Outstanding teacher and first rate leader.
St. Andrew's was fortunate to have him.

Ginny and Family,  I wanted to say how sorry I am to hear of your loss.  Michelle and I often talk of the fun we had with both of you during your time here in Nova Scotia.  I enjoyed my time working under Geoff and I was always grateful for his wonderful support both in my coaching of basketball and teaching History at the School. A wonderful, intelligent, thoughtful and kind man. My thoughts are with you as you start this journey without him.  Sending hugs, Esther

I was deeply saddened to hear of Geoff’s sudden passing.  My prayers go out to you, Ginny, and to your family as you try to come to terms with such a devastating loss.  I had only begun teaching – my second career – when I had the great good fortune to have Geoff Smith as my headmaster.  I had been hired by his predecessor to teach English, conduct chapel choir, and pull together a play to commemorate the bicentennial of the school.  Despite not being a ‘spring chicken’, I was overwhelmed by the chaos of all these competing demands.  Fortunately, along came Geoff and Ginny to the school.  They were a breath of fresh air in a hidebound environment in which the arts had always been forced to compete with sports for students’ extra-curricular time.  This changed under Geoff’s tenure as headmaster and, along with Ginny’s congeniality as hostess extraordinaire to staff, faculty, students, parents, and board members, a new kind of school community began to evolve.  Geoff and Ginny’s understanding and appreciation for the arts in education were invaluable, allowing me the leeway to write and produce an historical drama based on the school’s history.  Geoff’s credibility as a coach and athlete also worked in everyone’s favour.  With his help and encouragement, even some of the school’s top athletes auditioned for lead roles in the production and that whole celebration, including many other events during the year, was one of the most gratifying experiences of my teaching career.  I shudder to think what a struggle I might have had in my second year of full-time teaching had it not been for Geoff’s quiet support and encouragement.  There was never a concert or performance that went by without him handwriting a personal note of thanks.  I keep these to this day.  My thoughts are with you, Ginny, in these difficult days, and it is my hope that our paths will cross again one day soon.  - Michelle Forrest, Professor of Education, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS

Although  not my house master Geoff made time for me through out my six years at St Andrew's . Playing First Rugger for Geoff for two years  was a privilege except of course those early morning runs   with "Dad" perched in his car clip board in hand.  Thanks for being a big part of those happy  years.

Mr. Smith was a brilliant teacher, clever, engaged, and possessed of a very dry sense of humour. He was incredibly kind to me, particularly in my first two years at Saint Andrews when I was struggling to see if I fit the school and the school fit me. He gave me kind words of praise and encouragement at a moment when I really needed them. He pushed me to be active in sports, and started me on a path that would carry me through University. I had many fine teachers at Saint Andrews, but he was the truest of mentors. Thank you for having such a positive impact on my life, and the lives of so many other students. You will be missed by thousands.
-Curtiss Boyington, Class of 89

So sorry to hear this and sorry to have lost touch with you both, Ginny. We treasure the time we had with y ou here at Kings, the crazy conversations and whimsical outlook that Geoff brought to what was a complex time in the life of this school. His energy and positive approach will be missed. 
Guy found him a  pleasure to work with and learned new ways to teach and be a coach. Every student was important to him. an essential position to take for a headmaster. Thinking of you and his family, much love Betsy and Guy

The ways in which people’s lives intersect is often both remarkable and mysterious. My acquaintance with Geoff Smith began when we heard about his wonderful capacities as a teacher and school administrator from our daughter, who was a student at CCI in Lanciano. We were pleased she appeared to be in such good company at a school so far from home. However, it also became clear that this same Geoff Smith had been a teacher, and guide, to my wife’s friend, Lee Shinkle, who’d attended St. Andrews College for about 8 years in the 1960s. His impact on young lives stretched far and wide. 

In the early 2000s, Lee Simpson and I entered a new realm in our knowledge of Geoff, and Ginny, Smith when we joined the faculty of CCI for a most interesting year. Geoff made the transition to this school smoother, simpler, and much more successful than it would otherwise have been. Put plainly, he and Ginny became our friends and colleagues as we navigated the very interesting waters of school life in a foreign country with an eclectic blend of young adults. 

Geoff’s kindness, firmness, fairness and intelligence will be a great gift that we will never lose. Our fondest thoughts are with Ginny. 

Debbie and I are shocked and deeply saddened to hear about the sudden passing of Geoffrey. We have such nice memories of both of you. Indeed, your coming to KES some thirty years ago was like a breath of fresh air. We were pleased to welcome Geoffrey as our new headmaster and Jenny his lovely wife. Very quickly all the faculty and staff realized that we had among us a wonderful man, whose thoughtfulness and kindness invigorated faculty and staff. His genuine demeanour, dedicated and collaborative leadership have made a lasting impression on all those who knew Goeffrey. His spirit and good humour continue to reverberate in our hearts.
Our deepest sympathy to you, Ginny, and your family. We truly feel honoured that Geoffrey was a part of our life.

Henri & Debra Medina



I'm truly saddened to learn of the passing of Geoff Smith, an early mentor of mine during my teaching days from 1974 to 1977 at St. Andrew's College. At my initial faculty welcome reception in September 1974, Geoff approached me and it was only then I learned to my utter amazement that we would both be coaching the new Under 15 Football Team.  My first day at SAC was my first day of regular teaching -- and it included a football practice lasting until 5:00 pm. Coaching with Geoff was truly a formative experience and I saw, up close, his dry wit, selflessness, and dedication.  More than anyone else, he showed me the ropes and demonstrated what it meant to be a true schoolmaster.

I quickly realized how fortune I was to be working with Geoff, then a Senior Housemaster respected by everyone.  He provided quiet advice and support when he saw something was bothering me.  Schoolboys can be rough on new teachers until you passed a certain test and Geoff  provided me with considerable moral support.  After serving as Duty Master in MacDonald House, Geoff took me under his wing at Memorial House.  I will never forget his kindness for letting me go home early quite often, sensitive to the fact that I was newly married and lived in Willowdale, quite a drive home at 11 pm after boarding duty. 

Geoff and I both shared something else in our careers - we both eventually became headmasters.  Everywhere I served as a School Head, I always considered Geoff to be a true exemplar of what it meant to be a schoolmaster in the finest sense of the word.  Today, living in Halifax, NS, I regularly chat with former student Peter Moreira about our most memorable SAC days  and Geoff always figures prominently in those wonderful conversations.  He will be truly missed by all who came to know him as a person, colleague, and teacher. 

Paul W. Bennett, Ed.D.
SAC Faculty, 1974-1977
Former Headmaster, Lower Canada College (1997-2005) and Halifax Grammar School (2005-2009). 

I knew Geoff since I can remember, age 5 when my brother Charlie Edwards attended St. Andrews College. My father Burley  had attended,  graduating in 1929 and all of us , my mother Mary K and all classmates from the early days of St. Andrews loved Geoff. We ( those long gone from 1929) all felt he was a giant at St. Andrews. His dry biting wit, broad breadth of interest and knowledge, empathy as a disciplinarian , soft guidance through adolescence and his  unquestionable integrity a “  character with character “ made him a leader we sorely needed in times of rebellion , excess and arrogance . Without him,  an entire generation would have been vastly different. With him, many of us were able to avoid the “ me generation”  molded by him so deeply and so much good, so much better for him.
I talked to him regularly and the week before he passed. Set a dinner date with he and Ginny and another couple or two  in Aurora for Christmas time . I will  miss him horribly . He left as big a mark as his foot print and he’s ingrained in the bricks at SAC and all who were near him.

Mr. Smith was an excellent chemistry teacher, although his many endeavours and achievements enhanced other aspects of his students’ lives, as well. I am sorry to hear of his passing and send my condolences.

He was a leader that showed many students their way to success. He will be missed.

Geoff,  When we last spoke you asked me if I had some more books that you could read. I told you I would get to it and just never found the time. I'm so sad that I did not find the time !  You had a life that many would envy !!  Your family should be proud of the person you were.  Please know that where ever you are that we and I mean many of us are glad to have known you and considered you a friend. 
Rest in Peace my friend !! 

73
Bill Reid
VA3QB

Dear Smith Family,
As my housemaster of Memorial, I have fond memories of Mr. Smith and his generous guidance not only as a teacher, coach but as a director of mutual respect and kindness.
My deepest sympathy to you.
Fondest regards
Graeme Laing 
Class of ‘81

I was shocked and deeply  saddened  to learn of Geoff's untimely passing. I was a student At SAC from 1963-1966 and had the privilege of having him as my chemistry master and football coach, He was outstanding  at both as well as anything he tacked period. He always made  everything so interesting and was such a smart, funny and positive person. Hugely successful and loved by all the students he ever touched. A small storey. I was studying for grade 13 exams and my friend and I decided to sneak a visit with our girlfriends to the campus on a Saturday night. When it was time to leave , we turned off my girlfriends headlight to avoid attention and proceeded to the gate. She hit one of the white rocks and crushed the cars oil pan making the car undrivable. It was around 11;30 at the time . Thought we were dead meat. Who comes along in his little blue porche ( beautiful car) but Geoff coming back from a visit  with Ginny. He stopped, asked what happened, helped us get the vehicle to the Shell station and the drove the girls back to Willowdale . He never said anything harsh to us or reported the incident (would have been a big problem at the time) The only thing he said was that the girls should leave us  alone for the next week so we could prepare properly for our exams. Everyone has a teacher or a person they encounter that make a huge difference in their life. Geoff was that guy for me and I am sure countless others he taught. A truly great man and a terrible loss for us all. My deepest condolences to Ginny and the family.  

Jeff has been a part of the D'Alessandro family and our school, Canadian College Italy for over 12 years. He was a teacher, mentor and role model for us all.  I will never forget the summer that Geoff took me under his wing and let me run CCI's summer program as his right hand. He was the first person to write me a letter of recommendation and it helped me get my first "real" job. He was a pillar of strength, had a dry funny wit, always had a messy desk, often wore a bowtie and never failed to remind us to "do the bloody work" when we needed to be pushed. He was unbelievably kind and giving. His hard exterior was a shell and one that Ginny complemented so well. In later years, Geoff was unbelievably gentle and giving with my grandfather - often driving him to doctor's appointments. He always brought in the paper from the driveway when he visited - a small act of kindness that went a long way. A self-proclaimed radio geek, Geoff has an intellect that never seized to amaze us. He was a true educator and could speak about a multitude of subjects seamlessly. I will miss the conversations we had over glasses of wine and the ongoing debate of whether one should marry for love over money (your bias always leaned towards the former). We love you Mr. Smith, the world will miss you and we will do our best to wrap our arms around the love of your life - Ginny. 

It was an honour and a privilege to work with Geoff at CCI. My thoughts are with you Ginny, and the rest of the family. 

I knew Geoff strictly through amateur radio as both an ONTARS (Ontario Amateur Radio Service) net controller and a driving force behind the York Region Amateur Radio Club's annual flea market. Having five of my siblings being retired teachers I can fully understand the driving passion of the man. He was a gentle, caring, giant of a man.

My condolences to his extended family.

Mark Coady
VE3LJQ/VA3MYC

As he was  known to us as Mr Smith,,he was the embodyment of SAC.He was my mentor,coach and confidant . He was my dad away from home and my friend. From my rubby couch to my councilor, his wisdom was always repected.He will always be in my thoughts. 
My condolences to his family. 
Ron Barker


As he was  known to me as Mr Smith,,he was the embodyment of SAC.He was my mentor,coach and confidant . He was my dad away from home and my friend. From my rubby couch to my councilor, his wisdom was always repected.He will always be in my thoughts. 
My condolences to his family. 
Ron Barker


Geoff was a very kind man. He always supported so many things he believed in. I last saw him in August. Geoff was a straight shooter and truly cared about people reaching their goals. His views on all topics were his own truth to himself. His love of S.A.C. and amateur radio were incredibly consistent and genuine. He had the full respect of everyone that knew him well.  If he could help out he would. If he could support you in any endeavor he would. As a high achiever, he expected the same in return.   We just lost a dear friend and inspiration that will be missed by society and those he touched.
 

A great master and mentor. I was a prefect in Memorial House when Geoff took over the reins as House Master. Kind, caring, with a great sense of humour. He made the SAC experience a memorable one.
JimGear.   69

My heart is aching!  I so want to be there and give you each a big hug!
I looked in my cupboard and there was a bottle of balsamic vinegar -- I got teary -- Geoff took me on one of the wildest rides throught Italy that I will never forget!!
We had many great discussions and he taught me a lot about teaching and what it reaallly means.
Piano piano my friend.

Love to you all
Sandy

It’s been our great pleasure to know Geoff as a true enthusiast in amateur radio, a fine educator (my daughter Emma earned her ticket with Geoff’s lectures and experiments) and a man of great wit and depth. 

Geoff I will really miss our talks

Rod Hardman, VA3ON
Emma Hardman VE3EHT

I always heard what a great teacher Geoff Smith was during my time at St. Andrews.  I never had the pleasure of being one of his students.  30 years later we crossed paths and caught up on many different issues.  It was then I realized what I missed.  Pure teacher.  Very exceptional character.   May your legacy continue.

Steve Cathcart 89'.   Ve3OHF

 Quit ye like men, be strong...thank you Geoff for taking us on that journey.  You inspired the best in each of us ... we are your sons.
73 OM
Lynn Hilborn  VE3CSS/VA3VQ


It was an honour knowing Geoff and counting him as my friend. We shared many good times together in service to Radio Amateurs of Canada. His unselfish contributions to amateur radio are significant and lasting.
73,
Stan, VE3TW

A first class educator and mentor to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. The entire St. Andrew’s College community, which I am proud to be a part of, continues to benefit  thanks to leaders like Geoff  “Dad” Smith.

Our sincere condolences,
David G. Merkel ‘82 and Family

A true scholar and gentlemen. One of the last of a breed.

BZ on a life well lived, and your final watch stood, sir.

And... "Dad"...I still don't keep old love letters - you were absolutely right: they sound so silly when read in Court!

Heartfelt condolences to the Smith Family.

Scott Nettie '82
Malcolm Nettie '16
and Family

OBITUARY

Geoffrey Read Smith

February 18, 1942 – December 4, 2019

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