It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of our father John Smith, 77 years old, of St. John's, NL. After a brief illness and a strong fight he passed away at the Health Sciences Centre. Predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Florence Alexandria Smith; parents Clarence Smith and Velma Currie; sister Arlie Grunland and special Aunt Margaret (Al) Cryderman. His passing leaves a great feeling of loss in the hearts and lives of his daughters Cindy (Rick) Hu, Fran (Doug) Kirby and son John (Denise) Smith; grandchildren Amanda (Paul) Hu, Alex Hu, Tyler Kirby and Sasha Smith. Also mourning his loss are his sisters Fran De Nobile and Sandra (Mike) Di Cenzo and brother Gene (Trudy) Smith, along with his nephews and nieces Mark (Cathy) De Nobile, Nick (Cathi) De Nobile, Lisa (Flavio) Blasato, Nicole (Mark) Krzyczkowski, Michelle Kotowski, and Jennifer, Stephanie and Teresa Smith. Dad was a strong independent thinker, a good listener and intelligent man with a great sense of humour! John was born in Owen Sound, ON and lived and worked in Toronto where he met Florence, the love of his life. They married and began raising their family in Oakville, ON. Their adventures continued when the family moved to Florence's hometown, Grand Bank, NL. He was a strong businessman and proud of his and Florence's many accomplishments, including Granny's Pizza and Variety Store, Granny's Motor Inn, and the Fortune B&B. In recent years, John, supported by his family's efforts, travelled to many places, exemplifying his motto, "I'm going to Live until I Die." John leaves behind many wonderful memories and stories about his adventures. He was a thoughtful, loving person who always was supportive of his wife, children and family, providing the encouragement for them to thrive and succeed. Our family would like to express our gratitude to Dr. Paul Jackman for all of his tremendous support and efforts to help Dad have a good quality of life in recent years; the outstanding staff, of 4SB Health Sciences Centre, who provided amazing care to Dad and our family. We will never forget how you kept his dignity throughout his illness. In particular, we would like to thank Dr. Linda Magnusson and Dr. Abayomi Ogunyemi, along with the postgraduate residents for the care they provided dad and the support they extended to our family. Dad will be missed and never be forgotten. Cremation has taken place. Resting at Carnell's Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Rd. Visitation will be 2-4 and 7-9 Monday, February 22, 2016 and 12-2 on Tuesday, February 23, 2016. A funeral service of remembrance will be in Carnell's Memorial Chapel on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at 2 p.m. Donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Heart and Stroke Foundation are gladly accepted. To send a message of condolence or sign the memorial guest book, please visit www.carnells.com.