John Bernard Smith

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.