SMITH, Robert Gordon
Peacefully, with his children at his side, on September 23, 2018 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Hamilton, ON. Born February 2, 1925 in Hamilton, ON. Beloved husband of Freda Dayton Smith (Stanhope) for 70 years. Adored father of Sue Dayton (Valerie) of Pender Island, BC; Ellen Réthoré of Toronto, ON; David Smith (Marlene) of Richmond, VA; and Howard Smith (Gail) of Toronto, ON. Robert (Bob, or Bubby to his family) will also be deeply missed by his grandchildren: Kent Olsen (Bonnie), Mona Palfreyman, Scott Palfreyman (Lynn), Axelle Réthoré Roosen (Billy), Marcel Réthoré, Trevor Smith, Sarah Smith, Bérenger Réthoré and his eight great-grandchildren. The only son of William and Sadie Smith and predeceased by his sisters Jean Charlton, Marjorie Foster and Dorothy Smith, Robert is remembered with love and respect by his many nieces and nephews. Bob served with the RCAF and trained as a pilot in WWII. Flying became a passion and he spent many years as a member of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, attaining the rank of Wing Commander. He served on the Alberta Committee of the Air Cadet League of Canada and conducted annual inspections of Air Cadet squadrons in Alberta, BC and Yukon. Bob joined National Trust Company in 1945, beginning his career in Hamilton. He was Manager of the Edmonton office from 1959 to 1968; in 1969, he was appointed Vice President, relocating to Toronto and eventually back to Hamilton. He retired in 1985. During his career he served as President of the Trust Company Association of Alberta, Chairman of the Trust Companies Association of Ontario and was awarded the designation Fellow, Trust Companies Institute. He studied at McMaster University, Queen’s University and the Banff School of Management.
Bob’s commitment to his community was evident throughout his life. In Hamilton he served on the St. Joseph’s Hospital Board, was Chairman of St. Joseph’s Foundation and Chairman of St. Matthew’s House. Along with Freda, he was an active member and supporter of the Art Gallery of Hamilton. He received the Paul Harris Fellowship Award from Rotary in recognition of his over 30 years of service. Bob’s accomplishments were many. He was an artist and studied at the Dundas Valley School of Art. He was a member of the Albany Club, the Hamilton Golf and Country Club, the Hamilton Area Fly Fishers and Tyers Club and an active parishioner of St. John’s Anglican Church. He was also an astute observer of the financial markets, a skilled investor and an avid gardener. Summers were spent in Muskoka at his beloved cottage, home to many precious family memories.
His family lives in gratitude for his love, his steady presence in each of our lives, his wise counsel, his integrity and never-ending support. A Service of Thanksgiving will be held on Wednesday, October 10th at ST. JOHN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 272 Wilson St. E., Ancaster at 11:00 a.m., with Interment to follow in St. John’s Churchyard Cemetery. Donations in memory of Robert may be made to St. John’s Anglican Church, Ancaster.