Raymond Smith
Born In: West Tarbot, Victoria County, Nova Scotia, Canada
Born: November 3rd, 1932
Passed in: North Sydney/North River, Nova Scotia, Canada
Passed on: September 8th, 2011
It is with tremendous sadness that the family of Raymond Fraser Smith announce his passing on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011. surrounded by his family at home in North Sydney, N.S. at the age of 78.
Born Nov. 3, 1932, in West Tarbot, Victoria County, he was the eldest son of John Angus and Alice (MacRae) Smith.
Raymond had numerous occupations throughout his life including sailing on the Great Lakes, caretaker/gardener, carpenter, smelt fisherman, trapper and lobster fisherman.
He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Angie (McRitchie); daughter, Marianne, Halifax, N.S., Terry (Lisa), Bedford, N.S., Glenn (Monique) Mississauga, Ont., and Jason, Burlington, Ont. He is also survived by one grandson, Revan who he made sure was spoiled and entertained always by Papa. He is also survived by sisters, Betty Gimler, Muriel Morrison and Murdena Stephen; brothers, Andrew (Gerry), Jackie (Marie); nieces and nephews; cousins and friends that he loved and cared for deeply.
Raymond was predeceased by his Church Pool fishing partner, brother and best friend, Donnie, and his nephews, Wesley and Kelly Smith.
Raymond was a member of St. Ann’s Bay United Church.
Raymond was proud of his Scottish heritage and could speak the Gaelic language fluently. He loved his years at the cottage on the North River where he was an expert trout and salmon fisherman and over the years was able to master custom trout flies he tied himself. The fresh sea trout he waited for all winter/spring were no match for Raymond and his flies as he often let everyone know. He shared his flies and local knowledge with anyone that was interested in fishing with him. He had a deep passion for fly fishing at the Church Pool on his beloved North River. Raymond enjoyed nothing more than spending time on the North River with his friends, family and children. Always good for a laugh, Raymond kept this attitude going throughout his life and even in recent months where he showed us all how to be courageous and positive regardless of the hand dealt to us.
Not one to be idle he became a member of the Home Crafters of Cape Breton where he diligently supported Marianne and Angie at craft shows from Sydney to Halifax. One of his signature crafts was his lobster trap coffee table that can be found throughout the community. Most importantly, he provided life lessons and a common sense approach to living for his children throughout their lives and this will be with them forever. As Raymond said, he was not only a father, but also a best friend to his children.
Raymond’s family wish to thank the numerous local caregivers who provided compassionate and professional services over the past several months.
Visitation for family and friends will be held Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011, at 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at St. Ann’s Bay United Church, River Bennett, Victoria County. Funeral service to be held Monday, Sept. 12, 2011, at 2 p.m. at St. Ann’s Bay United Church with Dianne Kempt DLM officiating, followed by burial service at Riverside Cemetery in North River. A celebration of Raymond’s life will be held for family and friends at North River Hall after the service.
The family requests that flowers be sent from immediate family only and donations in Raymond’s memory may be made to the St. Ann’s Bay United Church.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to the W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, North Sydney.
Online condolences may be sent to www.wjdooley.com.
