Robert T. Smith
June 19, 1946 – February 3, 2022
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Robert Thomas Smith
June 19, 1946 – February 3, 2022 Passed away peacefully at his residence in St. John’s, NL.
Robert was born at St. Clare’s hospital in St. John’s and was the son of the late William J Smith and Mary (Kelloway) Smith.
Robert was tremendously proud of his Newfoundland heritage and spoke highly of his parents throughout his life. William (Bill), his father, served Newfoundland in the Newfoundland Ranger Force, a position he resigned in 1948 before graduating from Law School and starting a law practice in Corner Brook, NL. William was elected to the House of Assembly in 1962 and held the riding of Humber St. Barbe South until he tragically passed in 1965 at the young age of 54. Mary was a Registered Nurse and began her service at the Cottage Hospital in Stephenville Crossing. Robert’s first home was in an apartment in the Newfoundland Ranger station in St. Georges in Bay St. George, NL.
Survived by his beloved wife of almost 30 years, Ella (Hiscock), his sisters Cecilia, Olivia, his sons Willie (Kelly), Michael and daughters Mary-Beth (Corey), Lorna-Marie (Jeff), grandchildren Taylor (Mark), Liam, Benjamin, Elizabeth and Noah. Robert was predeceased by his sisters Sheila and Rosemary.
Robert’s life can be defined through his unrelenting acts of kindness rooted in his faith, belief in the process of law, and his contributions to community and family. He dearly loved his family. The often overused phrase “he would give the shirt off his back” simply captured the true essence of Robert. He was a champion of the underdog and sought always to help those less fortunate in life.
Robert attended Regina High School in Corner Brook, NL and participated in many extracurricular activities, including Army Cadets, where he served as a Lieut. in the Cadet Corps. He was a towering member of the 1965-66 undefeated Regina Basketball team, a compelling public speaker and debater. But it was his participation in the theatre program under the direction of the late Al Pittman, in which he took immense pride.
Robert attended St. Mary’s University graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. While attending St. Mary’s University, he contributed to University life both academically, and through his extensive volunteer work, including work with The Christian Action Movement (served as President), Student Judicial Council, Halifax School for the Blind, all while tutoring for Math and English at various sites in the Halifax area. Robert was awarded the Silver “M” for his outstanding contributions to the University and community.
Robert went on to earn a Bachelor of Education from Memorial University of Newfoundland. He taught English in Corner Brook at Herdman Collegiate from 1969-1975, where he also served as the Adult Education Continuation Coordinator and coach of the debating team. He highly valued education and had the utmost respect for the teaching profession. As a student, he worked at the CFCB radio station, a role he thoroughly enjoyed. He continued to work part-time at CTCB-CFSX throughout his teaching career.
Robert was appointed to the Provincial Court bench as a Magistrate in 1975. He served 33 full-time years in three different Newfoundland communities (Port aux Basques, Stephenville and St. John’s), plus an additional 5 years as a “Part-time Judge”. He earned an LLB from Dalhousie Law School in 1983 and was assigned to the provincial court as a judge in Stephenville. While in Stephenville, his commitment to volunteering was honored by him receiving the Citizen of the Year Award in 1990. He was also successfully trained and certified in Mediation levels I, II and III.
Over the years, Robert served on many boards, committees and service groups. Including Winter Carnival, Rotary, organizing Debating and Public Speaking programs, The John Howard Society, YM-YWCA, Big Brothers – Big Sisters and was a member of the Knights of Columbus for over forty years where he held the positions of Deputy Grand Knight, Grand Knight, District Deputy and in numerous positions with state council. He was selected as Knight of Year and served as a Lay Reader in several different parishes throughout his life. Contributions to the John Howard Society included an article in the Society’s Journal on the use of Reality Therapy in Corrections in the province.
Following retirement from the Provincial Court, Robert continued his lifelong volunteer work and sense of giving with many organizations including volunteering to teach the Canadian Law course at St. Bonaventure’s College, while dedicating countless hours to the 7th Step Society of NL and the Citizens Advisory Committee for Corrections Canada NL. Robert also co-authored a book entitled “The Newfoundland Rangers”, detailing the life and times of the 204 Newfoundland Rangers.
He retained his Commissioner of Oaths, and Notary Public. Robert took immense pride and tremendous pleasure in officiating wedding ceremonies. Remarkably, he performed over 2,000 wedding ceremonies which remained ongoing until recently.
Robert loved and was loved, he was kind and generous, a tremendous orator and storyteller, and had a laugh that simply boomed. His family is truly saddened by their loss but thankful and proud of all his contributions to this world. He taught us many lessons and showed the example of what it means to live.
Funeral service to take place from Caul’s Chapel, LeMarchant Road, on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 11:00am. Due to COVID restrictions, the service will be by invite only, however if you wish to attend virtually, please follow the link: vimeo.com/event/1807982.
Donations can be made to The Gathering Place or Candlelighters Association of Newfoundland.
To view the online memorial guest book or leave a message of condolence, please visit www.cauls.ca.
God Bless.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Robert T Smith 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Torbay, Province: T-N