Obituary - CWO (Retired) John Gavin Smith, MMM, CD

​Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family, at the age of 87. He is survived by, in his own words, “the most important things in my life,” his wife of 60 years, Eula (nee Meikle), his daughters, Stephanie Hewitt (Tom), Andra (Jeff Brown) and his grandchildren, Emily, Olivia, Justine and Evan, of whom he was so proud. John was born in Metis Beach, Quebec (his special piece of heaven) to William James and Mary Helen Maude (McLaren). He was the youngest of four brothers, Ned, Kenny and Roy (all predeceased) and sister Marion (Bill Carlson). 
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​John joined the Military in 1948 and had a decorated career with the C Provost Corps, and Military Police. He served overseas in the Korean War, England, Germany, and as a Peacekeeper in The Belgian Congo. He was the recipient of The Order of Military Merit and became the 1st CWO of the Security Branch of the Canadian Armed Forces. 

John was highly respected in the community and loved being around people. He was an active member of Bells Corners United Church and felt so much joy when attending functions and services among friends and family. He volunteered for Seniors Home Support, and in earlier days was instrumental in starting the 1st All-Girls Soccer Team in Nepean. Everyone's faces light up when John’s name is mentioned. 

He will be remembered as a lovely man with a great smile and a twinkle in his eye. He showed everyone respect and truly believed “it is nice to be important but more important to be nice”. Thank you John, Dad and Grandpa for all you gave to us. 

Friends may pay respects at 
Kelly Funeral Home - Kanata Chapel 
580 Eagleson Rd. 
613-591-6580 
from 4:00 - 7:00pm on Friday, September 23rd, 2016. 

A Celebration of John’s Life will be held at Bells Corners United Church (3955 Old Richmond Road) on Saturday, September 24 at 11:00am. His final resting place will be Metis Beach United Church Cemetery at a date to follow.

​Donations in John’s name would greatly be appreciated to The University of Ottawa Heart Institute: Defibrillator and Pacemaker Clinic. Condolences and Sharing Memories at www.kellyfh.ca 

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