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Shediac – It is with deep sadness that the family of Robert Paul Smith Sr. announces his passing at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont University Hospital Centre on Thursday, January 12, 2012, at the age of 83.
Bob, or “Smitty” as his Royal Canadian Navy friends knew him, was a native of Winnipeg. He enrolled in the Royal Canadian Navy in 1945 at age 16 during the closing months of World War II, and went on to serve 20 years, reaching the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He served at a number of military bases and aboard numerous ships, including: CFB Stadacona, HMCS Hochelaga, HMCS Nootka (Destroyer), HMCS Cape Scott (Supply Ship), HMCS Quebec (Cruiser) and HMCS Assiniboine (Destroyer). Following his naval career, Bob had a very rewarding private sector career, working for 15 years as an accountant and computer programmer with the Iron Ore Company of Canada and for the final 15 years of his working life as Manager of the Royal Canadian Air Force Officers’ Mess in Ottawa.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Shirley (née: Richards), two sons Robert, Jr. (Bella) and Glenn (Lisa), three grandchildren, Gabrielle Abourizk (Antoine), Danielle and Will, one great-grandson, Anthony Abourizk, and numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews from locations across Canada including Halifax, Ottawa and Winnipeg.
A Celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Tuesday, January 17th, at 2 pm at the Passage Chapel in Shediac Bridge with Father Alban Thibodeau officiating. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place, and there will be no visitations prior to the Celebration.
The family extends a heartfelt thanks to his family physician, Dr. Rhéal Boudreau, and all of the doctors and nurses who provided tender care to Bob at the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont Hospital, in particular the staff of the Palliative Care Unit.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Dr. Georges-L.-Dumont Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
Condolences in the guest book are welcomed at: www.funerairepassagefuneral.ca
Funeral arrangements under the professional care of Coopérative Funéraire Passage Funeral Co-operative, 3754, Route 134, Shediac Bridge, NB E4R 1T3
Tel: (506) 532-1050
Toll free: 1-888-532-1050
