SMITH, Edward Stephen Joseph

September 7th, 1933 - October 27th, 2023

Ed passed away peacefully at the Wellington Terrace in Fergus, Ontario, on Friday, October 27th, 2023 shortly after his 90th birthday.

Born in 1933, Ed lived a life that was deeply rooted in his values, including his love for family, education, the church, and conversation. He was the beloved husband of Barbara Ann (nee Brunker) for 63 years, loving father of Karen Smith-Lock (David Lock ) and Blake (Paola Bandiera) and proud grandfather of Carina Lock (Oliver Bradley), Jessica Lock (Joseph Dixon), Brendan Lock, Victoria Smith (Clay Edwards) and Jacob Smith.

Ed was the youngest of four children raised by Thomas and Florence Smith (nee Lewis), in Leamington, Ontario. He is survived by his brother Fred Smith and predeceased by his brother Tom and his sister Mary Debevc.

After marrying Barbara Brunker in 1960, he moved to Scarborough and then to Brampton where they raised their family. Ed spent many hours on driving duty to hockey, skating, ballet and the rest. He was always happy and willing to assist his children however he could. After Karen and Blake moved to Australia and the USA respectively, Ed and Barbara moved to Elora, Ontario. Ed loved spending time at his trailer at Elora Gorge Conservation Area so much that they moved to Station Square in 2002. Ed travelled frequently to visit Karen and Blake and their families, proudly wearing his Grandad t-shirts and always telling stories about his Australian and American children and grandchildren.

Ed valued education highly. He worked hard to become a Chartered Accountant, while working full time and raising a family. He established a public accounting practice in Brampton and was always very proud of his profession. He strongly supported his family members in their educational endeavours and proudly spoke of the family’s degrees and accomplishments. He loved to read science magazines and history books and keep on top of current affairs and politics.

Ed’s faith and service to the community was an essential part of his life. From his childhood as an altar boy, reading readings at mass, to his life-long membership of the Knights of Columbus, he was an active member of the church community. His years as a member of the Board of Directors of the John Howard Society, supporting ex-prisoners rebuild their lives, were very important to him. Ed was a member of the Rotary Club for many years and was a key contributor to the Rotary International Student Exchange Program.

One of Ed’s greatest joys was conversation. He lived by his motto of “cookies, coffee and conversation.” He loved to talk. He loved to debate politics. He loved to tell stories. He loved to make people laugh. Even after he moved to Wellington Terrace in the advanced stages of dementia, he spread joy with his smile, his sunny disposition and his untiring ability see every blue sky as the best one yet.

Ed will be missed by many, especially his immediate and extended family. We will remember Ed with fondness, as we eat birthday cake for breakfast and repeat joke #42, and #53 and # …

Rest in peace, Ed/Dad/Grandad.