The long-serving and much-loved keeper of Sydney's iconic Martin Place cenotaph has died.
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Walter Scott-Smith, also known as Wally, voluntarily served as chief attendant of the CBD memorial for 78 years before retiring on Anzac Day 2018 aged 96.
He spent decades cleaning it and guiding those who lay wreaths during commemorative services - rain, hail or shine.
"Wally Scott-Smith helped keep the Martin Place cenotaph spotlessly clean, arranged the floral tributes, stood guard and always provided a friendly face for those who came to pay their respects to the fallen," NSW Veterans Minister John Sidoti said in a statement on Saturday.
"The passion and dedication he showed to his job made him such a treasure in our community and he will be dearly missed."
Mr Scott-Smith desperately wanted to join the army in 1937 but was unable to after having cancer surgery.
A few years later, as a Rover Scouts leader, he started cleaning the cenotaph and by 1946 he'd become its official caretaker.
Australian Associated Press
