SMITH, G. A. PERCY, QC - The death of Percy Smith occurred peacefully on January 23rd, 2009. He was surrounded by his wife, children and grandchildren and his many wonderful caregivers at the Veterans Wing of the Miramichi Senior Citizens Home, where he had resided for the past three years. Percy leaves to mourn his loving wife of 60 years, M. Elizabeth (Betty), née Cullinan of Saint John; two sons, Gerald (Nancy Jane) and David (Nancy Jill) of Miramichi; and one daughter, Janice (Haley Williston) of Bay Du Vin. He will be greatly missed by his eight grandchildren, Andrew (Tasha Wrobel), Alexis (Scott Carson), Elizabeth, Laura (David Roy), Mary Jane, and Greg Smith and Hannah and Alexander Williston; as well as three great-grandsons, William and Luke Carson and Tristan Roy. He was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Margaret (née MacDonald) of Lower Newcastle; brothers, Reginald, Leonard and Father James Smith; and Sister Reverend Alice Smith. He leaves two brothers, Hazen of Moncton, Raymond of Montréal; and one sister, Margaret Howard of Ohio. Percy was born on December 22nd, 1921 on a farm in Lower Newcastle, where he attended a one-room schoolhouse from grades 1-8. He continued his education at St. Thomas High School in Chatham and later St. Thomas College where he graduated in 1942 with a B.A. Following graduation, he enlisted in the Canadian army and was stationed in England with the North Nova Scotia Highlanders. Lieutenant Smith headed a platoon which landed in Normandy on D-Day. His platoon pushed inland, where Percy and other members were taken prisoners of war. He later escaped, but was recaptured and imprisoned in Germany in August 1944. The POW camp was liberated by the American troops in May 1945. Percy left the army with the rank of Captain. After returning home from the war, Percy worked in a mine in NWT, and then attended Law School at UNB in Saint John, where he met and married Betty Cullinan. Following graduation from law school in 1950, he practiced law in Newcastle for many years. He was joined in practice by his sons, Gerald and David in 1975, and later, his daughter, Janice. He was appointed Queens Council in 1972. Over the years Percy served his community in many capacities including Mayor of Newcastle and two terms as Member of Parliament, from 1968-1974. As a politician, Percy was known and respected by people in every walk of life. However, he was a quiet man who enjoyed simple pleasures. His passion for salmon fishing brought him countless hours of contentment and many friends who shared this love. If Percy was not at Highbridge Camp, or somewhere else on the river, he could probably be found playing bridge with his capable partner, Betty. Arrangements are under the care of Davidson's Funeral Home, Miramichi with visiting on Sunday, January 25th from 2-4 and 7-9pm. The funeral will be held at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church at 11am on Monday, January 26th, 2009. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Percy can be made to the Miramichi Senior Citizens Home, the St. Mary's Parish Cemetery Fund or a charity of one's choice.