OBITUARY

David John Smith

May 18, 1969 – December 30, 2020
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David John Smith

It is with profound sadness that we mourn the devastating and sudden loss of a loving father, David John Smith, on December 30, 2020. David was born in Toronto to his parents, Donald and Eleanor Smith (nee Ashman) on May 18, 1969.

David first started his career as a Butcher at Loblaws in early 1980s. It was through his work where David met Tracey, who he later married in Positano, Italy in 2004. David's soft-spoken charm and nature was immediately embraced by his Italian family. Tracey and David have two beautiful boys, Sebastian and Theodore, who are heartbroken by the loss of their Dad.

After many years of sacrifice and hard work, David was awarded his own No Frills in Mississauga, Ontario in 2016: David's No Frills.

David was so loved and respected by his peers. He was known to be the most dedicated, compassionate and inspirational boss anyone could ask for. David modelled exemplary behaviour and work ethic, and was described by his staff as phenomenal, inspirational, responsible, caring, motivating, cooperative, accountable, and courageous. He was a mentor and a leader in the truest sense of the word. The weight of his loss at David's No Frills is unmeasurable.

David personified goodness, worked incredibly hard, had many talents, and a passion for all things hockey, music, and Neil Young. Nothing, however, came close to the love and adoration he had for his two boys, Sebastian and Theodore. David's face was always brightest when he spoke of Sebastian (affectionately known as "Bassy") and Theo, and he took immense pride in watching his boys grow. He fondly watched as Sebastian and Theodore played and developed their own hockey game. He and Sebastian often spoke about strategic hockey plays and the importance of positioning. David would remind his sons that the key to any sport was humility and good sportsmanship, and of course, how to properly adjust their own equipment. As Theo always says, Dad tied his skates the best and was the only one who knew how to adjust his helmet.

To know David is to also know how much David loved playing his guitars and the music of Neil Young. His self-taught guitar playing was shared with his boys, and Theo was instantly enamoured. From a very young age, Theo would often play guitar and sing alongside his father.

David's spirit lives on through the memories of the many people he so lovingly touched, including those who so tenderly cared for him in his illness, and through the beauty and wonder of his two growing boys, Sebastian and Theodore.

David is survived by the mother of his children, Tracey, his children, Sebastian and Theodore, his brother Richard Smith, and sister Karen Bowie (nee Smith), and preceded in death by his parents, Eleanor and Donald Smith.

A visitation will be held on Friday January 8, 2021. Registration is closed as all visitation times are now full. Pre-Registration and masks are required due to the current pandemic number of attendees are restricted and physical distancing and masks are enforced.

In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations to Crohn's and Colitis foundation Canada (https://crohnsandcolitis.ca/Ways-to-Give/Legacy-Giving/Wills-charitable-bequests) and to PC Children's Charity (https://www.pcchildrenscharity.ca/)

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ThompsonFH-Aurora.com for the Smith family.

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David John Smith

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Debbie Kemp

January 8, 2021

Sending condolences to the staff & employes at David's NoFrills.
Sorry for your loss, David will be greatly missed.

Julian Bortolotti

January 8, 2021

I remember when I lost my iPod at my nonas house and Dave found it in the couch at the last second when I was about to pack it in, Dave will always be remembered by his upbeat personality and signature laugh.

Bob & Deanna Bortolotti

January 8, 2021

We were saddened to hear of Dave's passing. We remember him as a kind, soft spoken, hard working young man. He always talked about, some day having his own franchise No Frills, and to his credit, worked hard to achieve that .
It's sad to know that he will not be here to see Sebastian and Theo achieve their life milestones, but they will know he will be with them in spirit, because he loved them so much.
Our condolences to his family.
Gone too soon.
Rest in peace, Dave.
Bob & Deanna

Daniel Petrocelli

January 8, 2021

Will remember Dave through the countless family gatherings over the years. Wasn't the loudest one in the room, but was a calm and entertaining presence; many laughs, and many memories.
Will be greatly missed

Domenic Luciano

January 7, 2021

On behalf of the Luciano family, please accept our deepest condolences for your tremendous loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

Benjamin Bortolotti

January 7, 2021

I remember when I hit my head at Nonna’s house Dave was the one that helped me get cleaned up and to the ambulance. We will miss you Dave.

Elysa and Nazz Tarascio

January 7, 2021


We are so saddened by the sudden passing of a kind man who was taken much too early. We regret that we could not have spent more time with Dave and get to know him on a deeper level, but the memories we do have of him are someone who had a quiet sense of humour and good values, someone who obviously cared about his family. We enjoyed some great conversations and laughs at family events. We were so happy for Dave when we heard he had been given  his own No Frills, which he had worked so hard to achieve and it seems as though he was very successful with it. Our hearts go out to the whole family, especially Tracey, Theo and Sebastian. He will be missed.

John Pierce

January 7, 2021

Tracey, Sebastian and Theodore,

Please accept my most sincere condolences. I came to know Dave through his time in development as a No Frills franchisee and was honoured to be at his side for the photos as he officially fulfilled his dream of becoming the Owner of a No Frills grocery store. Dave was known to the No Frills community as a quiet, thoughtful and incredibly hardworking and conscientious individual. There are many others who knew Dave better than I but I do know how much he cared about family and about people, he was passionate about his store and about life; it was apparent each time I had the opportunity to visit with him. I'll miss Dave; he was an amazing person with great positive energy and who touched and helped many in our No Frills family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Rest in peace Dave.

John

Rosalba Bortolotti

January 7, 2021

Its difficult to believe that Dave is gone. We have so many family memories of Dave, sharing the fun memories with our children and sisters in the last few days are giving us comfort. We miss him dearly, but we carry these beautiful memories with us.
When I first met Dave at my parents' house he was quiet but instantly took a liking to him. I already knew he was a wonderful person. . We have many fun, and eventful memories of our trips to Italy, Sweden, Florida and I am so happy that our children were able to share these times together.
Thank you Dave for first introducing us on how to make a beef roast the 'real way' not the Luberto way! :) You easily moved into our crazy family and you became our brother. From making homemade salami with my dad and aunt to the annual tomato sauce making, you were always calm when we were not. Your smile every time Sebastian and Theo entered the room or played hockey was so enlightening. Your passion for playing guitar for your children was beautiful! You're children were the world to you. We miss you dearly, you were and continue to be a well respected human in the work place, with your children, and family. We honour your spirit and will hold all the memories close.
We will miss you dearly.

Maria Rosaria Luberto/Galati

January 7, 2021

Dave, we've spent a few days off together for a few years with you and your special family, whom I love so much, so it was easy for me to get attached to you. I immediately saw in you a very silent, participatory, respectful and welcoming person. But most of all you were protective and attentive towards your boys Sebastian, Theo and Tracey. When Theo was little and was crying about something, you patiently put him in the stroller and carried him around to distract and calm him, all with a lot of patience. I remember the long walks when Sebastian was little, just you and him through our little country where you showed him something new to teach him. Your smile and your sweet look towards your family are imprinted in my mind. RIP dear Dave🌹

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