Obituary Overview
In Loving Memory
Smyth, Jack Harrison
1941 – 2018
At the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice in Kanata, on December 13, 2018, at the age of 77.
Loving Husband of Catherine (nee Currie-Mills) for 50 years.
Devoted father of John (Peggy nee Fitzgerald), and Mark (Theresa nee Vanneste).
Cherished grandfather of Grace, Laura, Sean, Thomas, Julianna, and Daniel.
Beloved brother of Linda and predeceased by Mary (Mae) and Ronald.
Jack will be deeply missed by his nieces, nephews, sons, wife, grandchildren, extended family and friends.The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of the Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice and the Ottawa Hospital. Jack was born in Toronto, the third of four children to Thomas and Emma-Louisa. Jack’s childhood was full of fun and excitement. Jack was a Queen’s Scout and Air Cadet during his teenage years. After completing high school Jack moved to Thunder Bay to complete a degree in Forest Technology at Lakehead University, and then to Fredericton for a BSc. in Forestry at the University of New Brunswick. During his time at UNB Jack met Catherine, the love of his life. Jack and Catherine moved to Toronto where they were married in 1967. Jack then completed a Masters in Forestry at the University of Toronto.
After completing his degree at U of T, Jack moved to Edmonton to work for the Canadian Forest Service. During the years Jack and Catherine lived in Edmonton their two sons, John and Mark, were born. In 1975 Jack accepted a position at the Great Lakes Forest Research Centre and the family moved to Sault Ste. Marie. Jack took advantage of living in the outdoor paradise of northern Ontario. Summers were spent camping and hiking while alpine and cross-country skiing as well as curling occupied the winter months. After fifteen years in the Soo, Jack and the family moved to Ottawa where Jack spent the remainder of his career developing forestry programs for the indigenous peoples of Canada.
Jack was a devoted Ottawa Senators fan, having seasons tickets for many years. Jack loved to spend his summers at Golden Lake, travelling to Europe and exploring Canada with Catherine, and spending time with his six grandchildren. After retiring, Jack became an avid genealogist, completing a detailed family tree tracing back to the middle of the 18th century. Recently Jack became involved with the local Tai Chi group, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Jack fought a short but courageous battle against cancer. He never complained once and always looked at life, right until the very end, with a “glass half full” mentality. Jack passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family.Friends may pay respects at
Kelly Funeral Home – Kanata Chapel
580 Eagleson Rd.
613-591-6580
Tuesday, December 18, 2018 after 11 am. Funeral Service for Jack will be celebrated in the Chapel at 12 noon. Cremation to follow. A reception will take place in the Arbor lounge. Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or Hospice Care Ottawa appreciated. Condolences and Sharing Memories at www.kellyfh.ca
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Jack Harrison Smyth 2018..
Source: Kelly Funeral Home – Barrhaven Chapel
Death notice for the town of: Ottawa, Province: Ontario