1943
Gordon
2018
Gordon Smith
October 21, 1943 — October 20, 2018
Gordon Maxwell Smith
Passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, at Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital on Oct. 20, 2018 at the age of 74.
He is survived by his loving wife Barbara (Quinton) and his children Gwen Smales (Dean), Greg Smith (Juli) and Graydon Smith (Melissa) as well as grandchildren Hilary (Thomas Cowan), Chelsea (Justan Payne), JD, Gavin, Grace, Gabby and Max, great-grandchildren Brody and Ben and step-great-grandchildren Emilie and Dylan.
Gord was born to Burt and Grace Smith (both deceased) in Toronto and was an older brother to Grant (deceased), Marlene (Wayne Spath) and Graham, who currently reside in Florida. At a young age, the family moved first to Parry Sound and then to Bracebridge where he grew up. Gord excelled at athletics, playing many sports and holding shot put and discus records at Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School (one that remains today). In his life, he was an avid baseball player, curler, fisherman, and always loved a good game of cards.
He married Barb in 1961, and they soon purchased the then B/A Gas Station and restaurant (later to become Gulf, then Petro-Canada) in Port Sydney from his father. For the next 27 years, he and Barb raised their children and operated Smith's Service Centre and Restaurant; a thriving business on Highway 11 that became a destination for people throughout Muskoka and beyond. During that time, he was well known as a fair, smart and honest businessman. His outgoing personality easily made friends and he was fortunate to have many.
The business was sold in 1988 and, after a brief rest, in 1990 he co-founded The Rocky Island Tire Company in Bracebridge with his son Greg and family friend Jamie Vanderveer. He was incredibly proud to be able to work with Greg and Jamie and the business quickly became another success. During this time, he was also a Board Member of Muskoka Community Futures, sharing his business knowledge with others just starting out.
Although he suffered a significant health setback during a trip to Australia in 2010, Gord continued to work, not retiring until 2013. He spent his last years well, travelling extensively with Barb, fishing, playing cards and enjoying the company of family and friends often.
His dedication to community and helping others was strong. As well as being a passionate member of the Port Sydney Chamber of Commerce, he was a member of the Kinsmen Club of Bracebridge for many years and was bestowed their highest honour, life-membership.
He quietly helped many in the community with advice, encouragement and even financially when needed. He will be missed by many and cherished by all that knew him.
At Gord's request, cremation has taken place.
Visitation will occur at Reynolds Funeral Home in Bracebridge on Friday, Oct. 26 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 27 from 1 to 3 p.m.
As he always loved a good party, a fitting celebration of Gord's life will take place Saturday, Nov. 10 at the Port Sydney Community Hall from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please join us.
Donations to the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital Foundation or Diabetes Canada would be greatly appreciated.
Passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, at Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital on Oct. 20, 2018 at the age of 74.
He is survived by his loving wife Barbara (Quinton) and his children Gwen Smales (Dean), Greg Smith (Juli) and Graydon Smith (Melissa) as well as grandchildren Hilary (Thomas Cowan), Chelsea (Justan Payne), JD, Gavin, Grace, Gabby and Max, great-grandchildren Brody and Ben and step-great-grandchildren Emilie and Dylan.
Gord was born to Burt and Grace Smith (both deceased) in Toronto and was an older brother to Grant (deceased), Marlene (Wayne Spath) and Graham, who currently reside in Florida. At a young age, the family moved first to Parry Sound and then to Bracebridge where he grew up. Gord excelled at athletics, playing many sports and holding shot put and discus records at Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School (one that remains today). In his life, he was an avid baseball player, curler, fisherman, and always loved a good game of cards.
He married Barb in 1961, and they soon purchased the then B/A Gas Station and restaurant (later to become Gulf, then Petro-Canada) in Port Sydney from his father. For the next 27 years, he and Barb raised their children and operated Smith's Service Centre and Restaurant; a thriving business on Highway 11 that became a destination for people throughout Muskoka and beyond. During that time, he was well known as a fair, smart and honest businessman. His outgoing personality easily made friends and he was fortunate to have many.
The business was sold in 1988 and, after a brief rest, in 1990 he co-founded The Rocky Island Tire Company in Bracebridge with his son Greg and family friend Jamie Vanderveer. He was incredibly proud to be able to work with Greg and Jamie and the business quickly became another success. During this time, he was also a Board Member of Muskoka Community Futures, sharing his business knowledge with others just starting out.
Although he suffered a significant health setback during a trip to Australia in 2010, Gord continued to work, not retiring until 2013. He spent his last years well, travelling extensively with Barb, fishing, playing cards and enjoying the company of family and friends often.
His dedication to community and helping others was strong. As well as being a passionate member of the Port Sydney Chamber of Commerce, he was a member of the Kinsmen Club of Bracebridge for many years and was bestowed their highest honour, life-membership.
He quietly helped many in the community with advice, encouragement and even financially when needed. He will be missed by many and cherished by all that knew him.
At Gord's request, cremation has taken place.
Visitation will occur at Reynolds Funeral Home in Bracebridge on Friday, Oct. 26 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 27 from 1 to 3 p.m.
As he always loved a good party, a fitting celebration of Gord's life will take place Saturday, Nov. 10 at the Port Sydney Community Hall from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please join us.
Donations to the South Muskoka Memorial Hospital Foundation or Diabetes Canada would be greatly appreciated.
Visitation Details
Friday, October 26th, 2018 7:00pm - 9:00pm, Reynolds Funeral Home
Saturday, October 27th, 2018 1:00pm - 3:00pm, Reynolds Funeral Home
Service Information
Saturday, November 10th, 2018 11:00am, Port Sydney Community Centre
Interment Details
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