A man of few words, he didn’t place much value on material things—his true wealth was found in his daughters, their families, and a lifetime of extraordinary stories. While he usually preferred to listen, holiday gatherings would bring out his vibrant spark as he held court, delighting everyone with hilarious tales of his wild youth: hair-raising adventures along the Welland Canal, tearing down back roads in fast cars, and raising hundreds of budgies in the basement of his childhood home. He was a lifelong learner and a genuine MacGyver who could build or fix anything he laid eyes on—channeling his sharp mind and capable hands into careers as a roofing business owner, crane operator, welder, automated machine designer, and plant manager. He was never more at home than out on the water with a fishing rod in hand, taking endless Sunday drives, disappearing into the wilderness for weeks on end, or building epic country bonfires where everyone would gather. Even after his debilitating stroke, his gentle, mischievous spirit never wavered. Over the past three years at St. Andrew’s Terrace, his natural warmth and kindness to strangers won over every nurse, doctor, and PSW—earning him quiet co-conspirators who happily looked the other way for his smuggled chocolate bars, kept his ginger ale and cookies well-stocked, and patiently indulged his wonderfully terrible jokes.
Bob passed unexpectedly, yet peacefully, on Monday, September 21, 2026 at the age of 76. Loving and proud father of Jennifer Smith (Shawna) and Jodie Erwin (Blaine). Grandfather to Alyssa, Ethan, Bennie, Leora, Lucas and Scarlet. Great grandfather of Charlie, Peyton, Ella and Armani. Bob will be dearly missed by his daughters, their families, Aaron Erwin, ex-wife Karen Shular (Mike), brothers Danny Smith (Late Rose), Mark Smith (Pauline), and Allan Smith (Jane), brother-in-law Richard St. George (late Darlene), his many nieces, nephews and extended family. He is reunited with his beloved parents Bob and Jackie Smith (nee Huneault), cherished sister Darlene and sister-in-law Rose. Join us as we gather to honour him, and say our farewells together.
Arrangements & Services
Gathering & Visitation: Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at Coutts Funeral Home, 96 St. Andrew’s St., Cambridge, Ontario
Celebration of Life Service: Sunday, October 4 at 11:00 AM at Coutts Funeral Home
Burial: Immediately following the service, at Parklawn Cemetery, Cambridge
Reception & Fellowship: Following the graveside service, friends and family are invited to gather for light refreshments and remembrance in the event space at Coutts Funeral Home, beginning at 1:30 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s memory would be appreciated at Food4Kids Waterloo Region.
