At Bluewater Rest Home, Zurich, on Saturday, February 9, 2008, J. Clarence Smillie, formerly of R.R. 2 Hensall, in his 98th year. Beloved husband of the late S.E.Ann ( McNaughton) Smillie (1994). Dear father of, MargaretSmillie, Sharon and Ron Robinson, Carolyn and Jorn Pedersen all of London, Brenda and Terry Treasure of New Westminster B.C. and Brian and Elsa Smillie of London. Sadly missed by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren Jeff and Sherri Robinson and Travis and Kaitlyn; Heather and Ryan Redwood and Kyle and Braeden; Janice and Jamie Wilson; Brian and Jocelyn Pedersen and Aiden and Larissa; Susan and Jeff Keutsch and Lasse; Michael and Yuka Treasure; Craig and Tanis Treasure and Jamie and Scott; Scott Treasure; Isabel Smillie and James Smillie. Predeceased by his parents James and Ada Smillie, sisters Hazel McNaughton and Mildred Shepherd and grandson David Pedersen (1990). Clarence operated the family dairy farm “Smiling Acres” for many years at R.R. 2 Hensall, was a life member of Hensall United Church where he served as an Elder and Sunday School Superintendent and sat on the South Huron District High School Board.
Visitation in the J. M. McBeath Funeral Home, 49 Goshen St. N., Zurich on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. where the complete funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday Feb. 13, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. Mr. Bob Heywood officiating. Spring interment in Hensall Union Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Bluewater Rest Home Building Fund.
SMILLIE: J. Clarence
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Condolence From: Janis bisback
Dear Family, just learned about Dad’s passing. my parents died in February as well. Peter and I remember your father caning our dining room chairs and wonderful visits many years ago with Clarence and Ann out on the farm. Clarence would come into church after his beloved wife died and it was so good to see him healthy and vibrant. 98 yrs such a legacy, a life well lived. our condolences go to you, it is never easy to lose your parents or close relatives. with sincere sympathy. janis and Peter Bisback
Condolence From: Arlene (Chipchase) Styles
To the Smillie Family – I remember your father (and mother) so well – especially the days spent at the farm. I especially remember on my 15th birthday, your mom stopping by our house & giving to me a silver cake plate that had been given to her by my grandmother. She thought that I should have it – I still do & use it often.
My thoughts & prayers are with you all!
Condolence From: Judy Morrison
Having lived in Hensall for 10 years (spouse of the late Bryan Fink), Clarence’s restoration of heirloom ‘chairs’ was how I became familiar with this gentleman. Hopefully the good Lord has a few chairs to cane in the heavenly host.
God bless your family. Hold onto the wonderful memories…those good times will help you through the rough spots of grief that lie ahead.
Sincerely, Judy (a former resident/United Church affiliate, from Hensall)
Condolence From: Garnet L.Leitch
I wish to extend my condolence to the family. Clarence was a well-respected and stalwart member of the community and I wish him a well-earned “REST IN PEACE”. Garnet
Condolence From: John Elder
To The Clarence Smillie Family
While not knowing Clarence well, I did get to know him through my work on the Smillie and Elder family trees with my father Lorne. Lorne, as many of you know, knew Clarence very well, the two of them having spent many a day growing up together in and around the town of Hensall. As my father points out in his book The Smillies of Ballynahinch, “Clarence, like his father (Jim), had a love for fine horses and always drove choice specimens until finally they were replaced by the automobile. The writer (Lorne) spent many a day as a boy on the (Smillie) farm largely tagging along with Clarence. Being a town boy, the oil lamps and lanterns, followed by the improved mantle lamps and Coleman lanterns, made life on the farm after dark a unique experience. The universe became quite small and the only entertainment consisted of conversation, reading The Farmers’ Advocate, the piano or the Edison cylinder gramophone. And nobody complained.”
The loss of Clarence is felt by us all and our thoughts are with you at this time. While nothing can lessen the loss, we can seek solace in the fact that Clarence lived a good and full life, covering more years than most. Most of us can only imagine what it must have been like to live through an era which saw so many changes take place…ice boxes rather than refrigerators, horses and buggies rather than automobiles, box cameras to digital cameras, not to mention the history that was witnessed. Absolutely phenomenal…I can only imagine that he has the left this world with no serious regrets. God bless and may he rest in peace.
John Elder
Condolence From: Patricia McQuillan ( Sister Michelle ) formerly
Sharon and Carolyn
Iwas sorry to read in the paper about your Father’s death. It is a hard time for the family but it does make one stop and remember all the good times you had together.
I don’t see too many of those with whom I worked but I never forget them.
Pat McQuillan
Condolence From: Walter and Diana Cherwaty
To Marg and family .
We were saddened to read of your dad’s passing . Wow ! What a rewarding life he lived with all his interests and your wonderful family ! We share your sense of loss but also want you to focus on the multitude of precious memories you have to sustain you all. It may seem strange to say this , but we mean it sincerely . ” Enjoy the friends and family who will be with you over the next few days . Treat it all as a well-earned reunion to be filled with beautiful remembrances and genuine tributes ” . Through your friendship all these years we feel as if we know your father as well. Sincerely Diana and Wally
Condolence From: Nick and Annie Blom, Elizabeth, Willy, Mary, Rita and Annette
Clarence was such a great friend and neighbour to us all those years on the farm. The memories we have will warm our hearts forever and bring a smile to our face. Our thoughts are with you in your time of loss.