Sydney / Oakville, ON
It is with great sadness that we, the family, announce the passing of Carl Smith at his home in Sydney, on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the age of 72.
Carl was predeceased by his parents, Benedict and Olga (Phillips) Smith, and his longtime partner, Diane Richardson.
Carl is survived by his beloved daughter, Julie Rosebrugh (Isaac), and grandchildren, William and Faith Rosebrugh; son, Kevin Smith; dear companion, Alicemarie Whalen; siblings, Ron (Yvonne), Laurence (Karen), and Cori (Greg), as well as five nieces and nephews.
A proud and dedicated member of the Cape Breton Fiddlers’ Association, Carl contributed to the rich, collective sound that defines the region. His talent also shone brightly through his work with the Feisty Fiddlers, a group that embodied his energetic spirit and love for music. Whether on a concert stage or at a kitchen party, Carl’s presence brought a unique warmth. For Carl, the fiddle and guitar were more than instruments—they were a way to connect and celebrate with his friends, family, and community.
Those who knew Carl will remember a man with an immense heart and a gentle kindness. He was fiercely devoted to those he loved; his family and friends were his compass. He was the first to show up when things were tough, offering a steady, unwavering presence that made everyone feel safe and valued. Central to his charm and life of the party spirit was his infectious laugh that could fill a room and instantly lighten any mood. Carl will be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Celebration of life for the late Carl Smith will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at the Pensioners Club, Inglis Street, Sydney, with a formal Funeral in Oakville ON January 3, 2026, at the Kopriva Taylor Community Home with 11 am visitation and 12 pm service with reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Carl may be made to The Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, Musicounts Charity of Canada, or the Musicbox Children’s Charity.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care and direction of Pier Community Funeral Home.
Online Condolences
To Carls family, deepest condolences sent from Steelworkers and Sydney Pensioners Club.
Julie I am so sorry for the passing of your Dad. We have celebrated many times over the years and have had many laughs. Carl I will never forget you and Elmer coming to sing for Harry after his cancer diagnosis. Love you always, Mary ,Mark and Blair.
Alice and family, I am so sorry to hear of Carl’s passing. My deepest condolences 🙏
My sincere condolences to Alice on the loss of her fiancee. Carl was such a nice man I knew him from living down the road from him for many years.
To Alice and all of Carls family Frank and I sending sincere condolences to you all. We will miss you at darts Carl. From Frank Kokocki and Pat Jones.
Carl was a sweetheart and friend to all. He will be missed by his breakfast friends. Such a pleasure to have known him. My condolences going out to Alice and all his family at this very sad time.
So sad and hard to believe 💔condolences to all his family and friends. Carl was a sweet man – never heard him speak a mean or cross word in all the years we’ve known him.
Love Renie and Cliff
Our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Carl Smith, my 1st cousin. It is sad to hear of his passing. He was a great guy who possessed a great love for family and of course music, he will be surely missed. May God have mercy on his soul and May he rest-in-peace, God Bless him and be with his family as they deal with the loss, Amen 🙏
Julie , Family and friends,
May you all find the strength to get you thru one of the most difficult time. Carl was a true gentleman who shared compassion, love to all who have known him. He will be missed dearly for who he was and his deep belly laughs we have shared. He was so proud of you Julie , Isaac, William and Faith! Along with Laura , Raymond and Raelynn MacLean. Carl was like a special grandfather and took the role to Raelynn that never had the privilege to know her paternal or maternal grandparents. They had a special bond between the two of them that was unbreakable . Our families thoughts are with you all. Light, love and peace.
Matt, Emily, and Mary Rose
To Julie, Kevin, Ron, Laurence, Cori, Alice, and the entire family, our sincerest condolences. Just a great guy who will be greatly missed by all. I always enjoyed our interactions over the years which were far too few. I have a very funny story of one of them, however, space won’t allow it to be told here, in its entirety. It was 25 years ago on one of Carl, Benny, and Olga’s return trips to Ontario from CB. Carl was driving Benny’s big cream coloured Cadillac and I was driving an unmarked RCMP Vehicle near the Cobequid Pass, you can imagine the rest. What a laugh we all had, a great memory of all of them.
RIP Carl!
Betty and Bill Smith
Middle Sackville, NS
We were very shocked to hear of carls passing. He was such a kind and loving man so patient. A loving partner to Alice and you could tell the way he spoke of his children and grandchildren he was a devoted family man. Carl words could not express how thankful I am that you met my mom and made her so happy these past few years she will miss you dearly. We will miss the summer time visits in Ontario. Sending love and hugs to everyone who is missing Carl.
It is with great sadness we learned of Carl’s sudden passing. To Carl’s family and friends we offer our deepest sympathy.
Tom and I became friends with Carl through many years of fiddling together with Ed Rodgers group..the Senior Fiddlers, the Cape Breton Fiddlers Association and the Feisty Fiddlers. We also have fond memories of many social events and parties together. He will be remembered for is kindness and mild and fun loving manner.
Lovingly remembered by Brenda and Tom Wylde
My heart was broken when I got the news of Carl’s passing. He was such a lively, fun, kind man and will be missed. My condolences go out to my cousins, especially Cori but to all of the family
Sending our deepest sympathy 💐to Alice, 💕& all of Carl’s family & large circle of friends.
My condolences to you all My heart goes out to Alice and family Carl will be missed he was a good man
Sosorry to hear about Carl. Gonna miss playing darts with him. Our Thoughts and Prayers go out to you and all his family. R.I. P. Carl.
as a fellow member of the Cape Breton Fiddlers Association…I always enjoyed Carl ‘s company. I would complain about different things and Carl with his hardy laugh would get a big charge ….deepest sympathies to his family and close friends…God Bless
Gerald and Marie Muise
Our sincere condolences to all my first cousins and to Alice, Family and friends. Carl was a very gentle and caring man. His loss will be felt throught the community. He will be remembered for his toe tapping music. Rest in peace Carl.
My condolence to Alice and all Carl’s family and friends. He will be missed every Wednesday at our lunch table ( Mary Costigan’ ) house. RIP Carl 🙏
To the family of Carl’s i as president of the Sunday Night Mixed Dart Leaque where he was a member for many years would like to take this time to give our condolence to Carls family and his partner Alice may he R.I,P
Our condolences to Carl’s friends and family. The obituary says it all, especially his laugh and kind manner. Carl will be missed by all who knew him.
Michael and Carol AuCoin
So sorry for your loss. Carl was a beautiful person ans a great friend. Dave and I met him at a Smith gathering and he a Dave became such good friends. He Martiin and Dave would get together on friday nite and jam. . He will be surely missed., God bless you all through this difficult time.
I am truly shocked by Carl’s passing and send my condolences to Alice and his daugher ,as well as all family & friends. Carl was a huge part of our Friday breakfast group ( actually I think our group overtook his group). I will miss the few words he could get in during the conversaton with all the ladies he was surrounded by. A very kind gentle person who will be missed by us all.
Rest in Peace Carl, tune your fiddle and start playing with all the other fiddlers who have gone before you.
My sincere condolences to Alice and family. I was very sad to hear about Carl’s passing. He was a cherished member of the Cape Breton Ukulele Strummers group where he contributed his impressive guitar talent for the listening pleasure of other seniors.
He was a kind and gentle soul who gave huge Santa hugs to seniors at our Nursing Home Christmas playouts – only a few weeks ago. He and Alice dressed up as Santa and Mrs. Claus for the last two years and delighted the seniors. When we hear the sound of a fiddle on the wind, we will always think of him.
We were all very shocked to hear of Carl’s passing. Such a kind and gentle soul who couldn’t get a word in on Friday morning breakfasts. He was the only guy with about a dozen ladies. We thoroughly enjoyed our Christmas outings with Mr. and Mrs. Santa Clause. They will never be the same. Condolences to his daughter and son and to his constant side kick Alice. RIP Carl and keep playing.
My Father Carl Smith will be deeply missed, I will cherish the good times, fun moments and laughs we shared together. I am grateful for all of the things he has taught me and support he provided. He will be forever in my heart & prayers.
RIP May he rest in paradise 🙏🏼
I am so sorry to learn of Carl’s passing. Carl was the captain of the dart team I was on the first year I played at the Pensioners Club. An excellent player, he always encouraged me and said “good darts” even though they weren’t so good. He was so gentle and kind to everybody and such a good sport. My sincerest condolences to Alice…she beamed with happiness when they were together. Condolences also to his family…he will be missed for sure. God Bless you, Carl.
My heart was deeply sadden hearing the news of Carl’s passing. He was indeed a kind and gentle man..My condolences to hie family and Alice on their loss of such a loving person who respected and brought joy to people who loved his music..He will be missed by many and his memory will always be remembered by those who knew him.Rest in Pease Carl. 🙏🏻
So sad to hear about Carl’s passing. He was truly a joyful soul and an open, honest person. His love of music was evident. Sending my love and prayers to the whole Smith family.
Peter and I send deepest condolences to Julie, Alice & families. We all lost a great dependable friend and musician. He was always smiling and laughing.
We have known Carl since our arrival in Cape Breton as part of the Feisty Fiddlers, Cape Breton Fiddlers’ Association, Cape Breton Ukulele Strummers and briefly in Velo Cape Breton. Carl was a dedicated member of each group. His laugh was contagious. We were so lucky to have him as a wonderful friend. Too young, too soon to leave this world.
Sincerely, Catherine & Peter