Martin Philip Smee

It is with profound sadness that the family announces the death of Martin Smee on January 6, 2011 at the age of 83. He was the beloved husband for 54 years of Joyce (Keefe), devoted father of Catherine, Michael, John (Glenda), Greg, and Jennifer (Michael), and loving grandfather of Katie and Andrew. He is also survived by his brothers John Smee, Michael Smee, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in England, Holland and Canada. Martin was born in the London (UK) suburb of Hampstead and attended St. Ignatius College which was evacuated during WWII to Welwyn Garden City and then Hemel Hempstead. He served in the Royal Navy immediately after World War II and then joined the C&A department store chain which took him to Amsterdam and Glasgow before he emigrated to Canada in 1953. In Canada, Martin started on a new journey that allowed him to embrace his love of words: he joined Simpson-Sears as a copywriter then moved to Maclean Hunter where, for 35 years, he was the driving force behind the circulation department for Maclean's, Chatelaine, The Financial Post, etc. He fostered many creative talents and those who worked with him appreciated his commitment to the industry and his pursuit of innovative marketing ideas. He served as a chairman of the Canadian Marketing Association, was named Canada's Direct Marketer of the Year twice, and received numerous national and international accolades for his pioneering work. In 1978, Martin and Joyce combined their love of books with their love of words and launched Hampstead House Books Ltd. His knowledge, humour and kindness will be greatly missed by the Hampstead House staff, and the entire book community. His death has created a void, both personal and professional, that can never be filled. In all things, Martin was guided by his faith, sustained by his love for Joyce, and driven to foster the talent that lies within all of us.

The family invites friends to pay their respects at R. S. KANE Funeral Home, 6150 Yonge Street, on Sunday, January 9, 2011 from 2 to 5 pm, and Monday, January 10 from 2 to 4 pm & 7 to 9 pm. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Gabriel's Parish, 670 Sheppard Ave. E., on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 at 10 am. Interment to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations in Martin's memory to the charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated by the family.