With indescribable heaviness, we share with you that Brian Douglas Smith, born September 30th, 1949, died suddenly on Saturday, July 13th, as a result of a motor vehicle accident. Our hearts ache as we attempt to negotiate this sudden loss.
Brian is husband of over fifty years to Audrey Smith (Denomme), father to Dan and Holly (Charles), and grandfather to Henry. Brian is brother to Paul (Sue), Terry (Stephanie) and Mark Smith of Sarnia, and uncle to their children, Chris, Kevin, Erica, Amanda, and Katelyn. Brian is brother in-law to Marylou and Allan Durnin (predeceased), Rosie (predeceased) and Graham Yates, Bev and Tim OโBrien, Patti and Mark Chisholm, and Will and Joanne Denomme, and uncle to their children, Naomi, Brendan, Vanessa, Danielle, Denise, Patrick, Jesse, Jamie, Justine, Jasmine, and Lucas.
The son of Shirley (Medd) and Jerome Smith, Brian grew up in Goderich, Ontario. He met Audrey in Grade 8 at Victor Lauriston Public School and attended with her at Goderich District Collegiate Institute, where he was known as a gifted athlete. Brain completed Grade 13 in Sarnia, and went on to study at the University of Waterloo, as well as Ontario Teacherโs College in Stratford. Audrey and Brian married on September 1st, 1973, on a sweltering day in Goderich. They honeymooned in Kincardine and went on to make their first home beside the lighthouse overlooking the Goderich beach that Brian loved. For many years, you will have greeted Brian on the corner of Wellington Street and Brittania Road, amongst the beautiful gardens that he and Audrey worked on together.
Brian had a long and productive career as a tradesperson, beginning as a pipe-fitter in Sarnia and later working for many years as a plumber at the Bluewater Youth Centre. He enjoyed his work and his relationship with colleagues who remained supportive friends today in his retirement.
Brian retired from the Goderich Fire Department after twenty years of service in 2009. In that time period, Brian took up playing the bagpipes and joined the Celtic Blue Highlanders. It is with gratitude that we tell you that Brian played at Piping Down the Sun at Rotary Cove Beach on July 12th. For those who were present, know that you are a blessing in our loss.
Brianโs service in the fire department and pipe band, as well as his fancy for motorcycles, were cornerstones of his life and, in turn, took him many places. Brian had the opportunity to experience Ground Zero in New York City, Scotland, many American Civil War battle sites and monuments, as well as a solo trip on his motorcycle around the Great Lakes, with pup tent onboard. In keeping with his training and adventurerโs soul, Brian also worked for eight weeks as a tradesperson with the Canadian Red Cross assisting in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.
Brian lived big. His expectations for himself were exceedingly high, and his devotion to those around him unyielding. He was a complexly rich, multifaceted human being, with the best collection of odds and ends for just the right purpose, no matter the scale of the job, and always willing to share. He loved us so very hard and we felt his pride in us at every turn.
Many of you reading will have been touched by a helping hand from Brian around the house, a tool loaned, a random gift from the garden, a garage sale find, or a phone call when life hurt or resounded with moments of triumph or something new. Many more will recall waving to Brian when he was riding around town on one of his many motorcycles and, a fortunate bunch, might even remember a ride in the sidecar. For those in the pipe band and fire department, you will recollect first hand Brianโs sense of duty, commitment, and collaboration in good times and tough. We want you to know that we see all of you; you network of folks who made up Brianโs everyday and who brought him into your lives to his delight.
There will be a private graveside service for Brian at the Maitland Cemetery in the coming days. We would like to extend a deep hearted thank you to Matt Hoy for his care in organizing a Celebration of Life to be held at the Goderich Legion on August 10th, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.. Anyone moved to make a donation in the spirit of Brianโs life may do so to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 109 (Goderich).
It is, unfailingly, our wish for those we hold dear to leave this life immersed in what they love. Brian did just that.
And, with that, we take comfort in the words of Kate Bowler:
Oh God, you alone know the whole of it – their sufferings, their joys, their hopes, their winding paths, every moment of their being. Restore our souls even as you receive theirs. Welcome them in with the kind of embrace we long to give. Blessed is the time they were given and the time we now have. Whether in life or in death, love is the greatest, most stubborn truth.
Shared by natasha Colling
Shared by Bev Weaver
Shared by Pat (Ryan) & Bill Blake
Shared by Pat Blake (Ryan)
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Melissa Kidd (Chown)
I’m so sorry to have only just now learned of Brian’s passing and am very sorry for your loss. I remember his zest for life, and his immense love for all of you.
I was fortunate to be at the hospital when Henry was welcomed into the world, and remember what a proud moment it was for him as a grandfather.
I still have the cactus he and and Audrey bought when Holly and I made our big move to Harrison Pensa so many years ago – it still sits on my desk to this day.
He was a wonderful, caring man who made others like me, who was shy, feel like I fit right in at gatherings; he helped bring me out of my shell with a smile and a chat.
He is certainly missed, but those of us fortunate enough to meet him knew how special he was, and he will continue to live on in our memories.
I’m so sorry I didn’t learn of his passing at the time, but want all of you to know that I think about you regularly when reflecting on my time working with Holly, and wish you all the best as you navigate life without his physical presence. I know he must be smiling from above, and is very proud of the family he created.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I’m sorry I didn’t learn of it at the time to pay my respects. Wishing you peace, comfort, and happy memories of the time you had with him.
All my love,
Melissa
Heather & Wayne Lyons
What a beautiful tribute written for Brian. Our sympathy to Audrey & the family.
Pat Blake (Ryan)
Memories…..
Pat (Ryan) & Bill Blake
Audrey & family,
Brian was a wonderful neighbour and family friend for many years. We will truly miss him.
Sharon Brown
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sharon and Paul
Joanne Graf
Dear Audrey and Family
Our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Paul and Joanne Graf
Al and Janet Dekker
Audrey and family
We were, like everyone else, shocked to hear of Brian’s accident. Al and Brian were on the Fire Department together for over 20 years. Brian called our house numerous times to inquire about Al’s health and to see how he was doing. A very nice thing for him to do and much appreciated. Our sympathy at this sad time. Thinking of you all.
Cathy and Bob Macgillivray
Audrey, Holly and Danny….our sincere condolences from both of us….Brian was always very friendly wth the two of us at our workplace and in the hockey arena….may the memories keep you going in the coming days ahead….Cathy and Bob
Dale Johnston
I am so very, very sorry for your loss! Your obituary said it all, said it well. He was a good man who will be terribly missed by so many.
Debbie Delyea
So sorry for your loss
Dan Burns
Dear Audrey and family,
Trudy and I pass on our sincere condolences to you and your family. Brian will be missed by many. Rest in peace. Trudy and Dan
Bill and Donna Fritzley
Dear Audrey and family
We are so very sorry for the tragic loss of your dear husband and father. Please know that you are in our thoughts at this extremely difficult time.
Sincerely
Bill and Donna xo
Bill and Nancy WalkerDear
Dear Audrey and Family, our words can not express our sadness for the loss of such a dear friend, in Brian. We shared many great times as pipers , with the Celtic Blue Highlanders Pipe Band. Although we moved from Goderich to be close to family, we always kept in touch. What a terrible loss to us all R.I.P. Bill and Nancy.
Burt & Vicki Beattie(Lobb)
Audrey & Family
Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Burt & Vicki(Beattie) Lobb
Bev Weaver
We grew up together. Hold your memories close.
Peggy Denomme
Dear Audrey and family, We are so sorry for your very sad loss of Brian. Our hearts go out to all of you at this difficult time. With love and sincere sympathy,
Peggy Denomme and all our family.
Jon Ginn
Audrey and family
Mickey and I were shocked to hear the tragic news of Brian. Know you are all in our thoughts.
I will miss stopping and talking about our younger days.
RIP My Friend
Ken and Shirley Boyce
Dear Audrey and family
Our sincere condolences for the tragic accident and passing of Brian. Our thoughts are with all of you..So many memories to treasure.. Ken and Shirley
Don & Donna Fisher
So sorry to hear of Brianโs passing, our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.
Raye and Dianne Armstrong
Audrey and family
Our deepest sympathy on the tragic loss of Brian. He was always so pleasant and friendly. Iโm sure all your happy memories will help to carry you through this terrible loss.
Raye and Dianne Armstrong
Dave Bedour
Dear Audrey and family: We are so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you.
Dave and Mary
Pat & John Dicks
To Audrey and family- there are no words to express our sadness at your loss of Brian. So loved growing up on Cameron Street with him and his family and then seeing you all on Suncoast when you moved back to Goderich. The world has lost a very special guy- he will be so missed. Take care- Pat & John Dicks
Terry (Theresa) Dick
My Condolences to Audrey and Family. So sorry to hear of Brian’s accident. Surround yourself with family and memories at this difficult time.
Karen McCallum
Audrey and family, I was so saddened to hear of Brianโs passing. I canโt think of a single time I didnโt smile when chatting with him. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jake Herring
I am so very sorry to hear of Brianโs passing. Not only was he a huge influence on my fire service career, he was also a great friend.
A few weeks ago he gave my daughter, nieces and nephew all rides in his sidecar around the turnaround by the lighthouse. It was a big moment for the kids and part of why my daughter loves coming to visit Goderich.
Rest in peace my friend.
Pat Healy
To Audrey and Family my deepest sympathy at this most difficult time.
Bill and Jo-Anne Wraith
Audrey, Dan, Holly and the Smith and Denomme Families. We were so sorry to hear about Brian. Bill always enjoyed his chats with him. Keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers. Take care.
Sharron Durst
Dear Audrey & family,
I am so sorry for your sudden & tragic loss.
I have many happy memories of growing up with Brian in a close neighbourhood filled with kids & lots of shared games & activities. Iโll be holding you close in my thoughts & prayers.
In sincere sympathy,
Sharron (Chamney) Durst
Paul May
I worked with Brian in the 1990โs at Bluewater centre. Always told it like it is. Took great care in his work. Enjoyed talking about his bikes( m/c) and always willing to lend a hand if needed. I did not get to know him as a close friend, but a friend, he was: respected and admired. My condolences to the family. May Godโs peace be a blessing.
Earl Salter
Brian and I started learning how to play the pipes at the same time although he was a much better player than I. We were with the band when we played in Halifax as well as many massed ษand events and parades. Margaret and I are very sorry to hear this news and are very sorry for the family’s loss.
Gord & Dale Fisher
So sad to hear of Brian’s passing. He was a cousin to Gord, & a wonderful man. Sending hugs to everyone .Our prayers are with you.
Teresa Blok
My deepest condolences to Audrey and family. I am saddened to hear of his passing. He was such a beautiful soul. He will be missed dearly. Our hearts go out to you Audrey.
Debra MacAdam
To Audrey and family
So sorry for your loss.Brian was such a great guy and will be missed by many.
Take care all โฅ๏ธ
Debbie and Bill
Gail Bettger-MacLeod
Audrey & family – I was shocked to hear of Brian’s passing. My thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time. Brian will be terribly missed by all who knew him.
Jim and Cheryl Hornblower
As everyone was we were shocked to hear of Brianโs passing. To you, Audrey and your family we express our sincere condolences. He was such a great guy. Jim had a nice chat with him when he was in Goderich the end of June.
Diana Glousher
I worked with Brian at Bluewater and he was dedicated to what ever he did . He will be missed by all xoxo
Cecelia Denomme
Dear Audrey and family – You are close in our hearts with ๐ love and caring . There are no words to express our sadness –
Love you โค๏ธAunt Sis , Uncle Donnie
Marlowe & Deb Austin
We want to convey our heartfelt condolences. May your memories provide comfort to you all during this most difficult time.
Susan & David Bartlett (Melick)
Audrey and family,
David and I would like to extend our deepest deepest condolences. Brian always had time to say hello and to give great gardening tips and all around great neighbour.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all
natasha Colling
Brain was such a great neighbor and one of the Friendly people around . I am going to miss the greetings as I would walk by your house . I can still see you, Audrey leaning on my momโs car talking / waving at me as I drove bye on Friday July 12 .my step dad Dennis was one of the lucky people that got to go for a ride in the side car of your motorcycle this may after Brain had been asking him to go for a ride for years . You will be missed by so many people .
Becky and Dave McIvor
Brian was a good friend and always concerned about everyoneโs well being. His last words to me were Little Aud had a bad day so Iโm not going to the beer tent to play tonight I best go home . He was asking if I knew of a way these injections that Audrey needed could be done here so she wouldnโt have a 3 hour drive. He was trying to figure out if help could be gotten here. Brian played hockey and was a star player in his youth playing on a championship team my Dad helped coach. We had many conversations about the good old days.Brian loved to tease and he and Dave did a lot of bantering back and forth all in good faith. We will miss our Friend may he rest in peace condolences to all the family and friends of Brian
John Banter
I was shocked to here of Brian’s accident and his passing as a result of it. One would be hard pressed to find a nicer man. He served his community well, and did so up to his last day. To Audrey and Family , Laurie and i wish to convey are sympathies, and may you feel proud of how much the Community, Friends and Families were blessed to have known Brian. RIP my friend!!
Steve Gardiner
I served with Brian for almost 20 years. He taught be so much about firefighting. I always loved his common sense approach and his love for helping others. Rip Brother You will be missed.
Phoebe Aitken
Andrew Garfield once said that grief is all of the love that we want to express but can’t – not because we are not brave enough, but because the person is not here to hear it.
Brian always greeted me with the biggest smile and made me feel welcome in the pipe band from the day I joined. His encouragement and support were what kept me coming back when I had a frustrating practice. Holding you all in my thoughts,
Phoebe Aitken
Larry Papernick
Audrey and Family
A very touching obituary. I and my good friend Donnie will treasure the many memories we had in our daily walks when we would meet up with Brian outside and the laughs and trivia we enjoyed โฆ.over the topโฆ.I will always treasure those memories.
RIP Brian
Larry Papernick
Gayle and Barron Purser
Dear Audrey and family
We extend , our heartfelt sympathy, in your profound loss, of Brian.
He touched so many, and lived life to the fullest.
I will miss chats with him , as I passed by your house, on my walks.
He always said , say hello to Barney!
May your memories , help you through this tragic time.
Sincerely
Gayle and Barney