Obituary of David John Smith
David John Smith aka “Smitty”
Passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, in the early hours of May 10th 2023. He was Born Dec. 30, 1947 in St. Catharines, Ontario where he stayed centred his entire lifetime. A natural-born sportsman and leader since a young age. He enjoyed baseball, hockey and being a running back for Dennis Morris H.S. As a young father he began coaching his two sons in hockey and baseball. He was always competitive but also a fair man on the field, mentoring many young men on how to be good sportsmen and good men in general. In his later years he became an accomplished and talented golfer. A self-taught man, who started as a welder and then became a key player as Bargaining Chairman for the CAW at Hayes Dana in Thorold. He helped create a positive and fruitful working relationship between the management and the workers. Helping countless families with issues at home and the workplace for decades. He was most proud of his ability to help broker a final and exceptional deal for the workers as their factory closed. He was known to assist families in need during holiday food drives but also any other time of the year if he could lend a helping hand. Dave “Smitty” Smith was first and foremost a family man. A devoted and loving husband to Cathy Smith (nee Landry) for over 56 years. Father to the late D. Shane (Deanna) Smith and Jeffrey R. Smith.
A Loving and Doting ‘Popa Schmits’ to Brooklynne Dee Smith and Zachary David Smith. He was loved deeply by his extended family of in-laws and his nieces and nephews; as well, as the chosen family members he took under his wing
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He will be deeply missed by many.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME, 585 Carlton St., St. Catharines where afternoon and evening visitation take place on, Saturday, May 13th from 2:00PM-4:00PM and 6:00PM-8:00PM along with Sunday, May, 14th from 2:00PM-4:00PM and 6:00PM-8:00PM at the funeral home with prayers Sunday, May 14th at 7:30PM. A Funeral Mass will be held Monday, May 15th at St. Alfred Catholic Church 472 Vine St., St. Catharines at 11:00AM followed by a burial at Victoria Lawn Cemetery. Please consider making donations in honour of Dave to the NHS-St. Catharines Site, Walker Family Cancer Centre or Lymphoma Canada.