David R. Smith

 David Smith, husband of his beloved Phoebe (d. August 2022) and father of Lynda, Kathy, Keith and Sean, passed away at South Muskoka Memorial Hospital in Bracebridge on February 25th, 2024. His death was sudden, but just days before, he had been with his friends at Chuck’s Roadhouse. In terms of departures, he didn’t leave much time for suffering before it was time to go.

 David was born in Simmonstone, near Burnley, in Lancashire, England. Following school, he joined the British Royal Navy as a cadet on the HMS Conway. He then joined its merchant marines and sailed around the world adding many chapters to his life story. He met Phoebe when he was a purser on the Empress of Canada and, knowing that she was the one, they married on September 1, 1964 while at port in Montreal. They moved ashore shortly thereafter and he embarked on a 32-year career with Canadian Pacific Hotels following which they moved to Huntsville where he managed Hidden Valley Resort. He finished his career as a groundskeeper on the golf course at Deerhurst and as a blacksmith at Muskoka Heritage Place.

 To say that “David was loved by many” would be an understatement. It is hard to imagine anyone that was loved more than he was. David was warm, gentle, kind and people were drawn to him. He was quiet , yet captivating. He was full of grace and full of stories.

 He leaves behind a legacy that includes his four children and their spouses, seven grandchildren and one great grandson. He will be remembered fondly and will be celebrated in the spring. For now, we will raise a pint in his honour and will move forward in a spirit of kindness and generosity to match his.