SMITH, DEREK ANDREW
Surrounded by his loving family, Derek Smith passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 1, 2016 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Saint John on March 23, 1966, he was the beloved husband of Colleen (Higgins) Smith, devoted father to Emily and Matthew, and son of Jeannie (Bourgeois) Smith and the late Richard Smith.
Derek was a dedicated employee and manager with NBTel/Aliant for over 20 years and later followed his entrepreneurial spirit to open several Papa John’s Pizza locations in the city. Through his business, he had the opportunity to give back to the community which he cherished so deeply.
To Derek, family was everything. His most precious moments were those spent in the company of his family and great friends. Not only did he enjoy watching any and all sports, Derek especially loved watching and cheering on Emily and Matt in their athletic endeavors. Lifelong friendships were formed through his commitment to fitness at the YMCA and GoodLife. Derek will forever be remembered as a kind, genuine, well-respected man with an incredible sense of humor.
In addition to his childhood sweetheart and wife of 27 years, Colleen (Higgins) Smith, Derek will be dearly missed by his children Emily Smith (Kyle Blanchard) and Matt Smith (Jill Edgecombe); his brothers, Dan and Doug Smith; nieces and nephews, Teresa, Ryan, Brad, Taylor, Cailin, Bridget, Megan, Ryan, Cal, Ellen, Maggie, Sam, Laura, Kate, Bailey, Luke and Callie; the Higgins clan, many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends; including those closest to him, Andrea and Steve Titus and Kim and Tony Gogan.
He was predeceased by his father, Richard Smith; grandmother Fanny Bourgeois; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Tom and Dorothy Higgins, Floyd Wilson and several aunts and uncles.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Will O’Brien, the Oncology Dept., Extra-Mural Program Saint John, and the Palliative Care Unit at the Saint John Regional Hospital for their incredible support and kindness throughout these past several months.
There will be a celebration of Derek’s life on Thursday, May 5, 2016 from 4 to 8 pm at the Lily Lake Pavilion, 55 Lake Drive, Saint John, N.B. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 6, 2016 at 12:00 pm from Our Lady of the Assumption Church, 360 Dufferin Row, Saint John.
For those who wish, remembrances may be made to Children’s Wish Foundation, Extra Mural Program Saint John or the Palliative Care Unit at the Saint John Regional Hospital.
Arrangements are in the care of Brenan’s Funeral Home. Online condolences may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com