Obituary of Kenneth Stanley Smith

SMITH - Stanley Kenneth of St. Thomas passed away at his home on Wednesday, July 26th, 2017 in his 81st year. Survived by his beloved wife Marlene Smith (nee Lawton) of 58 years. Ken will be sadly missed by children Sherry Johnstone (Rob), Stuart Smith (Kelly Jacobs) and Scott Smith (Carriann Furler). Grandfather to Sheryl Haaijema (Marcel), Steve Johnstone, Chris Jacobs (Aubrey) and Renee Furler (Adam). Great Grandchildren Liara Jacobs, Neveah Facey, Hendrix Facey, Chris Lomond and Jordon Lomond (Candice). Missed by siblings Shirley Bobier (Norm) and Sharon Marshall; brother-in-law late Don Lawton (Bev) and Alex (Joan) Lawton. Ken will be sadly missed by many cousins, nieces and nephews. Ken will be missed by his furry kids Hattie and Liz. Ken had many friends, neighbours and email pals from all areas of the country that will miss his humour and wit. Let’s not forget the jokes. In Ken’s younger years he worked at the Aylmer Tobacco Auction Exchange as the Dutch Auction clock operator and was also employed at the Imperial Tobacco Company. Ken farmed for many years with his father on Union Rd. near Port Stanley in tobacco, potatoes, and cash crops. On the farm, Ken & Marlene had quite a snowmobile club in the day. Ken loved to snowmobile. Ken and Marlene retired from farming and moved to St. Thomas in 1976 where they owned and operated Matthews Trailer Sales for several years. Ken enjoyed going to their Florida home in the winters. In Florida Ken would travel with Marlene to her music gigs and be the “roadie”. They enjoyed many years of golfing with their friends mostly at Pleasant Valley. After retirement in 1987 they took temporary residence at their cottage in Nipissing where Ken enjoyed the northern life including his love for hunting, fishing and bingo. They finally settled on Sparta Line where Ken enjoyed country living including cutting the grass, having breakfast with the guys in Port Stanley and catching up on the latest village news. Also playing cards at the Gagne playhouse next door, including his favourite hobby in later years, sending special occasion cards with special chosen appropriate stickers on the envelopes, also being closer to his family and was able to continue his passion for birds (especially the Orioles). Ken was a past member of the Port Stanley 55+ Club. Through all Ken’s life many lasting friends and memories were made. A service and a celebration of Ken’s life will be held at the Masonic Centre of Elgin, 42703 Fruit Ridge Line, St. Thomas on Sunday, August 6th, 2017 at 12:00 noon. In honouring Ken’s memory the family asks friends and family to be dress casually. A private interment at a later date. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Shawn Jackson Funeral Home 31 Elgin Street, St. Thomas (519-631-0570). In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital, Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Kidney Foundation would be appreciated. Personal condolences to the family can be made at www.sjfh.caCharitable donations may be made to: Heart & Stroke Foundation 633 Colborne St., Suite 180, London ON N6B 2V3 Tel: 1-519-679-0641 Web: https://www.heartandstroke.ca/ St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital Foundation 189 Elm St, St. Thomas ON N5R 5C4 Web: http://www.itsourhospital.ca/ The Kidney Foundation 1599 Hurontario Street, Suite 201, Mississauga ON L5G 4S1 Tel: 1-905-278-3003 Web: http://www.kidney.ca/ways-to-donate Service Information