Parcourez la nécrologie de Leo Smith March 21 2024 résidant dans la province T-N pour le détail des funérailles
It is with profound sadness that the family of Leo Smith announce his passing after a brief illness on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at the age of 75 years at Kingston General Hospital. Leo will be lovingly remembered by his wife Margaret and puppy Chloe, daughters Lisa (Mark) and Jennifer (Steve), stepsons Daniel (Carm) and Joseph (Amanda), grandchildren Kylie, Gavin, Adam, Ryan, Crissa, Mya, Ethan, Landon, Damian, Lily, Alanna, Mya and many great-grand children. Leo was a devoted son to the late Sabina Smith and Leo Smith Sr, loving brother to Mary (Marcel), Almeada (Harold), Bernard (Sheila) and brother-in-law to Jimmy (Thelma) and Bobby (Ivana). He was a beloved uncle and dear friend to many more.
Leo was born in Fortune Bay Newfoundland. He came to Ontario at just 18 years old, but a part of his heart always remained in Newfoundland. He never missed a year of going to spend time with his mother, family and friends back home. His siblings fondly remember their childhood shenanigans, spending time “down the country” at his brother’s cabin and working together on the many projects Leo took on each time he went to visit.
Leo met his wife Margaret thirty-one years ago and the two experienced a kind of love that most people can only dream of. They were a perfect match and complimented each other in every way. She lovingly referred to him as her” Big Duck” and he to her as his “Little Swan”. They encouraged each other in their passions and hobbies. For years they shared adventures on Leo’s motorcycles and trike. Leo was always building something new, whether he was making a shed for the backyard or refinishing a room in the house. Leo built Margaret a quilting room and spoke about her passion for quilting with pride. He particularly loved the many quilts she made depicting scenes of Newfoundland for him.
Leo and Margaret enjoyed much of their early life together living in Fenelon Falls where Leo was an avid golfer. He shared this passion with his youngest stepson Joe, and they spent many days out on the golf course together. He built a driving range in his backyard in Fenelon Falls where many of his grandkids learned to play with their “Pop’s” guidance.
Leo worked as a Toronto Transit Commission bus driver for 29.2 years. After retirement, more than twenty years ago, he and Margaret enjoyed taking cruises together and spending winters first in Texas and then in Florida. Together, they became heavily involved in each new community through planning and hosting social events. Leo and Margaret loved to dance. You could be sure that no matter the occasion, if a good country song or Newfie jig was playing, Leo and Margaret would be dancing and having a wonderful time together. Everywhere they went, they came away with countless, meaningful friendships that have lasted a lifetime. Leo and Margaret truly loved and enjoyed life together in a way that was inspiring to those around them.
Leo spent many years after retirement helping his stepson Daniel to do home projects, such as cutting down trees and working alongside Daniel in his business. In addition to their father/son relationship, both Joe and Daniel shared a camaraderie and friendship with Leo that was extremely special.
In the thirty-one years that Margaret and Leo have been together, they blended their lives to create one, big, beautiful family with many grandchildren and great grandchildren. They made a dream come true by buying a house in Bancroft where they are close to family and have found a wonderful community of new friends.
Leo was the kind of father who was not just a provider, but a confidant and friend. He was fiercely protective, but as soft as a teddy bear, and he certainly wasn’t afraid to share his opinion. Lisa and Jennifer fondly remember their father being there for all of their ups and downs with support and love that “took care of their hearts.” He never missed a school field trip or concert, and he made their childhood fun with constant outings and adventures. He was more than just a their dad, he was a best friend.
For all of his children and grandchildren, he was always just a phone call away, a mentor and our greatest cheerleader. There are too many special memories to count, but if you spoke to any of them, they would all be able to share something that Leo taught them, such as how to use his power tools, build decks, sheds and furniture, how to golf, play pool and drive an ATV, just to name a few.
Anyone meeting Leo for the first time might have noticed his tattoos, muscles and seemingly tough exterior, but after a few moments would quickly realize that he was the kindest, most genuinely big-hearted person you were ever likely to meet. When someone was in need, Leo was always the first person to offer his help. His personality sparkled and he made an impact on everyone whose life he touched.
Leo lived life to the fullest. If there was something he wanted, he got it. If there was something he wanted to do, he did it. Most importantly, he was not afraid to share his emotions and always, always told everyone how much he loved them.
Leo was larger than life, yet down to earth, cherished by so many and rich in life and love.
The hole left in all of our lives with Leo’s passing is deep. He was one of a kind and will be forever missed.
A private service was held at Mackey Funeral Home in Lindsay.
A graveside service for Leo will take place at the Anglican Cemetery in Fortune, NL on:
Saturday, August 17, 2024 at 2:00pm.
A celebration of life will be held following the inurnment at the Royal Canadian Legion in Fortune.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Canadian Cancer Society.
March 21 2024
Décès pour la Ville Fortune, Province T-N
avis deces Leo Smith March 21 2024
nécrologie Leo Smith March 21 2024
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Leo Smith March 21 2024 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.