OBITUARY
John Bernard Smith
17 September , 1954 – 31 January , 2019
John Bernard Smith Jr.
It is with a profound sense of loss we announce the death of John Bernard Smith Jr., 64, of Dartmouth, on January 31, 2019 at the Palliative Care Unit of the Victoria General Hospital in Halifax. A beloved husband, father, brother-in-law, uncle and friend, John died embraced by love.
Born in Halifax on September 17, 1954, John was the son of the late John ("Jack") Smith and Elizabeth ("Betty") (Clarke) Smith of Halifax. John was also predeceased by his dear brother, Stephen Peter Smith.
John grew up in Halifax's north end and in his early years discovered the joy of running. He loved sports including marathon running and became a familiar sight in Point Pleasant Park running daily for many years happily accompanied by his two devoted German Shepherds Kora and Tara. John was a member of the Atlantic Karate Club and earned a third-degree black belt. John also spent many hours pool-side during his children’s swimming careers, cheering them on and volunteering many hours to local swim meets in New Brunswick.
John loved people and truly enjoyed his work at the Casino Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. He previously worked for Confederation Life Insurance in Halifax and Toronto and at the Halifax Herald during his career. Career aside, John was devoted to family and considered his two children his greatest accomplishment.
John is survived by his wife of thirty-two years, Sherry (McCracken) Smith and their two children, Dr. Marisa Elizabeth Smith, South Bend, Indiana and Peter Stephen Smith of Dartmouth. John will be greatly missed by his extended family, Dwight McCracken, Heather McCracken, Shirley McCracken and Deborah McCracken-Slaunwhite. Along with many nieces and nephews John leaves behind numerous cousins including a few who were like siblings to him: Tena (Galpin) Boudreau of Ottawa, Bertha Galpin-Nicholson and Alice Galpin of Halifax.
Visitation will be at Cruikshank’s Funeral Home, 2666 Windsor Street, Halifax on Sunday, February 3, 2019 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm where a Celebration of life will also take place on Monday, February 4 at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the charity of your own choosing.
Special thanks to the nurses at the Victoria General Hospital for their care and support over the last six months. These folks are the heroes we hope we never have to call on.
Services
- Visitation Sunday, 3 February , 2019
- Visitation Sunday, 3 February , 2019
- Memorial Service Monday, 4 February , 2019
REMEMBERING
John Bernard Smith
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYArron Griffiths
6 February 2019
Dear John,
The first time we meet in Paris I know you where a man with a big heart. I was a little anxious to meet the father on my wonderful Marisa, as she had told me how much of a role you played in her life and who you were the support for all her achievements. In that very little time together in Paris, I knew I had found a kindred spirit in some ways. Especial on our little walk back to the appointment in Paris, where we talked about your life, loves and dogs.
I wish we had more time together, as I wanted you to teach me all about America football, just like you taught so many others. Sadly it was not meant to be, which great sadness to my heart. But in your memory, I will start watching the Patriots and class them as "my" team ^_^. I'll always look at this Christmas (2018) as one of the best ones of life!
I hope you know that I deeply respected you, Marisa, Peter, and Sherry and that you also know that you also know that Ill do my utmost to love and support them now that you have departed.
It was a great honour to have played a small part in your long life, John.
You will be greatly missed.
Love Arron
Tena Boudreau
5 February 2019
September 2016
Tena Boudreau
5 February 2019
John and I and some friends were at a concert - July 1978.
Tena Boudreau
4 February 2019
This was his last birthday, September 2018.
Tena Boudreau
4 February 2019
My cousin John was the best cousin a girl could have. Here we are in 2016
Leslie Purchase
4 February 2019
I would like to extend my condolences to the family John was so proud of...I was only a customer of the casino but John and I had many chats...I just want you to know, that even while he was at work, his family was at the top of his list every moment - he absolutely beamed when talking about his wife and children...my deepest sympathies to you all. I'm sure he has left a huge empty space in your lives and I hope all your hearts heal well. I know it will take a long time.
Tena Boudreau
4 February 2019
June 1982 - John up on Citadel Hill
Tena Boudreau
4 February 2019
December 1982 - first couple weeks after meeting
Tena Boudreau
4 February 2019
June 1982 - John with his two German Shepard's Cora and Tara
Tena Boudreau
4 February 2019
June 1982 - John with his two German Shepard's Cora and Tara
Tena Boudreau
3 February 2019
Celebrating John's birthday 2016
Marisa Smith
3 February 2019
Dad,
Life is so surreal now. I wake up and it feels like a nightmare. It’s easier to pretend your on a night shift and you will be home any minute.
I still remember the feeling of your big hand holding mine when I was 3. And how I would try to squeeze and wriggle out of your grip to run wild. You would tighten your hold and keep me close.
The game we would play, when we would come home from a long drive late at night. You would scoop me out of my car seat, and carry me to the door. I would smile and put my head on your shoulder, pretending to be asleep, and I knew you would carry me all the way to bed.
And the warmth of your guiding hand on my shoulder when I was 10 to keep me safe when we would cross the street.
I remember all the times you waited up late, just in case I needed a ride home. Never complaining, always willing to pick me up from the ferry after a late night at school. Always wanting me close and safe.
You mean to much to me, to us. Nothing will ever be the same. We miss you so much.
Rest In Peace, watch over us, and one day we will see you again.
I love you,
Risa Xxx
Brenda, Jens and Andrew Jensen
3 February 2019
Remember all the laughs and time spent with John at the swim meets. He was always willing to help out with anything. He was a great man. Our deepest sympathy to the Smith family.
Glenn Clarke
3 February 2019
RIP , Sorry i never had the chance to know you, but am thinking about you now ,my condolences to your family and friends . Your cousin Glenn
Marc Deveau
2 February 2019
I will always remember John walking around Pinehurst with his pillow after his heart surgery, always smiling. This world has lost a very nice man who along with his wife brought up two very nice kids. Our sympathies to the family.
Marc and Monique Deveau (82 Cardigan Lane)
Nick LeBlanc
2 February 2019
I was lucky to know John for several years in Moncton, and I spent many evenings chatting with him and hanging out in the living room watching the Discovery Channel with the family (although he might have changed the channel as soon as everyone went to bed). He was always quick to laugh and even quicker to spring into action when action was called for. John could fit a very large vehicle through a mouse hole at top speed when he wanted to, but I think he encouraged his kids to always take up two parking spaces - reduced the chance of scratched paint.
Consult with Marisa on this one, but my understanding is that the law of conservation of energy holds that energy within a system will neither be created nor destroyed: it will only be transformed, it will appear elsewhere. John brought more energy to this world than most people do...enough energy that much of it will remain with us, but enough that somewhere else, that energy is doing good work and is bringing joy to other people.
Thank you for all you did for me, John, and know that you are missed.
Pam and Ed Neary
2 February 2019
thinking of all of John's Family, at this difficult time... Sherry is a dear friend who I have known since we were young girls.. I know that when she and John got together, they had a very special love for one another... We had the wonderful opportunity of catching up with them years later - when they lived in Moncton. We know how much their children mean to John and Sherry. He beamed with each conversation about Marisa and Peter. We are so very sorry for your loss.
Please feel a warm embrace from us .. Love Pam and Ed
Bruce, Anita and Richard Jones
2 February 2019
We met this wonderful man and his family when they moved into our Moncton neighbourhood.
Always a big smile. Always a kind word. Always up for a laugh.
Godspeed John.
The Family
2 February 2019
Peter with Jean-Louis, John and Jean-Pierre
The Family
2 February 2019
Our dear John! 💕
DONALD CONDY
2 February 2019
Our sincere condolences to John's wife and family. We became very good friends with John at Casino Nova Scotia. He will always be remember as the very friendly man, with boundless energy, who went out of his way to assist all Casino guests with excellent service. Godspeed John.
Don & Sandi Condy.
Brenda Mitchell
1 February 2019
RIP my friend ,am glad I had the opportunity to work with you at the Moncton Casino .good times had .❤
Tena Boudreau
1 February 2019
Heather McCracken
1 February 2019
When I needed John, he was always there. Over the years, John helped me move, buy cars, run a restaurant, taught me how to drive a standard and the list goes one. Life will not be the same without him.
Your loving sister WWW
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With Peter and Uncle Jim
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Confirmation
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John and Peter
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Washing that Car every weekend at Aunt Susie's house.
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With Betty and Jack in 1982
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The four of us and Baby Dumplings. Christmas 1982
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Our wedding Sept 27, 1986
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Peter's High School Graduation.
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With Cousin Tena
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Visiting Tena
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All together at Versailles, Hall of Mirrors
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In London with our baby girl!
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Christmas 198?
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Paris 2017
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With Arron in London
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Paris
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Lunenburg with Peter and the WWW
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Paris July 2018
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Marisa's Graduation in Manchester 2018
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September 2018
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Thanksgiving 2018
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With Peter and Uncle Jim
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Confirmation
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John and Peter
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With Betty and Jack in 1982
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The four of us and Baby Dumplings. Christmas 1982
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Our wedding Sept 27, 1986
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Peter's High School Graduation.
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With Cousin Tena
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Visiting Tena
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All together at Versailles, Hall of Mirrors
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In London with our baby girl!
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Christmas 198?
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Paris 2017
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With Arron in London
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Paris
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Lunenburg with Peter and the WWW
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Paris July 2018
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Marisa's Graduation in Manchester 2018
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September 2018
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Thanksgiving 2018
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IN THE CARE OF