Name: Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park
Address: Burnaby, BC

Having just returned home from having dental surgery here in Victoria, I was laying in bed recouping as I was thinking about the brutally painful procedure I had just gone through and the fact that my dentist had ZERO empathy for me.  This made me reminisce about my previous dentists and Dr. Smith immediately came to mind.  It was back in the late 80's when I first became a patient of Dr. Smith while I was the Restaurants Manager at The Pan Pacific Hotel.  One day while at work I had cracked a tooth and the extreme pain was immediate and unbearable.  Not knowing what to do next, a coworker suggested I go upstairs to the World Trade Centre (WTC) offices as there was a new dentist that had just moved in.  So I quickly went up to the WTC floors where I was welcomed into Dr. Smith's office.  Even though there were patients in the office at the time, Dr. Smith took me in immediately and gave me a shot of novacaine (I'm guessing that's what it was) which was a quick fix to temporarily numb the pain.  I then comfortably waited as Dr. Smith finished up on a patient.  I was then quickly ushered into the dentist chair where Dr. Smith began working on my tooth.  FUN FACT: many of the WTC's offices are located in the 3 or 4 windowed mezzanine floors above the Pan Pacific Hotel's lobby and cafes where you could look out of these windows and clearly see down to the entire main floor of the hotel!  As I was getting my tooth fixed, my view from the dentist's chair out the window was down onto the Cafe where I worked... so I could follow the days going's ons during my appointments!  That was Dr. Smith's selling feature which would keep me coming back until I quickly realized that the REAL selling feature was Dr. Smith himself!  He was one of THE kindest gentleman I had ever meant!  So kind was he that for all the hotel staff (and even a few of our hotel guests) I sent to him as patients ALL agreed with me!  Thusly, Dr. Smith became THE dentist to many of us hotel employees. 

So it is with great sadness that I've just learned Vancouver had lost not just a wonderful gentleman... but an expertly skilled dentist and a kind & warm hearted, caring individual.  I know I'm late in hearing the news about the passing of such a fine fellow, but I wanted Dr. Smith's family and friends to know that many, many of us hotel employees (and the occasional travelling hotel guest that were sent up to the doc for emergency treatment) have not only been lucky to have been treated by Dr. Smith, but also lucky to have met Dr. Smith... such a kind man that is still missed!

I am very sad to have learned of the passing of Dr. Smith.  I first met Dr. Smith as a patient when I was 5 years old in 1979.  I still remember that visit like it was yesturday.  What a kind and gentle soul he was.  Over the years, his passion for dentistry rubbed off on me and he thought I might make a good dentist.  So, here I am today, a dentist for the last 14 years.  
I feel privledged and honoured to have had Dr. Smith as my mentor and friend thru the years.    
I will miss you Dr. Smith.  You were a great man and will forever be in my heart.

Our deepest sympathy to Betty and her family.  Dr.Smith had a positive impact on our family when my girls were young and growing up.  Dr.Smith was such a kind and giving person.  An excellent dentist.
I am so sorry for your loss.

I was very sorry to hear about Dr. Smith's passing.  He was
my dentist for many years. He made me feel very comfortable in the dentist's chair. He was personable and pleasant. I will miss his cheerful nature and professionalism.  My sympathies go out to his family. He certainly was an accomplished and caring person. Patricia Kearney

I was very saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Astley today.  I only met him and Betty on a few occasions but it was always a pleasure.  My sincere condolences to all of the Smith family.

We are so grateful to God that He gave Dr. Smith to service for his family and Jamaica.  Our condolences are deeply extended to his family.

I learned this morning of Doctor Smith's death.  I am proud to be able to say that I was one of his first patients when he bought the practice in New Westminster many years ago.  From the first moment I met him we hit it off.  He told me I had to have a root canal and I turned to his assistant and said "has he ever done any before?"  

I have never heard someone laugh so hard!  Both of them!  So that was the beginning of our relationship.  Jokes and more jokes.  And his quotes - "it was easier than making cheese" is a good example.  

I think one of his strengths was his patience and his calm demeanor.  As a patient I loved that about him.  Always late, but we knew that it was because he had been talking too much with another patient - so who could get mad!

My heart goes out to Betty and "the boys" as he called them.  Our children were the same ages and so we had many talks as parents.  Oh how he loved his family.

It is so hard to believe that our beloved Doctor Smith has gone.  Words can't express my sorrow now.  I'm thinking of you Betty.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leave a memory no one can steal."  From a headstone in Ireland.

Marjorie Staal

I only had the pleasure of meeting Astley a few times over the past year but I knew from our first meeting onward that he was a man that was very special and kind in every way. Tom Jones (Vancouver BC)

It is hard to believe that Astley is not with us anymore.  I will never forget his warmth and his generosity.  His commitment to Jamaica and the Jamaican community in Vancouver was absolutely remarkable.  He will be greatly missed.
                         
                                                Noga Gayle, Vancouver, B.C

Thank you everyone for posting your memories of my father.

We salute a life well lived. Astley was respected, kind-hearted, and well-loved. My condolences to the Smith family. You should feel exceptionally proud of Astley.

To the Smith family,
Please accept our sympathy on the passing of your loved one.
From Pastor and Mrs E. Walters and the Bethel Church family of Surrey.

Dear Betty, 
May I take this opportunity to thank you for your unfailing support of you dear husband in all of his community endeavors. I join in the celebration of Astley's life and express my gratitude for the many contributions and the beautiful soul of my fellow Miconian.

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

I've known Dr. Smith and Betty for over 20 years. My children, Sara, Lisa and James, and I were all patients of Dr. Smith and we always had a great experience with him during our dental visits.  Much to the office staff's dismay, he took the time to ask about my children(which put him behind in schedule for the next patient...sorry) and we had some great conversations together. My daughter Lisa was inspired by him to the extent that after her training as a CDA, wanted to work at his practice and tap into his vast knowledge of dentistry.  

My thoughts go out to Betty, family, friends and those who continue to work at Belmont Dental Centre.  He was truly a great person and will be missed. 
Jim Christie, Sechelt, B.C.

Dr. Smith was a treasure. His smile, empathy, intelligence and warmth I will miss. He was a man of great strength and dignity. I am saddened by his loss and my sincere condolensces to his family. 
- Rosemary Sojka, patient

I am really sad to know of Dr. Astley Smith's passing. From the mid 80's to the mid 90's I worked with him for several help projects for Jamaica, and he did magnificent productive items that most other people would not accomplish. He was an amazing person and is very sadly missed.
My main sympathy and condolences to Betty, Michael and Stephen.

My deepest condolences, sorry for your loss and a loss to the medical profession.
Last time I met Dr Astley Smith a couple weeks ago he was very excited and passionate about his hcPRP discovery and the benefits to mankind.
Bonaventure D'sa, Burnaby, BC

Some people come into our lives and quickly go;
Some stay for awhile and leave footprints on our hearts;
And we are never the same.
Dr Smith you have left indelible footprints on many hearts, thank you.

Sincere condolences to his family.

I will remember your smile and your laughter, your joy in supporting others and your commitment toward leading by example. You were a wonderful colleague and a kind friend. 

You have leave behind mighty big shoes to fill and we will all do our best to continue what was best about you.

Dr. Astley Smith – A Community Treasure

On Sunday June 3, 2012 at the UBC Golf Course at 1pm, the multicultural community of Vancouver will celebrate the passing of one of its greatest icons, Dr. Astley Eugene Smith.

For those who were fortunate to have met Dr. Smith they would have readily recognised his love for his beloved birthplace Jamaica and his pride of being a Canadian.   He served both countries well, leaving behind a legacy of accomplishments.

Dr. Astley Smith was an invaluable member of the Caribbean and the BC Community. Always the consummate professional, Dr. Astley Smith's life was one well lived, making  use of all of his talents, dentist, inventor, business man, Jamaica's Honorary Consul to Vancouver to name a few.  His approach to life was predicated by compassion, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.

As a community advocate, not only did Dr. Smith's clients benefit from his kindness and generosity, but also the wider community, he was committed to the improvement and betterment of the lives of others.  The Jamaican Canadian Cultural Association of BC and the Canadian Jamaican Medical Assistance Society of BC were also recipients of Dr. Smith's generosity and support throughout the years.  There are many here in BC and Jamaica (some of whom are not even aware from whence their deliverance came) who owe Dr. Smith a world of gratitude.  

Most importantly of all of his accomplishments his role as a dedicated husband, father and grandfather was most dear to him; Our condolences to his wife Betty, children Michael and Stephen, granddaughter Charlotte and his close relatives and dear friends. 

Dr. Astley Eugene Smith lived a life of service to others, to his patients his friends, his family and to anyone who had the honor and pleasure of knowing him.

Maryann Pyne
Inside Kolours Multicultural Multimedia Entertainment

It is with deep sadness that we learn of Astley Eugene's death.  We best remember him from his days as a teacher here in Portage la Prairie.  Our condolences to Betty and their family.  He always had a wonderful smile and was looking for ways to create and improve.  God bless his soul and may the eternal light shine upon him.
Pauline & John Chudzik, Portage la Prairie, Manitoba

On behalf of the Canadian Jamaican Medical Assistance Society, we wish to extend our sincere condolences to the Family and Friends of the late Dr .A. Smith....Dr Smith was very supportive of our organization, and severed Jamaica well as its first Hon Consul of Jamaica at Vancouver....May his soul rest in perfect peace......Cindy Hildebrandt, President  & Pearl R. Tingle Vice President of CJMAS

I'm very saddened to hear of Dr. Smith's passing! I had the pleasure of knowing and working for him from 1990-1997! I've always held Dr. Smith in very high regard and value the amazing start he gave me in dentistry!! My deepest condolences goes out to Betty and family at this very difficult time! xo

I had the utmost pleasure to know and work for Dr. Smith at Belmont Dental Centre. We were all family there and he was a mentor and someone to look up to. I am deeply saddened that he is gone, but also he is at rest. My heart and blessings go out to Betty and the family. You are always in my thoughts and prayers. I will miss you Dr. Smith and never forget the precious 
time you shared with all of us Belmont girls!!! God bless!

May his soul rest in peace. Condolence to his family & relatives.  He has been our family dentist since 1996 to date.

Dr.Astley Smith's passing has left a void in my familys' life.  In addition to his role as our family dentist, Astley was a friend and mentor who we will always remember for his kindness and warmth during our earlier years settling in Vancouver.

On behalf of the Jamaican/Canadian Cultural Association of BC, please accept our deepest condolences.
Andrew G. Serrant: President

Subject: Passing of Dr. Astley  Eugene Smith on May_17th, 2012

Mrs. Betty Smith, Michael, Stephen, family members, colleagues and friends.

Albert Einstein said, “The value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive.”  Dr. Astley Eugene Smith typifies that quote one hundred percent. 
He gave much of his professional expertise and skills. He shared his vision, his brilliancy and valuable time with the community and his country of birth – Jamaica… Ladies and Gentlemen that is why I find it convenient to share my thoughts on Dr. Astley Eugene Smith's life and say Goodbye.

Thoughts on Dr. Smith's Life!  As the President of BCOCCA, on behalf of the Caribbean Community; it is with great sadness that we join together to say goodbye to Dr. Astley Eugene Smith, to give thanks and celebrate his life and his work which was always filled with passion, integrity, and energy.

  Personally I have known Dr. Smith for over 30 years. Dr Smith is a Jamaican by Birth who came to Canada (Winnipeg) to pursue studies in 1963 and ultimately making Canada his new home. As we were made to understand, there is where Dr. Smith first met Betty who soon became his wife and started their family. 

In 1979 Dr. Smith with his family relocated to Burnaby, BC and started practicing Dentistry in New Westminster BC until his passing. Dr. Smith was a very competent and highly respected Dentist who was very much appreciated by his patients and his staff. 

He was a multi-task oriented person who simultaneously found time to serve the community, becoming the Founder and first President of “The Commonwealth Caribbean Club of British Columbia” which was incorporated in BC in 1986. – The Commonwealth Caribbean Club was an umbrella organization that contributed thousands of dollars to the education and development of a number of now professionals in BC and other parts of the World. 

Dr. Smith was a charter member of the Burnaby Deer Lake Rotary club in which for many years he was actively involved in fundraising and other organizational events.
  
From 1997 to 2008, Dr. Smith served as the Honorary Consul General for Jamaica in Vancouver during which time he was instrumental in a number of Projects and Infrastructure developments in Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean. 

Dr. Smith was also the Inventor and Owner of a Research Institute for “New Bone Grafting Procedures” called Global Auto-grafting Research Institute Inc. Vancouver, BC. 

He was a great Father, Friend, Dentist, Business Colleague, Inventor, and Community Builder, who we all greatly admired, respected and will miss, and owe deep gratitude for his contribution to the Caribbean and other Communities.

Dr. Smith is survived by his loving wife Betty, his two sons Michel and Stephen, and his immediate and his extended family. His passing is a monumental loss to his Family, His Profession and Friends, the Community, Canada and Jamaica. 
 
On behalf of the Caribbean Community, to the family - Betty, Michael, Stephen and his other relatives, we extend our sincere condolences, and trust that you find strength to endure beyond this very sad and trying time of Dr. Smith's passing.

During his life's journey, Dr. Smith through hard work, his kindness, his benevolence and his caring, has left us a legacy that we are all very proud of and will long remember. As it has been said; “It is not the years in a life that counts; it is the life in the years.” 

May his soul rest in peace! Goodbye my friend!

Neville Thomas, 
President, of BC Organization of Caribbean Cultural Associations

F: dr.Smith.passing.2

   I will forever remember Dr Smith's involvement in Metro Vancouver's Caribbean  community. He provided money for scholarships to  students through the  Commonwealth Caribbean Club and Junior Black Achievement Award.       On Sept 16/90,the Club invited students of Caribbean parentage, who were enrolled in post-secondary  education, to an Awards Evening at Vancouver's Hyatt Regency Hotel. Guest Speaker was MP Hedy Fry, then President of BC Medical Assn.                                                                          I understand that he was instrumental in twinning Vancouver International Airport with a leading airport in Jamaica                                                                                          Well done brother !   May Eternal Rest be yours.                          Condolences to your Relatives and  Family

Your contribution to your peoplw will always be remebered. You left this world a better place than it was. May the Lord be with you.

Dr. Astley Smith has always been a warm person with a ready smile, to go along with his obvious drive and talents.  I am saddened but will imagine him relaxing now, with my late husband, Emery before moving on to his next journey.

Today I learned about the death of Dr.Astley Smith an amazing citizen of the community. Astley lived life as one who gave tremendously, with great care and kindness to his patients and contributed to the improvement and advancement of others, most specifically the Jamaican and West Indian at large community. His legacy will live forever and serve as an example for others to follow. I extend my condolence to his family and relatives far and near. Thank you for sharing with us all this gentle yet powerful man. Astley will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my dear friend and mentor Dr. Astley E. Smith. Death is always accompanied by sadness, and a sense of loss.  However, his was a life well lived,  one to be celebrated, one to be thankful for.  Many will recall with admiration, fondness  and gratitude  Astley's goodness and  kindness.  Astley always shared with his friends a word of encouragement, genuine concern, sage wisdom and honesty.  He has touched  in a positive way those who had the good fortune to meet him along life's journey.
As I reflect on my friendship with Astley over the years I can hear him say "If I'm your friend, I am a friend for life, and probably one of the best friends you'll ever have."  Astley, you were absolutely right, and I am so thankful for the gift of your friendship during this journey called life...."

I regard Dr.Astley Smith very highly. He worked tirelessly to promote the interest of Jamaica. As well, he was always available to help members of the Caribbean community when called upon to do so. He will be missed.
Charles Arthur

I will miss Dr. Astley very much. He has made an unbelievable difference with his invention. Many of my patients are now pain-free and enjoying life again due to his hard work.  Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Dr. Jan Venter

OBITUARY

Dr. Astley Eugene Smith

10 January, 1938 – 17 May, 2012

Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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