Donald Russell Smith
Died: December 7, 2017 | Place: University Hospital
Obituary
SMITH, Donald….
On December 7, 2017, Donald Russell Smith passed peacefully at University Hospital in his 88th year. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 70 years, Mary Elizabeth Iris Smith (nee Trafford). Loving father of Linda Glassford (John), Richard Smith (Krystyna), Donna Smith (Brent), Patricia Postma (Mike) and Kathy Stallaert (Eric). Cherished grandfather of Brad, Kim, Robert, Jim, Jennifer, Mark, Leah, Jill, Alex, Melissa, Adam and David, and great-grandfather of Ronan, Kieran, Kalani, Carly, Bryce, Kayla, Izzy, Caidan, Evie and Hannah. Caring brother of Mary Kotanko. Also missed by several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his two sisters; Dorothy Pamplin and Edna Racher. Don retired from the OPP as Traffic Sergeant District 1 after 32 years of committed service. Donald was an honourable man who leaves behind a legacy of hard work and family values. A private family funeral service to be held with interment in Riverview Cemetery, Wallaceburg. Donations in Don’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
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Our deepest sympathies to all of the family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Don was my Sergeant at Wallaceburg Detachment, he will be saddly missed. Every time he saw you he would smile with a greeting. We send our condolences to the family.
It was with a heavy heart that I learned of the passing of my friend and former OPP colleague. I served with Don when I was posted to the Oakville Detachment in 1966. He was an outstanding officer, one to be emulated by a young rookie like myself. My thoughts and prayers are with his sweetheart, Mary, and his entire family.
Dear family, We had so many great memories of Don today…..One of the finest gentleman on this earth…and certainly the very favourite of Kay and Bill….so sorry that you are going through this….Hope Mary and the rest of you are going to ok….
Love, Rob and Collette
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked as a secretary at Chatham Detachment for many years and my husband worked in Blenheim and Chatham Detachments as an officer. T/Sgt. Smith always told me how grateful he was to my husband for catching his baby grandson from a burning building while on a ladder in downtown Blenheim. I heard that story many times. He was a wonderful person and respected at work. My deepest condolences to his family.
My sister, Joan, who is not on line, asked me to share this.
She had many wonderful memories of visiting with Don and Mary, sleeping in the guest bedroom, in the bed which once belonged to our mother.
She also spoke of many fun trips such as the one to Point Pelee. She was always treated like a daughter. She is deeply saddened and will miss Don dearly.
Don was my late father’s Sgt. while in Ridgetown. I was so sad to hear of Don’s passing. I know this is a sad and difficult time for the Smith family. You have our very deepest sympathy.
To the Smith Family:
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Don as Corporal in the Ridgetown OPP Detachment back in the early 70’s. Sharon Boylan and I were secretaries. I remember Don as a very strict and regimented man until he spent a summer in the Grand Bend Det. He came back an altogether different person and allowed himself to enjoy some laughs. I remember having long talks with him about some personal issues I was having and he gave me some very wise advice. I have thought about he and Mary often. Knew they lived in Wallaceburg and wished that I had made contact with them. Let the wonderful memories you have help you this very sad time.
Sincerely, Nancy Shabley
Our condolences to the family from Joyce Bennett and family. Cousin of Donald’s.
I am saddened to hear of Don’s passing. I met Don and Mary while working at Amica at London. He spoke of his career with the OPP and the travels that he experienced while on the force. Please accept my sincere condolences and prayer to his family.
Please except my deepest condolences for your loss. I am very fortunate to have enjoyed many conversations with Mr.Smith over the past 8 years. I will always be grateful for the kindness and gratitude he showed us.