Tributes paid to Black Country business pioneer Mr Poundland
It was the moment that would change Keith Smith's life forever.
His teacher had told him to learn his times tables, and as a rebellious young man, he naturally ignored this instruction. So he was given the cane.
"I got punished for it and learned them in two days after that," said the Black Country retail magnate in a 2005 interview. "The experience completely changed me."
Mr Smith, best-known as the co-founder of Poundland with his son Steve, has died two days before his 80th birthday.
Steve said his father died at Ludstone Hall, Claverley, last Friday shortly after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
Steve said his father died in peace with his family by his side, and the family had helped him celebrate his birthday early.
Keith grew up in Willenhall, where he attended Central School. He said he had no interest at all in education until his experience of the cane.
After leaving school he studied at Wednesbury College, and at the age of 16 he followed in the footsteps of his parents by landing an apprenticeship with Willenhall engineering firm Wellman, Smith and Owen.
He didn't stay there long. While wife Maureen was expecting son Steve, he bought a gross of pens to sell to workmates and neighbours. So successful was the enterprise, that he decided there was more money to be made as a trader on Bilston Market.
"It turned out I was right," he said.
