Dr. Donald Robert Smith

SMITH, Dr. Donald Robert – Born on September 26, 1927 in the town of Sparta, Ontario.  Don passed away at the age of 85 in the afternoon of July 15, 2013 while tending to his cherished garden.  By his side every step through 63 years of marriage his loving wife, Kathleen, will forever hold close the memory of the kind, gentle man who gave so much to his family and his career in medicine. 

An accomplished internist, Don attended the University of Western Ontario receiving his M.D. degree in 1951.  He completed post grad training in Internal Medicine in 1956 at Victoria Hospital and Toronto General Hospital and became a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1956. Following his internship he practiced in St. Thomas for 2 years and then established his own private practice in London.  While operating his practice he also served as Associate Medical Director of the London Life Insurance Company.  Dr. Smith also became a member of the UWO Medical Faculty and lectured on a part time basis at UWO from 1957 – 1972 at which time he became a full-time member of the Faculty of Medicine and accepted an appointment to join the University Hospital. Dr. Smith became a full professor in 1973 and Professor Emeritus in 2001.  He dedicated his time and served on many committees to further patient care: served as the Chair of the Medical Advisory Committee at University Hospital, the Victoria Hospital Medical Teaching Unit, Chairman of the Admission and Discharge Committee at University Hospital; Medical Quality of Care Committee at University Hospital.  During his career he also was an examiner in Internal Medicine and Diagnostic Radiology for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons from 1972 – 1985 and was the president of the Medical Staff Association at University Hospital.  In 1999, Dr. Smith was granted a lifetime membership in the OMA. In his later medical career he dedicated his work to the Select Prostate Committee under Dr. Joseph Chin.  Dr. Smith was known far and wide as the “physician of last resort” and received referrals from all over Southwestern Ontario for those most difficult and complex patients.  He was always a man of compassion and insight.  His concern for his patients, students and fellow physicians exemplified the healing art of medicine.  Dr. Smith also thoroughly enjoyed fly fishing and was a long standing member of the Caledon Trout Club where he and Kathleen enjoyed many summer weekends.  He also enjoyed football, traveling, reading, curling and chess.  Gardening was his year round favourite past time and he took pride in growing and tending his many perennials.  Gardening gave him a sense of peace and accomplishment.  Don was incredibly proud and devoted to his family.  He will be sadly missed by his wife, Kathleen, daughter Jane (Paul Voorheis) and sons Douglas and Bruce.  Devoted Papa to Marshall and Paula.  Don was predeceased by his parents Harding and Vera Smith and by his loving son Jim.  Don was a brother to Harold and Ann Smith, Margaret and Don Helmer, Vera and Don Martin and brother-in-law to Frank and Carole Mills.  Visitation will be held on Thursday from 2:00-4:00 and 7:00-9:00 p.m. at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, where the memorial service will be conducted on Friday, July 19^th, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.  Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Dr. Smith are asked to consider Foundation Western, Suite 110 Westminster Hall, London, Ontario N6A 3K7 for Ramsay Gunton Chair in Cardiology.