Obituary of Gary Smith

SMITH, Gary Munroe Passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, following a courageous battle with cancer, at Woodstock General Hospital on Thursday, June 16, 2011, in his 63rd year. Gary is survived by his mother, Dorothy Smith, of Sudbury and his children Kristin Strassburger (Smith) and Ryan Smith, both of Kitchener. Father-in-law to Eric Strassburger and Keri Anne Smith (Girardi). He was proud to be papa to his five wonderful grandsons: Jackson, Maxwell, Hunter, Aiden and Trey. Special companion of Betty Anne Lake. Predeceased by his father, Monroe and sister, Diane. Former spouse of Muriel Smith (Parsons) for 39 years. Gary was born on August 12, 1948 in Kentville, Nova Scotia. He enjoyed fishing and spending time at the trailer. Gary barbequed the best steaks in the entire world! "Uncle Gary" coached many Kitchener Minor Hockey teams over the years, including the Bauer Krauts. He was absolutely thrilled that the Boston Bruins won the Stanley Cup! The family wishes to express their deepest heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses at Woodstock General Hospital for their compassionate care. As per Gary's wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral service. Instead, we will honour him by inviting you to join us to share a smile and a memory at an open house. It will be held on Saturday, June 25 from 1-5 p.m., at his son's home located at 60 Henhoeffer Crescent, Kitchener. If you are unable to join us on Saturday and would like to share kind thoughts about Gary, please send them to the family at motorcity22@hotmail.com Donations can be made to "Donna's Kids," a local program that offers opportunities to any child who wants to play hockey. http://www.donnaskids.ca/