Stuart Smith

How can I summarize a life of 90 years in a few words? Service. Your life Dad, was a life of demonstrated service. Service to Mom and your family, first. Service to your church. Service to your community. And faithfulness is a word that comes to mind. Faithful and devoted to Mom, Hugh and I, to your colleagues and friends. So many people have shared with us this week about how you made a difference in their lives. Without a doubt, my life, my character and my values came directly from you and Mom. And as good as all that is, it pales in comparison to the precious time we had while you were in the hospital in March 2016 for your hip replacement. I will always remember arriving each night at 5 pm in time to have dinner with you, playing solitaire (I laying out the cards and you telling me where to place them), taking you for a spin in your wheelchair around the hospital corridors and reading the paper with you. For 2 wonderful hours each day for nearly three weeks, we made up for lost time and distant years. I thank God for this lasting memory of you, Dear Dad. May you rest in peace as God knows, you deserve it. You served us all so well. Enjoy your rest now, Dearest Dad. All my love, forever. Leslie

Leslie, my deepest sympathies on the loss of your dad. What a beautiful tribute to him and the time you got to spend with him at the end of his life. I know this has been tremendously hard but your faith and strength is an inspiration. I am certain that your dad is looking down at you from heaven with pride and love for all you did for him and will continue to do for your mom as she grieves the loss. God bless you and your whole family.

Was just thinking of Stuart last evening and thought I better email him to see how he was doing. We last saw him the day he returned to London and home after his hip replacement. He was at the Club having dinner...and was looking and sounding great. We are part of the Trap group with whom your Dad (and Mom) spend many snowy days. Your father was very much missed once he stopped shooting last year. While your Dad was still shooting and your Mom able...they would spend time with us all. We missed them both when that stopped. We were always impressed at your Dad's determination to shoot no matter what the weather and no matter how much his arthritis was bothering him. He was an excellent example of either being a tough guy or being stubborn. Probably a little of both. Leslie... Your words capture the man we knew and have provided another dimension of him for us to remember. We are so very glad you had such precious time with him while he was recovering from his surgery this winter. Please extend our most sincere condolences to your mother....brother and the rest of your family. Stuart holds a very special place in our hearts and memories and will be missed but thought of often.

I've been thinking about all my memories with Stuart, my Grandpa. Amongst so many special memories, a few snippets of images keep returning to mind: his smile, laughter, hugs, and the way he would say "I love you, Deary". He was so dedicated to everything he did, to everyone in his life, and to everyone whom he called 'friend'. He was always so curious about my interests and adventures. Even though my lifestyle was different than his he was so proud and supportive about everything I was up to. This left me feeling so loved by him. He made an effort to see the world through my eyes, which I believe to be a great (an unique) strength. My grandpa was genuinely interested in how the world was changing and how we, his grandchildren, were contributing. He modelled perseverance, strength, will, and confidence. My grandma and grandpa are pillars in my life - memories of who he was and what he stood for will always be a part of me. I am so grateful for those lessons. I will remember him as positive, optimistic, loving, dedicated, strong-willed and determined. Thank you for all the wonderful times of laughter, joy, and fun. I love you, Grandpa. May you rest now.

Hugh and Leslie. I wish both of you and your families my sympathy. You and your children have been very fortunate to have the love and support from two awesome people for so many years. No doubt lots of fond memories to share for years to come. It was a pleasure to make contact with you all after so many years apart. I had a good chat on the phone myself with your dad just before his surgery. I was always hoping to be invited to the Hunt Club to show him my shooting abilities.

To Jane, Hugh and Leslie and grandchildren, My deepest sympathy in the loss of a caring Husband, loving Father and proud Grandfather. My connection goes back to days in Sarnia, Ontario, when Stuart assumed Plant Manager duties at the Fiberglas Canada facility. He was an extremely effective manufacturing executive for our organization and mentor to many. On a personal note both Myrna (deceased) and I cherished Stuart's and Jane's annual visits to Muskoka and our cottage. Really tough to hear the news, but we know he lived a good life and influenced many who gained from their connection to him. A life well lived. Bob Sinclair

To the family of Stuart and Jane Smith I extend my deepest sympathy at this time of loss. I worked with Stuart at CAE Webster between 1981 and 1987 and I very much enjoyed his leadership. Stuart followed a strong set of moral and ethical values and encouraged the same values in the people that he was responsible for. As a leader he empowered his people to do their jobs and provided guidance and mentoring as needed. From a personal viewpoint I felt that he looked only at my abilities and ignored my disabilities. I have tried to model my leadership style during my years since CAE Webster after Stuart's example. I am left with fond memories of my time at Cae Webster and of my experiences with Stuart. I have enjoyed almost 30 years of sailing after having my interest in boating and in particular sailing being rekindled by the picture of Whisper sailing close to wind in a fair breeze that Stuart had hanging in his office. I think that Stuart leaves a bigger than life legacy that will inspire many people to want to do more with their lives.

Dear Hugh and Leslie, I'm so sorry to read about your Dad. I'll miss my frequent visits with him at the Hillside Restaurant. My big event is in a few days and I'm behind in my newspapers. I'm sorry I missed the funeral. All the best to you both. Steve Plunkett.

Jane, Hugh, Leslie and the family, Our condolences regarding the passing of Stuart. We first met him (and Jane) in the summer of 2005 when we purchased their beautiful home on Green Hedge Lane in London. We immediately fell in love with the place and I remember telling our 5 year old son (Jackson) at the time "be extra cute for the Smiths so they sell us their house"- he was and we enjoyed living there for 5 wonderful years. I also remember doing some fairly major renovations and being so nervous that Jane and Stuart would be offended. They came for a glass of wine and both proclaimed at the same time "We love it and should have done these things years ago!" What a relief!! We had many enjoyable times in London with the Smiths on Green Hedge Lane, at their home and at the Hunt Club. Stuart- you will be missed. Love, David, Alison and Jackson Farough