday 8th November 2011 in Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham after a brief but brave fight against cancer. Born in Sleaford, Lincolnshire 13th March 1962, to George and Ann, Chris was an outdoor explorer at heart. Already travelling around the countryside at age 11, riding the trains he loved to spot, Chris was never going to conform to the studies and restrictions of the classroom. Instead, aged 16, he extended his family to include the army. Chris devoted a great part of his life to a fulfilling career with the Cheshire Regiment, progressing from boy soldier to the respected rank of Warrant Officer. A gifted manager with keen intellect, he transferred to the Adjutant General Corps in the latter part of his enlisted service. Upon completing a full career in the military, Chris retired to pursue a second life outside the army, however, it was not long before he missed the service life and revived his career with the Royal Army Medical Corps, commissioning into the officer rank of Captain. Chris served in tours of Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Hong Kong. He was a brave soldier and a strong leader, both loved and respected by those with whom he worked. He was an avid outdoor adventurer and enjoyed organising and participating in numerous activities not least of which was orienteering. In the latter part of his life he invested in a caravan in order to better enjoy an outdoor life with his beloved wife, Christine. Chris is survived by his wife, his parents George and Ann, his daughters Kimberly and Angela and his son Carl, his sister Linda and her husband Ian, his sister Claire and her husband Gary and his brother Barry and his wife Joanne. The funeral service will be held at 1300hrs 17 November 2011 at St Clements Church, Horsley near Ripley. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Soldiers Charity, the Army Benevolent Fund.