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With saddened hearts we announce the passing of Christopher Guy Smith on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at Bluewater Health at the age of 71.
Predeceased by his parents Charles and Doris Smith. Special brother to Dianne (Gord), Judy (Larry), Michael (Barb), Garth (Jayne), and Lori (Derek). Respected father to Wesley and Wade, and stepfather to Lindsay. Grandfather to Ryley, Mattison, and Logan, and stepgrandfather to Hailey, Dillon, and Eli. Uncle and great uncle to many nieces and nephews. Too many to name, but you were all special to him. Predeceased by Clayton a special foster child who adored Guy.
Guy had many interests in life, which he pursued, namely literature, music, sports, travel, art and theatre.
Guy was an avid reader, historian and author himself. Anything he read, watched or discussed with others was permanently filed away in his memory, and readily available for future discussions.
Guy loved music from a wide range of genres and had a great appreciation for the talent of countless musicians. A few examples of the diverse music he enjoyed included Buddy Guy, John Prine, Leonard Cohen, Elton John, Patsy Cline, Tony Bennett, and the list goes on. He also enjoyed many music venues including Chicago blues bars, renown music halls in Toronto, and numerous other musical events. Guy was a talented musician himself, who played the piano, trumpet, and harmonica. Guy enjoyed playing music for others, especially his mother. The whole family shared a love for music, and Dixieland music was an all time favourite.
Guy was a sports enthusiast. He followed all sports, but mostly baseball and hockey, and preferred to listen to the games by radio broadcast. If watching a ball game, he preferred to be a spectator at The SkyDome (Roger’s Centre), Wrigley Field or Yankee Stadium. Guy also enjoyed water skiing, tennis and golf. His sons have very fond memories of him playing baseball and basketball with them in their youth.
Guy loved to travel and made an adventure out of all his trips. The famous trips to Ireland with family members, visiting Key West in memory of a favourite author, Ernest Hemingway, or just catching a train to visit family and friends. His most talked about adventures were the motorhome road trips with his father and other close family members. They travelled much of the United States over the years, to visit as many historical sites as time permitted. As one trip ended, another was being planned.
Guy had a great appreciation for theatre and art. He attended broadway plays at the Lincoln Centre for the Arts in New York City, performances at the Stratford and Shaw Festivals, and exhibits at the Art Gallery of Ontario.
Guy had a great sense of humour. His contagious laugh and genuine smile could light up a room. Guy enjoyed social gatherings with family and friends. These gatherings were always filled with laughter by all in attendance. He also valued the many friends that would drop by for a visit, the endless hours of conversations, and the day trips shared.
His kindness and generosity will always be remembered. Guy had a special gift of making friends, and those friendships were for life. With his welcoming demeanour and wealth of knowledge, he could easily initiate a conversation with anyone and befriend them. People were naturally drawn to him. Guys love for all animals was second to none. He genuinely cared for all animals and shared companionship with many furry friends over the years.
Lastly, Guy loved “the characters in life” of which he was truly one himself!
Goodbye our dear friend, you will be truly missed.
A quote in honour of Guy by one of his many favourite authors,
F. Scott Fitzgerald. “The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function.”
Celebration of Life will take place at the Bala Legion on July 27, 2024 from 1-4pm.
In lieu of flowers, sympathy may be expressed through donations to The Salvation Army or District Humane Society. Online condolences and doanations may be made at www.forestfuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to DENNING’S OF FOREST.