Smith, Ronald

It’s with the heaviest of hearts that our family announces the passing of Ronald Smith, age 83, on October 10th, 2024 at the Maison McCulloch Hospice in Sudbury. 

Ron was born on March 2nd, 1941 in Beauchastel, Québec and raised in Malartic Québec before moving to Chelmsford at the age of 17.

He is the son of the late Marguerite (Vallière) and Alfred Smith, dear brother of Marlene Montpellier (Gaston), Don (Lucille), Alice Lacelle (predeceased) (Réné).

Ron is predeceased by his wife, the Love of His Life, Gisèle Smith (née Poulin), with whom he shared his life for over 62 years and married just shy of 60.  They met in 1958 and had a beautiful friendship until he won her heart over as a life partner!

Ron leaves behind his sons Danny (wife Patty) and Bobby (wife Nicole), his daughters Linda (husband Dave Tresidder) and Shelley, along with his 13 cherished grandchildren, Jessica (husband Joe), Lindsey, Corey (wife Taeko), Jacob (wife Olivia), Andrew (Zena), Holly (fiancé Harry), Alex (Colleen), Grace, Abby, Carter, George, Colton, and Amy along with his three precious great grandchildren, Quinn, Willow, and Asher. 

Ron was always a hard-worker, holding various employment positions until his career began with INCO in the time office and as a Plant Protection & First Aid Officer in 1967. 

Ron was a gifted artist and sign-painter, which he simultaneously turned into an additional career to support his family.  Working 24/7 became a regular way of life for him. 

He and Gisèle lived in various rental apartments with their young family before being able to build their dream home in Azilda in 1977; there, they raised their children and resided for 40 years.  This home was a treasured focal point for many celebrations, holiday gatherings, regular visits, and cherished sleepovers. 

When downsizing to an apartment in their later years, Ron and Gisèle made it a point to continue to host family get-togethers, proving that “home” was not used to describe a place, but rather wherever they were. 

Our Dad/Poppy/Pépa had earned his angel wings here on Earth by spreading his special love and his kindest heart to his beloved family and so many others along the way.

Our Dad/Poppy/Pépa was the sweetest, friendliest, most good-to-the-core soul with the warmest smile to ensure everyone around him felt valued and appreciated.  He had the ability to make friends with ease; this was proven by all the compliments and positive descriptions he would receive which was music to all of our ears!  Ron was so beloved and respected by everyone he met and who knew him.

Our Dad/Poppy/Pépa always lived with tremendous gratitude.  He was incredibly generous in every way; if he had a dollar or a minute, he’d give so much more!

Ron was always described as having more than “Nine Lives”, proving his never-ending super-human strength, perseverance, and resilience.  He was the hardest working man we knew.  He never gave up until every job was done to the highest of standards!  

Our Dad/Poppy/Pépa was always so deeply proud of his family and never ceased to provide for us all with the utmost love.  This work ethic, determination, and his unbelievable selflessness were endlessly proven right until his very last moment.

Our Dad/Poppy/Pépa was so powerful yet so gentle; he was always so affectionate!  His hugs were full and so comforting!  Feeling so safe wrapped in his arms and such peace in his presence were gifts he gave to all of us and so many more.

He genuinely cared for everyone and was always so empathetic.

The highlight of his life and what made him most happy was to be with all of his children and grandchildren, attending as many of their activities, events, milestones, and celebrations as possible.  He was so supportive and encouraging; we were always thrilled to see his smiling face in the crowd.  

Our Dad/Poppy/Pépa always had an “open door policy” and he would light up every time any of us walked through the door!  He greeted us with the warmest and most comforting welcome.

He always had the ability to bring out the best in everyone!

Ron was a very spiritual man who enjoyed attending church with his family regularly.

Our Dad/Poppy/Pépa thoroughly enjoyed music, dancing, and having a good laugh; he always loved a good joke, making others laugh, and was quite witty!  

Our Dad/Poppy/Pépa had the ability to compose letters and write flawlessly; whether it was for an official document or more importantly, for expressing his love, compliments, and gratitude in his most perfectly written greeting cards…for which he was nicknamed “Mr. Hallmark”!

Our Dad/Poppy/Pépa was quite the intellect and knowledgeable historian with an impeccable and unmatchable memory.  He diligently kept up with the news and always loved to inform us of world events. 

He was like a walking encyclopedia!  His ability to recall details of what he read, listened to, watched, and experienced, always provided the best stories which he so enjoyed sharing!  He loved entertaining and would reenact his memories including his childhood ones so vividly, it made us feel like we were there!

Ron’s versatility enabled him to “MacGyver” any task or project with any tool or gadget. 

He took pride in serving his famous apple chips, sharing (including with photos) his newfound ability to create his beautiful wraps, his decadent fully-loaded cereal fruit bowls, his mashed potatoes and “patates fricassées”, etc. 

It brings us peace and comfort knowing Dad/Poppy/Pépa is happy being reunited with his Queen Angel and they are floating across heaven’s floor as they always so gracefully danced in perfect unison here on earth!!

Our Dad/Poppy/Pépa was the epitome of what a human being, man, son, brother, cousin, uncle, friend, spouse/partner, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather should strive to be.  We all have the utmost best role model and example to follow! 

We adore you dearest Dad/Poppy/Pépa of ours!  Thank you from the depths of our hearts and souls for all you have been, done, and will continue to do to enrich all our lives forever…we are eternally grateful!

We so deeply love, appreciate, and miss you!  Your beautiful light will live on brightly in all of us, and for generations to come.  Thank you for EVERYTHING! 

Rest peacefully our King and Precious Angel, until we meet again!

The family would like to specifically thank Sherri from Ontario Health at Home for providing and facilitating the best possible care for our precious Dad/Poppy/Pépa; her genuine compassion and empathy are unparalleled and we are forever grateful to her for ensuring he could receive tremendous care from Bayshore and the Hospice!  

Our sincere gratitude is also sent to the individual staff members at the Hospice for their exceptional care and compassion; we wish we could list each one of you!

Our family will be announcing a celebration of life and internment details at a later date.

Our family asks that if anyone is inclined to make a donation, please support La Maison McCulloch Hospice (https://maisonsudburyhospice.org), thank you!