Rev. Weldon Samuel Smith
Born In: Glace Bay
Born: August 28th, 1932
Passed in: Sydney
Passed on: August 24th, 2017
We regret to announce the passing of Rev. Weldon Samuel Smith on Thursday, August 24, 2017, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney.
Born August 28, 1932, in Glace Bay, he was the son of the late Samuel and Clara (Sharpe) Smith.
Weldon studied at the University of King’s College in Halifax and was ordained as a deacon in 1957, and later a priest in 1959. His first appointment was to St. Andrew’s Parish in Neil’s Harbour and in 1958, St. John’s Parish in Ingonish. He spent eight years in the area. Shortly after his arrival, Weldon became involved in local health care after he was invited to join the board of Buchanan Memorial Hospital. During his tenure, a new rectory was constructed and an old school building was renovated to become the new parish centre. He went on to chair the special committee overseeing construction of the new medical clinic in Neil’s Harbour, which is still in operation. Weldon also became involved in the fisheries co-operative and during his tenure, saw it grow and expand. He also organized the community’s co-op store, which opened his final year in the community. In 1966, Weldon moved to Coxheath, and was appointed rector of the parish at St. Mark’s Church, where he remained until his retirement in 1993. St. Aidan’s Church in Coxheath had been destroyed by fire and during his tenure in the community, Weldon was involved in the project to build a new church. He also participated in the effort to renovate a former school building on Keltic Drive to become the new St. Mark’s Parish Centre, as well was involved in the building of Camp Bretondean. In 1967, he was appointed to the board of directors of the Cape Breton Hospital, where he chaired a number of committees. Weldon was instrumental in the development of the hospital into an acute care centre for mental health. He also served on the board which oversaw construction of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, in addition to serving as vice chair of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital and chair of Cape Breton Regional Housing. He served as board member of the Cove Guest Home and the Mental Health Board of the Cape Breton Hospital and was also a founding member of the Industrial Cape Breton Council of Churches. From 1980-1994, he was Archdeacon of Cape Breton. In 1992, he was the recipient of the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Medal, in 2002, he received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubliee Medal and in 2012, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Weldon was involved with various Diocesan Committees including, Parish Relations, Diocesan Council, Budget Committee, 1984 General Synod Delegate and Administration and Finance Committee.
Weldon is survived by his sister, Sarah Warren, Toronto; niece, Linda (Gord) Moore and nephew, Weldon (Debbie) Warren and their families, all of Ontario; nephew, Sam Smith, Sydney and Lorna and Bob Harvey, Port Hawkesbury, who were his family support for many years.
He was predeceased by his wife, Catherine “Kay” (Wadden) Smith; brother, James (Muriel) Smith; niece, Carol Ann (Glen) Allan; nephew, Darrell Smith and brother-in-law, George Warren.
Visitation will take place at Sydney Memorial Chapel on Sunday, August 27 from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m.
Funeral service will be held at St. Mary’s Church, Glace Bay on Monday, August 28 at 11 a.m., with Archbishop Ron Cutler officiating. Interment in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Port Morien at a later date.
Donations in his memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca.
