Arthur Smith
Date de naissance : 1er mai 1922
Lieu de décès : Nouvelle Ecosse, Canada
Date de décès : 27 juin 2011
Peacefully on June 27, 2011, in the Veterans Wing at Taigh Na Mara Nursing Home, the death occurred of our husband, father, grandfather and brother, Arthur Kendall Smith of Glace Bay.
Born May 1, 1922, Arthur was the natural son of the late Sidney and Maud (MacDonald) MacDonald of Mira. Following the accidental drowning of his father in the Mira River, Arthur was accepted on the day of his third birthday, clutching a fistful of mayflowers, to be raised with love, as the son of the late Angus J. and Mary (MacLeod) Smith of Dominion and Glace Bay.
In his early years Arthur was well known in local music circles as the possessor of a beautiful and gifted voice. During his school years he studied music locally. Following graduation from Glace Bay High School he went on to study music at the Conservatory of Music in Halifax.
These were the war years. His studies were interrupted while he made his contribution to the war effort, 1942 to 1945, by serving with the RCAF. He was trained as an aero-engine mechanic, but spent his service engaged in flight operations in the Maritimes and Newfoundland.
Once engaged on active service, Arthur’s singing talents became recognized and in demand by the RCAF concert series, singing for the army, navy and airforce. Should the concert be held prior to the embarkation of servicemen to the theatres of war, Art would be booked to sing the closing number of the program. These would be large and very noisy assemblies, but the hall would become so still one could hear a pin drop, while Arthur sang his rendition of “The Lord’s Prayer.” A very fitting send-off, an officer was heard to observe.
Following disengagement from service, Arthur continued his studies at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. On returning to Glace Bay, for some years he taught aspiring young local singers the rudiments of classical voice production. Music continued to be the focal point throughout his life and he shared this love with his family.
In 1949, he joined the telegraphy staff of the Sydney and Louisbourg Railway. Assuming the position of station agent of the Glace Bay Railway Station in 1962, he served until retirement in May 1987, under both the S&L & later Devco management, as Glace Bay’s last railway station agent.
He very much enjoyed both his RCAF and his railway associations and experiences and treasured his memories and the friendships made throughout his lifetime.
Active in community affairs, Arthur was a past president of Morrison High School Home and School Association and of Glace Bay Rotary Club. As Rotary president, he was chair of the International Assembly and conference of Rotarians held at Keltic Lodge in June 1975. He served as co-chair with Ian MacNeil of the Sydney Rotary Club, of the very lively and successful musical production of “The King and I” at the historic reopening of the newly refurbished Savoy Theatre on May 17, 1976. For many years he served on the board of directors and on multiple committees, of the Glace Bay General Hospital and on the board of directors of the Savoy Theatre.
In line with his singing talents, Arthur enjoyed his public speaking engagements. He had a natural love of language, of elocution, of the rhythmic flow of words and poetry. Because of this interest, he was often invited as speaker for special events as Remembrance Day services; at retirement dinners, for the historical society etc.
As his family grew, Art re-discovered his great love for Mira. He deeply enjoyed his summers at the ‘Bungalow’ on Mira Bay, spent with his children; he enjoyed the sleepovers of the grandchildren and in these past few years, he enjoyed quiet drives to Mira and his tea breaks in the sunporch. He treasured the succession of animals that shared our lives; those gorgeous springer spaniels; the majestic Dobermans and those two stray cats Waffles and Abbey, he was so pleased to have rescued.
Arthur is survived by his wife, the former Gladys M. Phillips, Glace Bay; daughters, Sheila Marie (David) Latham, Toronto, Sylvia Jean Smith, Glace Bay, Mora Diane Smith (Jerry Murphy), Glace Bay; and his son, Angus J. Smith (Kim Cudhea), Coldbrook, N.S.
He has five grandchildren, Sarah Jean (Ryan) Murphy-Boutilier; Kendall James Murphy and Catherine Ellen Murphy, Glace Bay; Gilbert Taylor Smith (Rachel Liem) and Emily Margaret Smith, Halifax; he has one great-grandchild, newborn Zachary Ryan Boutilier, Glace Bay.
Arthur is survived by his sisters, Kathlyn Peach, Port Morien, Georgina Milley, Sydney/P.E.I.; and by numerous nieces and nephews.
He is also survived by the best friend of his youth, Earl H. Davidson, Middleton, N.S.
He was predeceased by his sisters, Margaret Campbell, Mary Cann, Alice MacQueen, brothers, Allison MacMillan, John and Allister MacDonald.
Arthur was a member of Knox United Church.
Honouring his request, under the care of Patten Funeral Home, arrangements are being made for a private family memorial service with interment in Mira Bay Cemetery when arrangements are complete.
Memorials to the Alzheimer’s Society, palliative care or a charity of choice would be appreciated and most welcome.
Online condolences can be made to the family at www.pattenfuneral.com.
The family wishes to take this opportunity to extend thanks to the staff of Taigh Na Mara and Doctors MacLean and Rebello for the competent and loving care Art received this past year; the consideration and helpfulness of the staff of the Department of Veterans Affairs; the Home Care services and VON and all those who were so helpful to his family during this past difficult year.
We also wish to acknowledge the friendliness and good will of the resident veterans who make Taigh Na Mara into a real home. They made our visits a pleasure. Thank you everyone.
