Tim (Smitty) passed away at home on December 31, 2015 after a difficult and lengthy illness with his wife by his side.
Tim was born on February 7, 1937 to Awilda and Tim Smith and attended local schools. He began his working career immediately after graduation with the Department of Highways (MT0) and retired with 35 years of service so that he could enjoy doing the things he loved best. Tim was involved as a volunteer in local hockey, holding positions as referee, coach, manager, President of Fort William Minor Hockey and Minor Convenor with the Thunder Bay Amateur Hockey Association.
Tim was a very loving, caring and generous person with a wonderful sense of humour who gave 150% to everybody he loved. Of course, his first love was Susan and he loved her unconditionally to the very end. The next event for Tim was the birth of Nathan and "Pa" treasured every moment he spent with his little buddy.
Family gatherings with Jeannie, Ian, Mitchell, Matty and Justin at birthdays, hockey games, thanksgiving and Christmas were extremely special to him and he always looked forward to the next celebration.
He was totally grateful for all the help in cutting the lawn, shovelling snow and the tasks that Ian dealt with immediately. He definitely hoarded those wonderful chocolate chip cookies that Jeannie shared but he would let Susan have two.
Tim and Susan spent the winters in Mesa, Arizona with Gerry and Dennis Degroot from Winnipeg and Amanda, Chuck, Zoe and Charles Barron of Mesa, Arizona. We would be driving home and he would be planning our return the following year. Tim was so happy to be able to return last year. Gerry and Dennis visited Tim in November and he loved having them here.
Tim is survived by his wife Susan of 39 years, his sister Carol Howarth, grandson Cody(Beth), and great grand daughter Payton Smith, Step son Rick(Michelle) and step grandchildren Nathan and Mikaila Blewett. He is also survived by his estranged son Mark Smith.
Tim was predeceased by his parents, Awilda and Tim Smith, brother Paddy, his best friend and nephew Darrin, mother and father-in-law John and Nellie Andrews and brother-in-law Lynden Andrews.
Since Tim had multiple health complications, in lieu of flowers donations to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre where he spent many months over the last 31/2 years or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Cremation has taken place and according to Tim's wishes, there will be no service. Susan and Carol will hold a private graveside service at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simpler Times Cremation Centre, 332 North May Street, Thunder Bay.
At this time, Susan would like to thank Dr. Kevin Miller; CCAC-Linda Rousseau; Paramed-Tessa, Kim, Marcy and Cathy; Wesway-Suzanne Hart for their dedication, support and loving care that Tim received for the past four months. You all made such a major difference in our lives. Bless you all.
Tim's sister Carol, Caryll and Kim, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for helping me through this extremely difficult journey.
