87 East Street, Sydney
       (1944-2009)

It is with broken hearts that we the proud family of Jack Smith announce his passing on August 13, 2009.

Born in Sydney, he was the son of the late Tom and Catherine Smith (MacMullin).

Jack was employed with the CBRM for 34 years, retiring in 1999. He then followed his passion for working in the great outdoors by spending parts of each year helping to build a family business in Ontario.

His love for River Denys and nature gave him the nickname “Peaceful Warrior” and this peacefulness was felt by all when in his presence. In River Denys, his time was spent preparing his hunting camp, fishing and cooking one hell of a meal for all who entered.

Celtic music was a gift his mother gave him and you could find him at many square dances. He spoke fondly of childhood memories in rear Boisdale with his family.

His love of hockey and the Red Wings were one of the few things that could make this “man of few words” break into song. Having been with Gordie Howe at a lobster meal 40 years ago and then having been remembered by Gordie during a play off encounter again last year were highlights for him!

Jack leaves behind Margaret Nichols Smith “Sister”, his soul mate of 25 years and her children which he raised as his own, Ann-Margaret (Gillis) Williams (Brion), Ont., Dawn-Marie (Gillis) Mombourquette (Kent), Sydney.

Jack leaves behind to mourn his children, Denise Smith (Wes), Trenton, Ont., Deborah Eden (John), Trenton, Ont., Gordon Todd Smith (Julie), Hong Kong and the mother of his children, Dale Palmer, Sydney.

Also left behind are 11 grandchildren, Brodie, Corey, Marlena, Brenden, John Daniel, Kristin, Kathleen, Brienna, Madison, Wesley, and Annelise.
Jack is survived by his three siblings, Tommy (Irene), Ont., Cleta McCulloch (Barry), Mira, and Jeanette Williams (Ron), Sydney and In-laws, Vera Nichols (the late Dick Nichols), Sookie and David LeBlanc, Cella Duffy, Barbara and Stewart Zahara, Walter and Debbie Nichols and Carmie and Duncan Gillis.

The last 20 years of Jack’s life he described as a reprieve and always spoke of feeling blessed to have obtained sobriety. He truly lived his life “One Day at a Time”, always relying on his “Higher Power”.

Visitation for the late John “Jack” Smith will take place at the Pier Community Funeral Home, 1092 Victoria Road (entrance on Church Street) on Sunday, August 16 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Funeral mass to celebrate Jack’s life will be held Monday, August 17, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Church with Fr. Errol MacDonald officiating.

Reception will be held at the Pier Community Funeral Home.

Donations in Jack’s memory may be made to Palliative Care Society or the Holy Redeemer Building Fund.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.

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