12/27/2024
Our Club lost a long time Volunteer and former Club Executive, Bob Smith. A hard worker who encouraged others to get out to clear, open, sign and patrol the club trails.
For those who worked with or remember Bob Smith, we offer his obituary.
SMITH, Robert
December 17, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Robert (Bob) Elson Smith at the age of 78, on Tuesday December 17, 2024. He passed into the hands of his heavenly Father while in the care of Finlandia Village, Sudbury, Ontario.
Bob was a beloved husband of 58 years to I. Carolyn Smith (Brown). The loving father of Robert M. Smith (April) of Sudbury, Ontario and Shelley A. Smith (Gerald) of Knoxford, New Brunswick. He was the son of the late George Elson Smith and Maybelle Marie (Innes) of Southwold Township. He was the oldest of 4 siblings, Lorne Smith (Bonnie) of Essex, Ontario, Catherine Walsh (Smith) (Russell, predeceased) of Chilliwack, British Columbia, and Larry Smith (predeceased). Brother-in-law to Reverend John C. Brown (Carole) of St. Thomas, Ontario. Grandfather to Matthew Gilbert (Natalia), Stacy Balack (Brandon), Caleb Smith, Grace Smith, Joshua Smith and Josiah Smith. Great grandfather to Eli and Adina Balack.
Bob was born and raised in Southwold Township near St. Thomas, Ontario. He had many fond memories from that time of his life. He enjoyed growing up in a rural setting. He spent many hours hunting, trapping, fishing, raising rabbits, ferrets and pigs and engaged in many antics with his cousins’ who lived on neighbouring farms. Over the years returning to the place he grew up became an annual event. He enjoyed visiting and reminiscing with his aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Bob began his career as a carpenter apprentice, right out of high school. He often joked that he got his Bachelor of Carpentry at Western University. Bob’s strong work ethic and keen ambition, quickly moved him into more Construction management roles. After he and Carolyn married, he took advantage of a career opportunity to move to Sudbury. Not long after, he received his first Construction Superintendent position. Bob continued to work as a Superintendent on many projects throughout Northern Ontario.
When Bob wasn’t working hard he was very active and enjoyed recreational sports of all seasons. Boating was certainly one of his passions. He and Carolyn were members of the North Channel Yacht Club for over 40 years. He was also an active member of the Sudbury Power and Sail Squadron, and of the Coniston Wahnapitae Driftbusters Snowmobile Club. In retirement many hours were spent maintaining and monitoring snowmobile trails. Many cherished memories were created with his children and grandchildren while power boating, sailing and snowmobiling. A nature enthusiast, he found much peace while on the water, or on a snowmobile trail surrounded by God’s creation.
Bob was a quiet man regarding his faith in God. As the years went by, his heart became more tender and sensitive. He and Carolyn attended Lansing Avenue Baptist Chapel in Sudbury.
In Bob’s latter years, he struggled with dementia. We would like to thank the staff at Finlandia Village for their care and sensitivity over the past three years.
A Celebration of Life will take place at Lansing Avenue Baptist Chapel, 1192 Lansing Ave., Sudbury, on Saturday December 28, 2024. Visitation will begin at 10:30 am, with a service at 12:00pm, and lunch to follow. All are welcome to attend.
Interment of his cremains will take place at the McArthur Cemetery in Southwold, Ontario.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Galilean Bible Camp. Funds will go towards the construction of a new boy’s washroom. Donations can be made by e transfer to [email protected] , online at https://onehopecanada.givingfuel.com/donate-today or by cheque sent to Galilean Bible Camp, 1259 Granary Lake Road, Blind River, ON, P0R 1B0.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ranger’s Cremation and Burial Services Ltd. Online condolences can be posted at www.RangersSudbury.com
