Robert Henry Smith

The world lost a good man on Sat. April 20, 2024, when Robert H. Smith (Bob) passed away peacefully at Algonquin Grace Hospice in Huntsville.

Bob was a first generation Canadian, as his parents and older siblings were from Great Britain, while he was born in Ottawa on July 24, 1930. He was truly a proud Canadian, often pointing out Canadian accomplishments and achievements. Bob left High School at the age of 15 to work in the logging camps of Northeastern Ontario. He got to see the last of the crosscut era before the chainsaw was perfected and the crosscut saw was hung up forever.

On August 10, 1956, Bob eloped with his sweetheart, Florence Snyder, and they were married in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario. They settled in North Bay and began to start their young family, raising three boys, Scott, Chris “Jake”, and Mark. Three lucky boys to have had such great parents!

While in North Bay, Bob started work with The Department of Lands and Forests in the firefighting division. He worked his way up the ladder and after a couple of transfers, settled in Huntsville in 1973. Bob became the Regional Fire Control Coordinator and was involved with organizing fire attacks in Northern Ontario and teaching Canadian forest fire control techniques to the Americans and South Americans. There he remained for the rest of his career, retiring from the Ministry of Natural Resources in 1985. Once retired Bob joined his wife Florence around the flower shop, (Florence’s Flowers), and the two of them travelled throughout Canada and the U.S.

Bob was extremely proud of his grandkids, knowing all their birthdays and keeping up to date with their ever-evolving lives. He was a true gentleman, with an epic sense of humour and he will be sorely missed. They don’t make them like Robert Henry Smith anymore. R.I.P., Dad.

Forever remembered by Sons, Scott, Chris “Jake”, and Mark (Trish). Grandchildren, Chris, Jesse (Heather), Rory (Sarah), Briar, Riley (Ruth), Alex, Rebecca (Aaron), Julia (Clayton). Great-grandchildren, Tobias, Meghan, Henry, Elliott. And many nephews, nieces, great nephews, and great nieces, who loved their Uncle Bob very much. As per Bob’s wishes there will be no funeral. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Donations to Algonquin Grace Hospice (Donate - Hospice Huntsville) would be appreciated.