Edwin Smith

SMITH, Edwin…

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Edwin Charles Smith announces his passing on Saturday, April 30, 2022, surrounded in the love of his family. Edwin was the patriarch of our family, leading a well lived life that included love, joys, sorrows and challenges spanning 96 years.

In 2004 Edwin was predeceased by his beloved wife Frances (Murdock) of 58 years. He is also predeceased by four siblings and their spouses and one niece and nephew of the same family.

Edwin is survived by his only child Patricia “Patsy”, his only grandchild Michael “Best Buddy”, his wife Amanda and her two sons Aiden and Carter. Edwin is also survived by his brother Kenneth and wife Doreen.

Edwin started his journey into adulthood by joining and travelling in the Canada and the States with Conklin Shows as a fire-eater. Two years later he enlisted in the Army, First Hussars, and was trained as a tank navigator.

In 1946 Edwin found his calling – trains. He hired on with the Canadian Pacific Railway (1946-1986) and started his career as an engineer at the Quebec Street yard/station. He ended his stint as a conductor on GO Transit/Trains based in Campbellville running daily from Toronto and back. Edwin didn’t stop there. Retired, he volunteered as an engineer with the Port Stanley Terminal Rail. He also operated the “push engine” for Thomas the Tank during railway days in St. Thomas.

Edwin’s hobby was his motor cars. He taught his grandson how to set them on and off the track, how to “keep them on the track” and how to perform minor maintenance on them. They spent countless hours travelling to motor car rallies and trips to the Agawa canyon and other northern destinations.

Edwin was a loving and devoted father to his daughter, as well as her advisor and confident. Edwin (Father figure) loved and doted on his grandson. He was extremely proud of the man Michael grew into. We will both miss out “special person”. We will continue to share our memories and he will be with us forever in our hearts. We know that he will keep a close eye on us and continue to guide us along the way. We miss you, we love you and our love for you will never fade.

Thank you to all the staff at Ashwood Manor Retirement Home for your excellent care, compassion, ongoing support, concern and the respect you had for Edwin and his family. Dr. Sonuga, thank you for your care and kindness that you provided to Dad. Amanda, thank you for your daily visits and constant smiles. Lawrence, thank you for your weekends and the lively chats you and Dad shared.

Family and friends are welcome for visitation on Tuesday, May 3, 2022 from 1-3 and 6-8 pm at the A. Millard George Funeral Home, 60 Ridout Street South, London. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 at 11 am in the funeral home chapel. Interment in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, London. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre, P.O. Box 601, Mount Brydges, ON N01 1W0. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com