IT'S only when days and years have slipped by and memories fade and achievements become stories from the past, that a moment stops you in your tracks.
Such a moment, for the business and sporting community of Drogheda, befell us on Monday night when news broke that Anthony Smith had gone to his eternal rest, his journey ended, but his life and times forever treasured.
It's impossible to know where to start with the story of Anthony Smith, he led such a varied life, but as a chamber perhaps there is one special place.
It was late 2014 and Anthony stood on the stage, looking out across a packed room of his peers at the annual chamber awards.
He had just been handed the 'Lifetime Achievement' title and the pride just radiated from his face, later remarking, "I was proud to have won that, especially as it was an acknowledgement from my peers of our business in the town."
He was recognised for his pioneering spirit and his contribution to the community. Much of that never hit the headlines or the papers. But those that know, know. Anthony Smith changed lives.
His story is a tale of courage, commitment, loyalty and success. Anthony Smith did it the hard way, and he never forgot that.
His father, Nick, opened his motor business in 1936 and a year later purchased the site on the North Road where N. Smith and Sons now stands.
He was about 10 when he entered the business, helping out after school, before a faithful day in 1954 changed everything. His father passed away suddenly on Christmas Day at the age of 51.
Just 15 years old, he left school and headed to Ford in Cork, spending three years training, before returning to run the business.
They had become a Ford dealer in 1953 and that remains a solid bond today.
There were so many successes for N Smith and Sons in his tenure, one memorable one in 1997 when they became the first garage in Louth and the first Ford dealership to gain ISO 9002 accreditation.
There's other stories, winning the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) Dunlop Cup for golf in 2000, his first success since 1957!
Drogheda Utd was another love, ex-chairman in the mid 70s, he, like so many, gave his all for the club and helped make it what it is today.
The town is poorer this week at the loss of such an inspirational person, a trailblazer and beacon for those that believe life is what you make it.
To his family and friends, our prayers and thoughts.