John SMITH
Born In: United Kingdom
Passed in: Canada
SMITH, John Arthur Henry -79, of Braeshore, Pictou County, and formerly of Big Bras d'0r, Cape Breton and Durham , Ontario, passed away September 9, 2010 in the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow. John was the son of the late John "Jack" and Lillian (Parfitt) Smith. He is survived by his wife and partner of thirty years, Rev. Susan (Archer) Smith; sister, Eileen Leedham, and niece, Sally, both of Ontario; his son, David (Margo), Prince Edward Island; and daughter Joanne (Doug) Penny, Nannoose Bay, B.C.; granddaughters, Lauren Smith, Ontario, and Kaylin Penny, Nannoose Bay; father and mother-in-law, Kenneth & Miriam Archer; brothers and sister-in-law, Adrian, Tony, Jennifer, Neil, David, Paul, all of England; close family friends, Rev. Barb Fotheringham, Beth, Dylan, Nelson, and Danny Clarke. He was predeceased by brothers-in-law, Bill Leedham and Phillip Archer. John was born in Bristol, England on November 18, 1930. He spent the war years there as a child and joined The Royal Air Force Cadets. John's family immigrated to Canada when he was 17, settling in Toronto. John loved life and made the most of each opportunity. He taught First Aid for the Canadian Red Cross for many years achieving the 'Long Term Service Award'. He worked as a printer all his life, having only two employers. His hobbies were watching car races and soccer, reading, and listening to bluegrass/gospel music. After taking early retirement due to health issues, he moved from Scarborough to Durham, Ontario and in 1991 became involved in Knox Presbyterian Church, Walkerton, serving on the Board of Managers. In February of 2003, he became a minister's spouse and moved to Boularderie Island, Cape Breton. He was a member of choirs in Knox, Ross Ferry, and St. James Presbyterian, Big Bras d'Or. John and Susan moved to Braeshore, Pictou County in 2008. A lover of animals, John enjoyed his pets, Tusha and Oscar (both deceased), Jesse and Misty (Boxers) and Twiggy (Cat). They provided him with great joy and wonderful company. John was a devoted husband and a great friend to many, truly a gentle giant. He will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him. Till we meet again... Love you always. Visitation will be held 2-4 & 7-9 PM Tuesday in McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou. Funeral will be held 2 PM Wednesday from West River Presbyterian Church, Durham, with Rev. Barb Fotheringham officiating. Cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, the Cancer Society, the Kidney Foundation, or a charity of your choice.
