R. Warren Smith

Warren was born on March 13, 1935 in Halifax – a son for P.J. Smith and Geraldine (MacDonald) Smith. Early school days were at St. Thomas Aquinas School and St. Patrick’s High School. Then off to Dalhousie University for his B.Sc. (1956). After working with the Bank of Nova Scotia in Toronto and New York, Warren returned to Halifax to study Engineering. He was immensely proud of his Civil Engineering degree from N.S. Technical College (1965), now known as Dal Tech. He wore his engineering ring for life. In 1969 he headed west with his bride where he spent most of his career with Montreal Engineering in Calgary.

In 1999 the call to move home to the Maritimes rang loud and clear. Time to enjoy even more golf perhaps but less skiing in the Rockies for Warren, an avid skier, and sad to say farewell to lifelong friends in Calgary. The distance did not sever these cherished friendships.

In time, Warren picked up the travel bug from Barbara and they began exploring Europe together. Although Warren was not a musician he had a deep appreciation for classical music, particularly symphonic. He was a grateful member of the audience who supported NS Symphony. While travelling abroad Warren, along with Barbara, enjoyed many fine performances in concert halls throughout Europe.

Warren’s eclectic mind found keen expression in many diverse interests. Germany held a particular fascination for him as did European history in general. He relished solving world problems, anywhere, anytime! And he was not shy about expressing his opinion on just about any subject and with an air of authority. Often (but not always!) he put forward his opinion just as a check on the soundness of his own thinking. As a senior engineer, he relished sharing ideas with young engineering students, and was also financially supportive of their academic pursuits.

Back home on the east coast meant time with extended families: the Smiths, Reardons and McCormicks, mostly in Halifax and Annapolis Royal and more recently in Hubbards. Warren never missed a chance to encourage his nieces and nephews to pursue a career they loved. And he adored them all: Donald Murphy (Kati), Graham Murphy (Jennifer), Alexandra Smith (Dan Fournier), Andrew Smith, Dr. Laura Reardon (David Keefe), John Reardon (Meghan Ory), Marc Reardon (Catherine McLeod). And his great nieces and nephews as well: Declan Murphy; P.J., Isobel, Victoria and Matthew Fournier; Indigo Smith; Ella, Henry, Darcy and Mikey Keefe; Hudson, Anya, and Finley Reardon; Rachael, Caroline, and David Reardon.

Warren was thankful for a good life. His final years brought medical challenges which he met with courage and dignity. Warren is survived by his wife Barbara (Reardon), sister, Sharon Murphy, sisters-in-law Patricia Reardon (Brenton Wear), Sara (Connor) Smith, brothers-in-law David Reardon, Dr. P. Michael Reardon (Jane McCormick).

Warren was predeceased by his parents (P.J. and Geraldine Smith), brother A. Randall Smith, sister Judith Elaine and brother-in-law Donald Murphy.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff on the Palliative Care Unit 7A at the VG Hospital and especially to nurse Mitch Deveau and caregiver Taranjeet. Their care and special kindness will never be forgotten.

Donations, in memory of Warren, may be made to the QE II Foundation Palliative Care Unit 7A or charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at J. A Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax at 11 am on Tuesday, May 20th. Reception to follow.