Obituary of A. Smith

The sudden passing of Francis occurred in Boiestown, NB on February 10, 2009. He was born in Cambridge, MA in 1931. Husband of Frances (Haverstock) Smith, son of the late A. Franklin Smith and Bessie (Chaplin) Smith. He spent most of his youth in Upper Musquodoboit, NS. After graduation from Maritime Forest Ranger School, he began his career with Ashley Colter Ltd. in 1953; he worked diligently until his retirement in 1997. Retirement didn’t slow him down, at this point his volunteer career went into overdrive. Francis is recognized as a community leader; he served as a founding member for Central NB Nursing Home, Central NB Woodmen’s Museum, Saint John Ambulance #572, Upper Miramichi Fire Department. He sat as a board member on committees such as School Board, St. Thomas United Church, Miramichi Board of Trade, Local Service District, Past President of the Maritime Lumber Bureau and Salmon Association. His tireless hard work was recognized through the many awards he received; Forestry Hall of Fame of NB, Serving Brother of Canada, the Queens Silver Jubilee Medal, Governor General Commemorative Medal (1993). After all his activities he liked to unwind by taking out his fishing rod and heading to the river. Francis is survived by wife, Frances of 55 years; sister, Leola Woodin of NS; brother, Ronald Smith of NB; three daughters, Dianne Clowater (Keith) of New Bandon, NB, Carol Fairley (Harold) of Bloomfield Ridge, NB, Phyllis Robinson (Kevin) of Doaktown, NB; two sons, Byard Smith (Joyce) of Fredericton, NB and Bradley Smith (Norma) of Boiestown, NB. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by 12 grandchildren and one great granddaughter, Amy and Grant Smith (Byard & Joyce), David and Neil Clowater (Dianne & Keith), Derek and Shane Fairley (Carol & Harold), Aaron, Alex, Sasha and (great granddaughter) Mya Smith (Bradley & Norma), Adam, Emily and Shannon Robinson (Phyllis & Kevin). He was predeceased by his parents, five brothers, one sister and three nephews. Family will receive friends at Miramichi Valley Funeral Home, New Bandon, NB on Thursday, February 12, 2009 from 7-9 pm and Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 2 pm at the Miramichi Valley Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Lena Medeiros officiating. Honourary Pallbearers will be Myles Russell, Harry McLeod, Eldon MacBeth, James Strachan, Troy Spencer, Josee Clowater, Scott Clowater, Vaughn Ross, Bill Griffin and Vernon Dunphy. There will be a reception at the Central NB Woodmen’s Museum immediately following the service. At the request of the family, donations will gratefully be accepted by the Central NB Woodmen’s Museum.