Eric Calvin Smith

Born in Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia, he was the son of Ernst and Emma Victoria (Pace) Smith.

Dad spent his youth in and around Halifax and the Hammonds Plains area and was an avid sport fisherman. As with many of his age, he enlisted to serve in the Second World War in 1939. His subsequent training led him to the Royal Air Force where he served as a rear anti-aircraft gunner on the famous Lancaster bombers. His keen knowledge of weaponry quickly got him promoted to Flight Sergeant where he subsequently became a Gunnery instructor (Gunny). After serving in several postings which included Prince Edward Island, Borden, Ontario and London, England, he was preparing for transfer to the Pacific theatre when the war was declared over.

Upon returning home post war, Dad married his true love Greta Beth Harpell. They were wed in 1945 and welcomed sons into their home. After successfully completing the Civil Service exams, Dad began a 37 year career with Canada Post. He started out as a General Delivery bicycle courier. He held various positions over the years including Acting Superintendent of Postal Operations for Nova Scotia. In 1974 he became Postmaster of the Armdale Post Office where he worked until his retirement in 1980.

Dad was very active in his community during his retirement. He served as an Elder as a member of the United Memorial Church on Kaye St. and was well known for his office management and carpentry skills which helped the Church in a time of great need. Dad also sat on the Halifax Municipal Residential Tenancy Board and assisted in passing judgement on multiple cases. He was an active volunteer with the Cardiac Support Group at the QEII. He also spent many hours helping Santa answer letters as part of the Canada Post Letter Writing Christmas Program.

One of his greatest passions was the Freemasons. Dad joined the Composite Lodge #105 in 1952 . He served in many offices and was an honoured Past Worshipful Master and District Deputy Grand Chaplin in the Grand Lodge of Nova Scotia. An avid historian, he kept meticulous documentation of past and present Lodge events and could always be counted on to fill in any role when needed. At the time of his death he was a member of the Keith Lodge # 17

Fishing was his greatest past-time and he introduced his sons and nephews to it at an early age just as his father had done with him.

Eric is survived by his second wife Frances Geraldine (Banks) Scott, two of his sons, Dale (Monica), and Dean (Jenny). Daughter in law Mona (Barry) Smith. Grandchildren Shane (Jessica), Todd (Samantha), Eva, and Erin Smith. Great Grandchildren Liam, Owen, Emmett and Wendy Smith. One sister, Erna (Charlie) Rand as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife of 68 years Greta (2014) , as well as two sons Wayne (Audrey) 1986, Barry(2006) , siblings Royce (Etta and Geraldine) Smith and Donna (Dale) Starratt (1990), Brother in law Gerald Harpell (2012)

Remains have been cremated. There will be no visitation. A graveside service will be held Wednesday May 10th at 10 am, Fairview Lawn Cemetery, Lt. (n) Reverend Robert Parker Officiating.

Family Flowers only. Donations may be made to the Bide Awhile Animal Shelter Society, Dartmouth.