UK squash club rocked by death of Kiwi member

New Zealander Duncan Smith outside the UK houses of parliament. Photo / Supplied via Facebook

Kiwi Duncan Smith was a "hard-core regular" at his UK squash club and often played there three or four times a week.

So it came as a "great shock" to members of London's Southbank Club when Mr Smith collapsed and died on May 2 while leaving the court during a social round-robin competition.

The club's director Klaus Steed said the 45-year-old New Zealander had been playing against a very good opponent moments before he suffered a heart attack and died.

Mr Smith's sudden death had "really rocked" the community at the club, he said.

"The club has been greatly affected by his passing away and it came as a shock to all of us given that he was a very good squash player and it was most unexpected."

The Kiwi banker had been a long time member of the club, Mr Steed said, and had a good sense of humour that "always made the girls laugh on the front desk".

Mr Smith competed in the club's second league and was "a very strong squash player" that played often, he said.

"He loved playing squash, he'd be playing three or four times a week, he was one of the most hard-core regulars."

The club held a two minute silence the week following his death.

Mr Steed said the large turnout showed how much Mr Smith was liked at the club.

"I think it was a fitting tribute that over 100 people were in the [club's] lounge to observe the two minutes silence, and it was a really dignified tribute."

Mr Smith's family travelled to London after his death and his body was now being flown home to New Zealand, Mr Steed said.

A New Zealand Herald funeral notice said he was a much loved son, brother, uncle and friend.

A service will be held in Tauranga on May 26 at Elliott's Funeral Services.