J. Douglas Smith
J. Douglas Smith, of Kings Head, Nova Scotia, died suddenly at the Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia early on December 21. Losing Doug is a tremendous blow to his wife, his family and his community.
John Douglas Smith, Kings Head, Nova Scotia. A fiercely proud Nova Scotian, Doug felt things deeply and passionately. Doug was a Mt. Allison alumnus and a chemist by training. He spent most of his career with Michelin Canada. His role with Michelin shaped this young man and brought out the best in him. And in return he greatly influenced Michelin’s role in Canada and around the world. He was a perfectionist and there was no such thing as second best. He coached and mentored many young men and women who went on to have impressive careers of their own, in Canada, in Thailand, in France, in Spain and in the US. Doug stood up for what he believed in, sometimes to a fault.
He put his heart into everything that he cared about. The list is long. He loved his property, especially the trees he was so proud of. He would quietly boast that he planted every tree that grew in his yard, the more variety, the better. He loved good wine and good food, especially if there was sugar involved. He believed in a strong caring government and the democratic process. He was very loyal to the Liberal Party of Canada. He had a particular fondness for Tina Turner, Shania Twain and smart interesting people. He cared deeply about his Gyro friends and was involved in this community of friendship to the end. There weren’t many things that he couldn’t fix or repair. His knowledge of science was beyond impressive. Doug lived in five different countries and he travelled extensively. When he died, plans were in the works to travel to Spain and Portugal. Over the past five years Doug was responsible for Maintenance at Trinity United Church. He brought his skills and need for perfection to everything he touched. He had a significant presence and was generous to a fault.
But all of this pales to the love Doug had of his family. His first wife, Barbara Rice, was one of those smart, interesting people mentioned earlier. She was a great partner for Doug and together they raised Alexa and Aaron. Barbara was adored by Doug and their children and garnered tremendous respect for her educational leadership. Through Alexa and Aaron, the Smith family grew. Jaime joined Aaron in 2000 and grandchildren Clark, Finn, and Charlie followed. Sadly, Alexa’s son, Conor, (deceased 2011) didn’t have much opportunity to enjoy the love that Doug showered on his grandsons. Alexa and her partner Donnie have continued to hold a place of love and support in his heart. In his retirement, one of Doug’s greatest joys was taking the kids to school and picking them up at the end of the day.
In 2002 Lynne Sheridan came into Doug’s life; they were married in 2005. Lynne grew this new blended family. Her two sons, Kevin Lesko (Ontario) and Patrick Lesko (Alberta) joined in the fray. Kevin’s wife, Kristen, and their son Maksim followed. Lynne is especially close to her niece, Lisa Edouard, and Lisa’s children Donovan, Jazmyn and Evan. And because Lynne loved these people, Doug loved them too.
Doug would often say how incredibly fortunate he was to have two such special women in his life. Doug and Lynne travelled the world and would have kept going if fate had allowed.
Our loss is enormous.
Funeral service 2 pm Thursday, December 29, in Trinity United Church, 151 Temperance St., New Glasgow, with Rev. Donna Tourneur officiating. Livestream of the funeral available on Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87889003572). Family flowers only. Donations may be made to Trinity United Church or a charity of your choice.