Obituary of Eldon Harold Smith

Eldon Harold Smith of Saint John, husband of Gail E. (Branscombe) Smith, passed away Saturday, July 4, 2009 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Saint John on August 10, 1954, he was a son of Thelma (Kilpatrick) (Smith) Tays and the late Harold Smith. Eldon was a well known musician in Saint John, who studied for 10 years with Miss Muriel McIntyre, and completed his piano and theory exams through McGill University. Eldon was also greatly influenced by the piano and organ stylings of Mrs. Dawn Crabtree. He provided a Ministry of Music to many local churches, as well as numerous weddings and funerals from the age of 12. He began his ministry at Waterloo Street Baptist Church, and subsequently ministered at Calvary Temple for 20 years, Main Street Baptist Church for 7 years, and was currently Minister of Music at Cornerstone Baptist Church. Community and Ecumenically minded, Eldon organized several concerts and musical events throughout Saint John, including the Remembrance Day services at Kings Square and Harbour Station, which he did for 35 years; nursing home concerts at the Turnbull Home, Carleton Kirk Lodge, and Memorial Services at the Loch Lomond Villa, as well as many other venues. He also worked with the Saint John Ministerial Association, providing a combined choir for the annual Good Friday service. From a very young age, Eldon played many years for the Titus Hill Cemetery Memorial Service. In 2003, Eldon received the Traditional Artist of the Year award from the New Brunswick Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Aside from his music, Eldon loved cars, and was a renowned history buff, whose knowledge of the Royal Family would surpass most. In addition to his wife and to his mother, Eldon is survived by his children, Geoffrey and Laura, both of Saint John; a sister, Karla Tays-Dunphy of Toronto; and by several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was predeceased by his father, Harold; his step-father, Ernest B. Tays; his maternal grandparents, Robert and Freda Kilpatrick; and his paternal grandparents, Wilfred and Claretta Smith. Resting at Brenan's Select Community Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424), with visiting on Tuesday and Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. The funeral service will be held on Thursday at 3:00 PM from Calvary Temple, Sydney Street, Saint John. Interment will take place in Titus Hill Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances to the Gideons, Cornerstone Baptist Church, the Canadian Bible Society, or to any charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.