John ‘Jack’ W. Smith
April 10, 2015
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of John “Jack” W. Smith. In his 102nd year, Jack passed away peacefully on Friday, April 10th. Jack was predeceased by his loving wife Georgie (1998) with whom he shared 55 years of marriage. Dear father of Jacki Trudeau and husband Randy, ‘big bruth’ to Marion Martin and Marg Adams, special uncle to John Adams, and adoring grandfather (Poppy) to Niki and Mike Trudeau. A man with an ordinary name, Jack couldn’t have lived a more extraordinary life. His life of art, music and innovation began at the age of 18, playing saxophone and clarinet and touring Ontario and Quebec with the Gale Gordon “Big Band”. Jack graduated from the Ontario College of Art and Design in 1939. After taking a course in tool design, Jack began working for Central Aircraft and was responsible for the design and recording of tools necessary for repairing ‘Mosquito’ bombers during World War II. Throughout his life, he continued to design tools and gadgets for practical home use. In the late 1940s to ‘60s, Jack worked in various advertising and printing firms, becoming the Art Director at Baker Lovick Advertising Company, the highlight of his advertising career. Another career change in the 1970s, brought Jack to H.B. Beal Secondary School, where he taught commercial art, photography and animation. In his free time and retirement, Jack painted beautiful watercolours and was an avid golfer. He spent many hours on the “links” at Sunningdale Golf Course, and Llyndinshire Golf Course, joined by his sister Marg, family and friends until the age of 100. In a fitting end to a long life filled with creativity and enriching experiences, Jack spent his last day watching the Master’s Golf Tournament on television with his family. In lieu of flowers, those wishing can make a donation to Bethany’s Hope or a charity of your choice. Private interment. A Celebration of Life will be held at Sunningdale Golf and Country Club, 465 Sunningdale Road West, London on Sunday, April 26, 2015 from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
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Jack sure lived a full life, our thoughts are with you and your family
Would that everyone could 'fill his/her dash' of life so fully. Sincere condolences and wishes for peace and strength as you remember his amazing life and the legacy he leaves to you, his family.
Our sincerest condolences on your loss. Jack was a table mate of my mothers at Earl's Court. My sister Ann and I so enjoyed chatting with and getting to know Jack over the last 6 months. He had us chuckling with his dry sense of humour, one liners and his preference for "just desert please". We enjoyed hearing his stories of big band experiences playing at the Glass Slipper in Toronto during the depression and learning about the other accomplishments in his life. He certainly lead an extraordinary life! May the memories you have, keep him forever in your hearts.
(Donated to Canadian Cancer Society)
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Our sincere condolences on your father's passing. He certainly lived a full and rewarding life!
~ Kathy & Paul Roberts