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James William ‘Bill’ Smith

January 1, 2015

At his residence in Lucan, on Thursday, January 1, 2015. Loving husband of the late Constance Lorraine Smith (2012). Loving and devoted father of Bryan Douglas (Beth), of Lucan, and Maureen Elaine, of Toronto. Cherished and loved grandfather of Carol, Heather, Andrew (Melissa), Cate, and Paul (Chantel). Loving great-grandfather to Caitlynn, Dylan, Devyn, Lyon and Zachary. Predeceased by brothers Bert and Don Smith. Brother-in-law of Ann Smith and Grace King. Survived by cherished nieces and nephew. Bill dedicated his life to supporting Veterans. Most recently, he was the Chairman of the Soldiers’ Aid Commission of Ontario. He has also served as the President of Branch 540 Lucan, District Zone Commander, District A Zone Commander, Provincial President and National Poppy Chairman. Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2015  from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. at Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 189 Main Street, Lucan, where the memorial service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. The Rev. Matthew Martin officiating. Interment at St. James Cemetery, Clandeboye, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Bill are asked to consider the Poppy Fund of your local Legion branch. 

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Rick and I send our deepest condolences to you and your families in the loss of Bill. I remember him and all he did for me when Dad passed away January 2013.

~ Rick and Marlene Thornton

I remember many happy times, many years ago, when we lived around the corner from the Smith's. Bill lived a good life.

~ Susan Bunn (Seifried)

So sorry to hear of Bills passing. Prayers to you and your family. Brenda & Larry

~ Brenda Hickson

Bryan, Beth, Heather, Carol : Our condolences on the loss of your father and grandfather. We were privileged to meet Bill at Holy Trinity on Remembrance Day and were moved by his reading of IN FLANDERS FIELDS. ......A proud and devoted veteran.

~ Noel and Rita Martin

Bryan, Beth & Maureen, On New Year's day I was driving through Lucan and my thoughts went to your Dad - God at work, I believe. When I heard about his death I was saddened - saddened because you have lost your beloved Dad and because Lucan has lost an excellent citizen. I have many fond memories of both your Dad and your Mum that I will carry with me always. You and all of your family are in my prayers as you prepare to say good bye to him. Blessings, Sue McCullough+

~ Rev. Sue McCullough

Bryan, Beth, Maureen and families, It is with deepest sympathy that I read about the loss of your Father. Bill is a well-respected and prominent gentleman in the Lucan Community. I got to know Bill through the Legion's Essay writing contest when I was in elementary school. Bill approached me to ask if I would be interested in representing our Lucan Legion in the Legions Track and Field competition. I was excited about the opportunity and that led to the Provincial finals and a placement at the Track and Field Camp at Camp Borden being coached by some prominent athletes of track. I developed a special friendship with Bill and am grateful for the impact he had in my life. He has made such an impact with the youth of our Community, with his work with the Schools and Remembrance Day ceremonies and his outstanding work at the Legion. He will be greatly missed, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Anne

~ Anne Revington Vidal

Bryan, Maureen and families. Sorry for your loss of such a caring father. Many fond memories of your dad during my minor hockey days in Lucan- New York trip for one. Also, the kindness shown by your mom and dad to my mom and dad when Al died. Thinking of you all. Barbara and Mike Soldan

~ Barbara Soldan {Ready}

Our deepest sympathy for Brian, Beth, Maureen and family. Bill and Lorraine were good neighbours for many years on Beach Street. He has been a great asset to the community. We had the privilege of hearing him speak at our Strathroy Legion, in his honour a few years back. Prayers go out to the family.

~ Marion Cochraine, and Jerry and Bobbie Cochraine

Bryan ,Beth,Carol ,Heather ,Maureen and her family Was sorry to hear of Bills passing ,,l hope it was very quick for his sake.Always enjoyed my talks with him on the phone and out ,they where always good for laugh,12th of July will not go by for the rest of my life ,that l will remember he and your Mom they always called on that day,it was always a joke through the years.My sincere sympathy yo each one of you ,know we all are going to miss him esp.his family.Great guy.

~ Joyce Sovereign

Deepest sympathy to Maureen, Andrew, Cate and Paul. I will always remember how Bill helped me and how kind he was - Suat.

~ Suat and Nermine Rusiti

Truly enjoyable, interesting and enjoyable fellow, will be missed. God's Love and Care to All

~ Dr Ray and Marion Meredith

Our deepest sympathy to all of you. We too have fond memories of both your dad and mom, they were very special to many always taking the time to visit. I remember walking by when the kids were young and was always invited onto the porch for cookies and the many cards signed Mrs. Cookie and Mr. Fix-it....Always be thankful for what you had not for what you don't have - you were all so fortunate to have had so many good years..Treasure your memories !

~ Peter & Peggy Mastorakos

Bryan, Beth and family: So sorry to hear about the passing of your father and grandfather. He was a kind man who always had a smile and a story to tell. Remember fondly, your memories and his stories

~ Tom and Sherry Bodkin

Bryan, Beth and Family: Our thoughts are with you at this time. 2015 was not a good start to the year for either of our families. Sorry we were unable to attend due to Carole's father's funeral today.

~ Bob & Carole Meyers

Lucan will not be the same with Bill gone . He and Lorraine did many kind and thoughtful things ,he is with her again. Heartfelt condolences to Brian and Maureen and there family's He will be missed.

~ Dave &Sharen Newman

(Donated to The Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Command)

~ Phyllis and Al Harris

(Donated to Poppy Fund of your local Legion branch)

~ Township of Lucan Biddulph

(Donated to Poppy Fund Ilderton Legion)

~ Ken & Susan Rees

(Donated to Poppy Fund of your local Legion branch)

~ Bob and Janet Ellis

(Donated to Poppy Fund of your local Legion branch)

~ Irven (Mac) MacCormack

(Donated to Poppy Fund of your local Legion branch)

~ Mr. & Mrs. Pat Marrinan & Mr. Mrs. Dwain Marrinan

(Donated to Poppy Fund of your local Legion branch)

~ Doris and Paul Petersen

(Donated to Poppy Fund of your local Legion branch)

~ Greg Smith

(Donated to Poppy Fund of your local Legion branch)

~ Joe Dewan, John Riddell, Mike Herbert, Wayne Darroch, Elliott James

(Donated to Poppy Fund of your local Legion branch)

~ Peter and Peggy Mastorakos

(Donated to Poppy Fund of your local Legion branch)

~ Katharine & Peter Timmins

(Donated to Poppy Fund of your local Legion branch)

~

I am so proud to have known Bill these past many years. He knew that life is a gift and the importance of living it to the fullest, each day. As a Service Officer I knew of his devotion to veterans, and as a friend I admired his humanity. I will miss our long phone conversations, as well as dropping by to say "Hello!" whenever I was in Lucan. My deepest sympathy to the family.

~ Randolph C. Groundwater

So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all.

~ Carlotta Lemieux

Bryan, Beth, Maureen and families, Please accept our sincere condolences. We regret that we are unable to give them in person, but know that our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Bill will be greatly missed. He was an amazing man and you can take comfort knowing that he has had a tremendous impact on so many lives, young and old during his lifetime.

~ Jim and Helen Hearn

I have fond memories of working with Bill on Remembrance Day events over the years and specially his great help with the WWII Veterans Project. His stories and great insights helped make Lucan's Celebrations of Remembrance a very special time. He certainly will be missed. Our thoughts go out to his family.

~ Barb & Mike Tuxford

Bryan, Beth, Carol & Heather - our condolences on the loss of your dad/grandad. He was always upbeat and had a smile on his face. Thinking of you all.

~ Sue & Terry Pike

Bryan, Beth and Family Sorry to hear of Bill's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

~ Joan & Dave Goddard

What a wonderful gentleman and important part of the Lucan Community. He will be remembered and missed by so many!

~ Marilyn (Hearn) and Clive Bowden

Bill Smith and I go back a long time in the Royal Canadian Legion. Bill was a strong member and supporter during my term of President of the RCL Ontario Charitable Foundation. We joined up again on the Soldiers' Aid Commission. His dedication in the support of Veterans was magnificient. He will be missed....but never forgotten.

~ Al Harris

Bill and Lorraine were good friends of Charlie and myself. He will be missed dearly by his family and friends. My deepest sympathy in your loss.

~ Betty Coughlin

Bill presided over his last Soldiers Aid Commission meeting in mid December and as usual was in fine fettle. He looked eagerly to 2015 to celebrate the 100th year of the Soldiers Aid Commission and participated in the planning with great enthusiasm. We are fortunate that he was able to record his reminisces of his 29 years with the Commission with historian James Onusko in November 2014. In these ways, his contribution will live on. For the staff at the Ministry of Community and Social Services and for the Commissioners, it is the end of an era. Bill was the last of a generation who were first appointed in the 1980's or earlier carrying out a proud tradition of generosity and good will toward needy Ontario veterans and their families. He will be missed.

~ John Stapleton

Maureen, Cate, Paul, Andrew and families, I am very sorry to learn of the loss of your father and grandfather. Maureen, I only met your father once but recall him being a very strong, inspirational man with a remarkable history. He was proud of you as you all are of him. Please know you are remembered during this difficult time. In sympathy, Katherine, Greg, and Curtis

~ Katherine Butson

Bryan ,Beth Carol and Heather , Maureen and My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this sad times. Hold all the good memories as they will help at this time.

~ Cathy Lindsay

Bryan, Beth, Maureen and family....sooo sorry to hear of Bills passing when I phoned to wish him happy new year !!! ... He and Lorraine were very special friends, and I will miss them both dearly......

~ Don and Dorothy Leitch

Deepest sympathy is extended to Bill's family. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and above all, loving memories to hold forever in your heart.

~ Margaret Prout (Neil)

Bryan, Maureen, and families: Our sincere sympathies.

~ Gord & Sharlene Worrall

Our deepest sympathy to Bill's family. He was a great gentleman and a Veteran who dedicated his time for other Veterans. "We Will Remember Them"

~ Royal Canadian Legion Br. 635

Bill was a very gracious man. He and Lorraine were a team supporting and loving each other. He was very proud of his family. He also was a proud veteran serving our country in the Royal Canadian Navy. Bill was on the building committee of Parkwood Hospital 's Western Counties Wing which opened in July 1989 when the Queen Mother cut the ribbon. Bill worked tirelessly on behalf of Canadian War veterans assisting them in any way he could and maintaining contact with many over the years. He never stopped helping others. We will miss his phone calls. This humble man will be greatly missed as a neighbour and friend.

~ Rev. Darrell and Joanna Shaule

So sorry to hear about your loss. You have our sincerest sympathy. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.

~ Jim and Ruth Rowe

Dear Bryan, Beth ,Maureen and ,families, I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of your Dad. Bill and Lorraine were a very special couple. Bill was one of my favourite people in Lucan. I enjoyed listening to his travels and presentations on behalf of Veterans.. My last memory of Bill was following the Remembrance Day service this past year.. We spotted each other as he was leaving , he stopped , and we exchanged a hug. I am truly honoured to have known him. He will be remembered fondly by Gord and I.

~ Brenda Moon

Dear Maureen, Andrew, Cate, Paul, and families. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Father and Grandfather. Maureen, I loved hearing about his life through you, and know how much he meant to you. I am thinking of you during this very difficult time. By all accounts, he was a remarkable man.

~ Mary Chevreau

Bill was a good man and a great Legionnaires. His knowledge of the Legion and past meetings and events made him so interesting and so well loved by all of us. He always had a story and always made us smile. He will be truly missed. We will remember him.

~ Marg Emery & Gerry /den Hartogh

Bill was a true gentleman! When Bill and Lorraine were in a room it was always interesting and fun! Our family was privileged to have know them and we extend our deepest sympathy to their Family and friends.

~ The Trudgen Family

Bill was a wonderful family man, humanitarian, citizen and hockey coach. He was also a great story-teller. My deepest sympathy goes to his loving family and many friends. -Dale Munro

~ Dale Munro

Brian,Beth and family, Sorry to hear about Bill, I always enjoyed talking to him.Our thoughts prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.

~ George and Mary Young.

We have such wonderful memories of Bill and Peter and I were so delighted to have had a lovely visit with him December 31, enjoying his warmth and listening to his stories and jokes. Bryan and Maureen, he loved you dearly and unconditionally as he did all his grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family, and received much love back. I know you will all miss him sorely. You are all in our hearts and thoughts and we offer our deepest sympathy - Love Katharine, Peter, Matthew and Michael.

~ Katharine, Peter, Matthew & Michael Timmins

Dear Bryan, Beth, Maureen and Families, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Bill was a terrific community man, a respected veteran, coach and family man. He always took the time to share an enlightening story or words of wisdom. He is fondly remembered.

~ Steve & Kay Revington

Bryan, Beth, Carol and Heather: My condolences on the loss of your father and grandfather. Thinking of you.

~ Allyson Squire

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