In Loving Memory
Paul Ernest Francis Smith, beloved father of Jessica, passed away suddenly from a heart attack on Saturday, April 23, 2022 in Aurora at the age of 56 years. Paul will be deeply missed by his daughter Jessica, former wife Tina, sister and Godmother Sara (Larry), sister Carol, nephews Andreas (Veronica) Robin and Donavan (Madison), niece Sarah (Tom), great-nephews Nolan and Cameron and sister-in-law Victoria (Marc). He was predeceased by his brothers Philip and Peter John, his sister Kathy, and his parents Peter and Rita Smith.
Paul was the youngest in the family and loved dearly by all. His warmth, smiles, kindness and huge heart were ever present, the very essence of his being. He brightened up a room with his boisterous voice and infectious laugh. Paul grew up in Richmond Hill, an avid hockey player, dear friend to so many and known to be a prankster.
The beloved son of Peter and Rita, Paul personified his English and Irish roots. Rita and Paul shared a special loving connection. She was a feisty Irish mammy, whose deep love for her son created a bond between the two that lives on forever. Paul affectionately called his father Benchly, and loved hearing him tell stories of England, WWII and Churchill.
At a young age he decided to travel extensively, at times with friends, at times on his own. Always the adventurer. In his 20’s he met Tina and fell in love with this beautiful Swedish woman. His heart was truly filled when his daughter Jessica was born. They lived in Aurora for many years, and the family grew to include their two weimaraners – Miley and Jagger. Paul loved furry friends, and always enjoyed his long daily walks in the woods with Jagger. Riding his Harley Davidson brought joy to Paul and he would take his daughter Jessica along with him on many occasions.
He embodied a strong work ethic from his father, working endless hours in the landscaping and snowplowing business for many years. His entrepreneurial spirit took hold and he successfully ran Tryad Publishing for more than 25 years, at first with his brother Peter and then on his own for the past 20 years.
Paul’s many friends and family will attest to his gregarious, kind and loving spirit. He could make you laugh like no one else and was always there when you needed him. He proudly celebrated 7 years of sobriety recently, a major accomplishment.
Friends may call at the Marshall Funeral Home 10366 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill on Friday, April 29 from 2-4 and 6-8pm A celebration of life will be held at Marshall Funeral Home on Saturday, April 30 at 3:30pm. In honor of Paul’s memory, donations to the Canadian Spinal Research Organization would be appreciated.
Read Less
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Paul Ernest Francis Smith Saturday April 23rd 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Richmond-Hill, Province: Ontario
You were not only my neighbor Paul, but you were my friend, & I am extremely saddened & will truly miss seeing you & your pup. 😥😥
I pray for all of Paul’s family & friends, & his daughter, of whom he was so proud of.❤
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss of such a lovely man.
I pray for God to cover you, under the shadow of His wings, bringing you comfort, peace & His strength at such a time as this.🙏🙏🙏
I also pray for Paul’s beautiful Jagger, as he must be so confused & sad, as the two of them were so close.🙏🙏
You are our loss, & heavens gain.
❤❤❤
Lisa
Always the bright light, so funny and a total magnet to all of the kids in the family. I remember how Rita loved sharing “Paul stories” with me and she lit up whenever she spoke about him, especially his teenage antics. I also know how much he loved his beautiful daughter Jessica and was so proud of her. I attended the service via Zoom and it was such lovely tribute albeit surreal. Paul will always hold a very special place in my heart. My deepest sympathies and Jessica, you are in my thoughts and prayers. RIP cuz.