Donald Smith

It is with saddened hearts the family of the late Donald Smith announces his passing on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at The Kenneth E. Spencer Home in Moncton, NB.  Born in Saint John, NB on August 30, 1927, Don was the son of Clarence Smith and Mabel (Nickerson) Smith.

Don will live on in the hearts of his daughters, Shirley Morrison of Sussex, and Carol Nauss (Kevin) of Boundary Creek; grandchildren Courtney Hearn (Scott) of Timberlea, NS, Michael Morrison (Emma) of Sussex and Lydia Nauss (Paul) of Boundary Creek; great-grandchildren Joseph, Nicole, and Georgia; sister Audrey Currie, brother-in-law Sterling Gilmore, sister-in-law Irene Barrett.

Besides his parents, Don is pre-deceased by his wife of 58 years Connie (Smith), brothers and sisters Clayton, Douglas, Nelson, Elsie, and Doris.

Don was born in Saint John.  The family later moved to Lakeville where his father worked in the art department for Eaton’s in Moncton.  Upon the passing of his father, the family moved to Anagance where his mother managed the railway station and raised the 7 children on her own.  Don graduated high school in Petitcodiac and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Acadia University.  He worked as a chemist at the cement plant in Havelock for many years before taking over Smith’s Department Store in Petitcodiac from his mother and brother.  The store was known in the village for its candy counter and many children would come spend their allowance on a treat from the candy man. 

Don met his wife, Connie, through his sister Audrey and her husband Johnny.  They were married in what they affectionately called the Blue Church in Saint John (St. Lukes Anglican Church) with their friends Elva and Amos Tucker and Bennett and Irma McCauley standing up with them.  Connie worked by his side at the store until their retirement in 1985.  After retirement they moved to Old Post Road where they loved to garden.  Their love of gardening and Connie’s love of flowers has been passed on to their granddaughter, Courtney. 

Both Don and Connie were active in their church, Petitcodiac Baptist Church, serving on many boards and committees.  Don was a proud, life-time member of the Kiwanis Club in Petitcodiac.  He served as their secretary for many years.  He and Charlie Howatt would be seen each fall going door-to-door selling Kiwanis nuts, working at the annual fall auction and the canteen at the arena.

In retirement, Don and Connie were lucky enough to travel and took many trips with their friends Blanche and Jack Prince.

In 2020, Don and Connie moved to The Kenneth E. Spencer Memorial Home.  Although Connie’s stay was short, Don continued to call this home.  The family are very appreciative of the great care, encouragement and love he was shown there.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Salisbury Funeral Home, 3350 Route 106 (506-372-4800) with visitation on Sunday, April 28 from 1 pm to 2:30 pm.  There will be a graveside service to follow at the Maplewood Cemetery for all who would like to attend.

Donations in memory of Don may be made to The Spencer Home Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society, or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online donations and condolences at www.keirsteads.ca