Donald Richard Smith (Smitty), age 81, passed away on June 2, 2024. He was born on April 1, 1943, in Yorkton, Saskatchewan to Mildred and William Smith. He was preceded in death by his mother Mildred, father William, sister Carol, and brother Robert. Don now joins them in eternal peace.
Don was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He leaves behind his loving wife, Donna Smith, his daughter Dawn-Lee Wainwright (Frank), his son Blair Smith (Donna), and his grandchildren Thomas and Joshua Wainwright, and Danielle, Alex, and Matthew Smith.
Don’s work career included starting his own construction business which he started and ran from 1977 to 1993 at which time he sold the business and began a 10 year career with the City of Kenora.
In addition to his professional accomplishments and community involvement, Don found joy in coaching hockey, golfing, spending quality time with his family, and escaping the winter months in Texas. He was an active member of the Kinsmen Club of Keewatin and a lifetime member of Hockey Northwestern Ontario.
Smitty’s greatest passion outside of his family was coaching hockey. He began coaching in 1965 and coached continuously until 2002. Over the many years, Smitty’s teams won several championships but all that he ever talked about was the players. Winning and losing were never that important to him, he forever took joy in seeing the people that his players had become, and their successes after they were finished playing for his team. One of his greatest joys in life was reconnecting with the players years later and finding out about their families and what they were doing. He was exceptionally proud of the many men who played for his teams over the years.
Don's family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Steve Klassen, the nurses and aides on 2B at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, and the home care attendants who provided compassionate care and support to the family during his final weeks.
A celebration of Don's life will be held at a future date to be determined. Details will be shared with family and friends once arrangements have been made. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice in memory of Donald Richard Smith. Rest in peace, Don. Your memory will forever be cherished by those whose lives you touched.
To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me
When I am gone, release me, let me go…
I have so many things to see and do.
You must not tie yourself to me with tears;
Be happy that we had so many years.
I gave to you my love, you can only guess
how much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
but now it’s time I travelled on alone.
So grieve a while for me if grieve you must;
then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It’s only for a while that we must part,
so bless the memories within your heart.
I won’t be far away, for life goes on;
so if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can’t see me or touch me, I’ll be near.
And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear,
all of my love around you soft and clear.
And then, when you must come this way alone,
I’ll greet you with a smile and say “welcome home”.
Condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com
