We are saddened to announce the passing of Mitchell (Mitch) James Smith. He died peacefully at the Drew Nursing Home in Sackville, NB, on Wednesday, March 15. He was surrounded by family at his bedside.
Mitch worked as an Electrical and Stationary Engineer for Facilities Management at Mount Allison University from 1957 - 1991. Prior to joining Mount Allison, he served with the Canadian Forces Reserve, Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, earning a commission as a Second Lieutenant in Sept 1957.
As a young man Mitch enjoyed being outdoors with his brothers fishing and hunting. As a father he passed along his love of the outdoors to his children taking them fishing and camping and introducing his sons to hunting.
Mitch enjoyed square and round dancing with his wife Eileen and they travelled across Canada and parts of the USA taking part in dance conventions with other dancers. In 1984 they danced for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip during a stop at Mount Allison as part of their Canadian tour.
At home he and Eileen spent their summers at Hicks’ Beach where he enjoyed activities such as sailing , kayaking and fishing. He also kept a vegetable garden at his home and at the cottage.
He was also a member of St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Sackville where he served as an Elder for over 30 years.
He is survived by his wife Eileen, and three children: Linda (Jim) Somers, David (Kelly) Smith, and William (Patricia) Smith. His grandchildren are Matthew (Heather) Somers, Christopher Somers, Alexander Somers, Danielle (Nick) DeWolfe, Corey (Darcie) Smith, Jordan Smith and Lyndsey (Evan) Sundstrom and great grandchildren are Emmett and Theodore Smith and Lyla and Rory DeWolfe. He is also survived by his two brothers and their wives, Harvey (Heather) of Tucson, Arizona and Allan (Elaine) of Sackville, N.B. and several cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Albert and Helen Smith.
Funeral arrangements are with Jones Funeral Home, 70 Bridge Street, Sackville, NB, where visitation will be held on Friday March 17 from 6-8 PM. The funeral service will be on Saturday, March 18, also at Jones Funeral Home, beginning at 11:00 AM conducted by Reverend Jeffrey Murray with reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of one’s choice. Interment in the Four Corners Cemetery, Upper Sackville, NB, to be held at a later date.
The family thanks the wonderful and caring staff of the Drew Nursing Home for their excellent care of Mitch during his short stay there.
Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting the online memorial at www.jonesfuneralhome.ca or through the Jones Funeral Home Facebook Page.