Obituary of Donald William Smith

It is with great sadness that the family of Donald William Smith of Saint John, husband of Ruth (Henderson) Smith, announces his passing, which occurred on Sunday, October 27, 2013 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Saint John on June 20, 1944, he was a son of the late Gordon and Edna Smith. Donnie served with the Royal Canadian Regiment in Europe for three years, and upon his return worked for more than 40 years with Clow Canada, where he was one of the longest serving presidents of the IAM Union. In his younger years he was a member of the Sportsman’s Club, the Fusiliers, and the Red Chevron Club. Donnie was an avid shuffleboard and dart player, and also enjoyed bowling. He learned to dance in Germany, and it instilled a life-long passion for dancing, which he and Ruth did nearly every weekend. He was an easy going and good natured man, who enjoyed life to the fullest, and always kept in touch with his large extended family. In addition to his wife of nearly 47 years, Donnie is survived by two daughters, Sylvia Smith of Hampton and April Babineau (Victor) of Barnesville; grandchildren Matthew (Stephanie), Krystal, Andrew, Devon, and Donovan; great grandchildren Cody, Rebbecca, Leah, Marcus, and Audriana; siblings Gordon Smith of Sussex, Jim Smith of Quispamsis, David Smith (Carolyn), Raymond Smith (Hilda), Wally Smith (Valerie), all of Saint John, Emma Horgan (Leo) and Carol Stere (Orval), both of Ontario; and nearly 70 nieces and nephews. Donnie was predeceased by brothers Dannie and Leonard Smith; and sisters Phyllis Jacquard, Elizabeth Driscoll, and Doris McGaghey. Resting at Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424), with visiting on Wednesday, October 30, 2013, from 7-9 PM. The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, October 31, 2013 at 12:00 Noon from Brenan’s Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will take place in Fernhill Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family