Donald Joseph Smith
At the age of 74 years Don, passed away peacefully on Monday October 5, 2020 at University Hospital in London with his loving daughter Rebecca at his side. Predeceased by his parents John (1997) and Ida (2011) Smith of Tilbury. Loving father of Rebecca (Heather) Ker and the joy of his life granddaughter Isobel. Predeceased by his cherished son Jeffrey (1989). Dear brother of the late Jack (2019) (Lynne) Smith, Jean (William) Wright, Bill (Cathy) Smith, Gary Smith, Carol (Dave) Nussey, and Mary (Ray) Lanoue. He is fondly remembered by many nieces and nephews.
Don, a resident of Woodstock, had a long, successful career with Cargill as an area manager. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved spending time in northern Ontario with his many friends.
The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Woodstock Hospital and University Hospital in London for their excellent care. Special thanks to Nancy for her kind consideration and loving care.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Don’s life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations to the Canadian Wildlife Federation would be greatly appreciated by the family. Wareing Cremation Services, 225 Norwich Ave., Woodstock entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be shared at www.wareingcremation.ca
Rebecca; We were greatly saddened to learn of your father`s passing and our thoughts and prayers for you, Heather and his special one Isobel. I first met your Dad at Cargill and we have visited every year since and he hunted on the farm several times. I last saw him in the spring and he said he was getting ready to go north to fish for the summer. Your dad was a special person and I was honoured to have him as a friend. RIP Don Our condolences Chuck and Marcy Dew.
I am so sorry for your family loss
I would like to send our condolences to the entire Smith family. Brenda Nussey and Mark Kvale
To Rebecca and family and Don’s siblings. My son Mike and I wish to express our sympathy for your loss in the passing of Don. He was always interested in a short chat when we cut his lawn. We are glad that he is not suffering any more. May you find peace with your family with his passing.
Hi Rebecca…. So sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I worked with Don at Cargill for several years. He was a great ambassador of the industry. His passion for the industry, for the people he worked with and for his customers were second to none. I never heard him say a bad thing about anyone. He might have pointed out a few faults but always talked about the good things about people. Of course, the stories he would tell and the memories he would share, always kept you on the edge of your seat. And I know through the limited travels I had with him, he always had a spot in his heart for family, especially you. Life brings us tears, smiles, and memories. Over time, the tears dry, the smiles will fade, and the memories will last forever. Cherish those memories. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Bill Wilford
I’d like to extend my sincere condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of working closely with Don for several years when he was regional manager at Princeton. He hired me over a beer at the Quality Inn – I am confident the only job offer I will ever receive written on a bar napkin! Don was an important mentor for me both during my tenure at Cargill and ever since. I genuinely enjoyed catching up with him over the years and every visit provided me with the ability to learn something new about the agriculture industry, Don’s particular experiences along the way, or just about life in general. I am saddened by his passing and I will miss the opportunity to meet with him.
I worked at Ody’s for many years, and during my time there I was able to get to know Don when he came in for a visit. Such a nice, gentle soul who always spoke so fondly of his daughter. My condolences to his family – he will be missed.
I first met Don in 1986 when I joined Cyanamid. Worked with him until 2004. A class act, the other managers looked up to him as a mentor. Any of the old Cargill folks would have to say our lives were enriched just knowing him. My condolences to his family. Don Campbell
Rebecca, Heather and Isobel, I’m so sorry for your loss. Having lost a father, I can totally relate to your pain. There’s never enough time. Someone told me “you don’t get over it, but you get used to it” and these words have been true for me. I hope that you’re able to find some comfort in them. Love you, Lindsey
I was so saddened to hear of Don’s passing. Please accept my sincere and heartfelt condolences to you, Rebecca and the entire Smith family May he rest in peace with our dear son, Jeff…take care …