It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear friend David Roy Smith, devoted husband to Sharon Kelly and loving father to Jordan of British Columbia. David succumbed peacefully to heart failure on Friday, May 15, 2026, at the South Huron Hospital in his 79th year.
David and Sharon were married in Simcoe, Ontario on July 30, 1986. With married roots planted firmly in Bayfield, David and Sharon also called Simcoe ”home.” David was born in Petrolia, Ontario, a son of the late Roy and Bernice Smith. He is survived by extended family and friends who cherished his friendship.
David began his early career as a teacher in Northern Ontario and Haldimand County. David earned his Principal qualifications and served Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation – Lloyd S. King Elementary School until his retirement.
David was passionate about equity in education for all students and especially loved his time spent as Principal of Lloyd S. King Elementary. David had a deep abiding love and respect for Indigenous wisdom and a detailed knowledge of Indigenous stories and treaty rights. His appreciation for Indigenous art brought him joy sharing his understanding of story and history of various art pieces and artists throughout his adult life.
Sharon and David travelled extensively throughout their years together, often going on challenging adventures on the roads less travelled. New Orleans was a special city for them both as David enjoyed the “vibe”, the music and the food!
David and Sharon were the proud owners of the Bayberry Shoppe in Bayfield for many years. He often commented that the best part of this experience was developing relationships with people from near and far. David’s quirky sense of humour was a gift for putting friends new and old at ease.
David was a voracious reader and lifelong learner with a philosopher’s soul. He took comfort in reading his Bible daily discovering new things in his unswerving pursuit of truth. David was a kind and gentle soul with immense patience. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered. Raise a glass and do an act of kindness in his memory. David would like that.
Cremation has taken place. A private celebration of life and internment will follow at a later
date.
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).
Wendy sooel-Tetreault
Our family was saddened to hear of Uncle David’s passing. You two were a beautiful couple and I hope your memories and strength together will carry through as a source of support in the time ahead. Uncle David was the one who I stood on the toes as a little girl at weddings, the one to help with music for gymnastics routines, and you two were always supportive to our family. The Bayberry was a reflection of his support for the community and great taste. His stories and quirky humour was wrapped up in a quiet and patient quality that reminded me of his dad (my grandpa). Sending you love, Wendy, Richard, Laurenne and Adam.
Doug and Vanessa Kennedy
Sharon,
Doug and I were saddened to get the news of David’s sudden passing. Such a lovely human being who meant so much to so many. He will be missed by family and friends. So sorry for your loss.
Mary Clare Koopman
I am so very sorry, Sharon, to learn of David’s death. May he rest in peace.
You and David were blessed to enjoy a very close partnership during your life together. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you continue on your path without him.
Grant & Annalee Sawiak
A truly precious human being who we had the privilege of walking a few too short steps with on his journey through life.
Gerald A Freeman
Sharon may the happy memories you and David have shared together be a source of comfort and strength to your heart and soul during this sad time of loss! Sending my prayer and warm thoughts!
Heather Mckee
I am so sorry for your loss.
He was a great man.
I will miss him.
Jason McConnell
So sorry for your loss. Natalie and I enjoyed being your neighbors and always appreciated our conversations with David. He will be greatly missed.
Robert and Mary Jane McManus
Bob and I were very sorry to hear about David’s passing. We have some very great memories of fun times down at the marina sharing margaritas and lots of laughter with Dave and Sharon.
Elaine Coombs and family.
So sorry for your loss. Sending sincere condolences.
Phoebe Wilson
Sharon and family, my sincere condolences. The obituary was written well and described David to a tee. I have not seen you for many years but always enjoyed David’s quirky humour!!
Peter & Donna Berkley
David will be missed. He was such a great friend to our kids when they were young down at the marina. Dave always had them laughing and leaning. A natural teacher and mentor. Our deepest condolences to Sharon and David’s family.
Janice and Dwight Nelson
We are saddened to hear of your loss of David. We offer, to you Sharon, our sincere condolences. He was a very gifted person and anyone who spent any time with him, will be missing him very much. We are thankful for his kindness and conversation over the years…
Sharon Brokenshire
So sorry to hear of David’s passing, sending my sincerest condolences to Sharon and your family
Sharon Brokenshire
Laurie Smith (Montague)
So sorry, Sharon & Jordan for the loss of David. My condolences to you & David’s extended family & friends. May David rest in peace.
Dianne Jeffrey
David was a very gentle, loving man to his wife Sharon and many friends. I’m so happy that I met him years ago through Sharon.
He will be truly missed by all.
God bless Sharon and Jordan and everyone of his acquaintances.
Blessed to have known him. 🙏❤️
Karen L Brown
Sharon, my profound condolences to you. I know you both from the Bayberry Shoppe, my favourite place in Bayfield. We had many chats about our mutual connection to Simcoe. While David will be very missed, you created so many wonderful memories together that will sustain you and eventually make you smile again.
Hugs, Karen Brown