More than 20 clowns in full costume attended the funeral yesterday of Smokey the Clown aka Ron Townsend, 78, of Westminster Road in Sutton who died of a heart attack last week.

One of the country's best loved children's entertainers, Ron was cremated at Lower Morden Crematorium.

Ron, who was well known as a kind and caring man, also played an influential part in clown history by persuading religious officials at the Holy Trinity Church in Dalston to allow clowns to dress in costume for annual clown services.

Clown Fizzie Lizzie said: "In the 1960s Smokey really moved things along. It became easier for society to change and Smokey was an active member of Clowns International.

"He persuaded the church in Dalston to allow clowns to dress in motley at the annual memorial service for Joseph Grimaldi. People respected him for this."

Smokey's career path included working at Butlin's doing Punch and Judy and starring in a huge advertising campaign for Abbey National and the Post Office. He also once won a bravery award for saving a little girl from drowning.

Circus owner Gerry Cottle summed up Ron's career as Smokey by saying: "Smokey was a great children's entertainer and always worked for a lot of charities to help people out. He made the effort to go to every event and he will be sadly missed."

Ron leaves his wife of 60 years Nell Townsend, who accompanied Ron to almost every clown gig all over the country.

Other family members include daughter Sylvia, granddaughter Lisa (who is also a clown) and great grandchildren Yna and Amber.

November 16, 2001 11:32