Robert James Smith

After a courageous ten year battle; our warrior Robert James Smith, affectionately remembered as “Buzz” or the “grumpiest firefighter ever” by his beloved ‘brothers’ walked proudly and pain-free through the pearly gates.  His parents; Anne and David Smith, along with many loved and cherished pets embraced his homecoming.

His loving wife Lisa and the light of his life, his inspiration to fight, daughter Autumn “Pokey” will forever remember his unconditional love, zest for life, humour, Cheerio’s strawberry please and very poor T.V. choices especially when he found YouTube. Swamp People,  Rust Valley Restorer, Sanctioned Ivan and the Ukrainian war have lost a huge supporter.  Hell, he even watched “Too Hot to Handle” with Pokey.

Rob was fortunate to be the youngest of three and will dearly be missed by his big brother David and his wife Eileen, sister Cathy, newfie David and lovely niece Shannon. Sister-in-law Cathy Lunt will hold his memories close to her heart.

Rob was an East Yorker  who at a young age was introduced into hockey as a talented goalie he quickly advanced and eventually was a player for the Boston Farm Team.  His exceptional Hockey skills led to his firefighting career.  No education needed back then just athleticism. Rob spent 30+ years as a firefighter which sadly led to this presumptive cancer.  Many of his friends and co-workers have predeceased him.  

Lifelong friends will remember his love for jazz music, tennis, fishing trips to the French River, the time he tried farriering, his beautiful blue eyes, being the Sunshine boy of the year and hitting up K.C McFly’s the local pub for a pint. Paul, Kevin, Thom, Mike, Ken and Ron he enjoyed telling Autumn and I of all the adventures and mis-adventures enjoyed together.  Though he lost some contact you remained in his heart. He wanted you to hold on to the good ol times  before his declining health.

Upon retirement, Rob could be seen on equipment on various golf courses around Durham.  By far his favourite and most rewarding employment was his 12 years spent crossing children as a guard at various schools in Port Perry, his last being Cawker Creek where he made a lasting impression on many of the parents and children.  He was that crossing guard who waved, laughed, and took an interest in how they were doing both in and out of school. 

His life was full yet ended far too soon.  We will miss him tremendously and love him forever. 

Lisa and Autumn would like to thank the extraordinary nurses at Port Perry, our prime palliative nurse Shannon, and Dr. Jim Tuck who was always just a phone call away.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to The Port Perry Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by Rob’s family.  Friends are invited to send condolences or make donations at www.lowandlow.ca.