Peacefully, at Jessica’s House with family by his side, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 of Zurich in his 72nd year. Father of Lisa Cymbaluk (Brian), and grandfather of Lincoln, Shian, and Baron Cymbaluk. Cherished brother of Larry Smith (Shelley), Diane Wilds (John), Steve Smith (Deanna), Carol Smith (Ted), Rick Smith (Michelle). Dear uncle of 13 nieces and nephews, and many great nieces and nephews. Fondly remembered by his close friends Mark Shepley (Susan), Kenny Levasseur (Colleen), and Kendall Ferguson (Carol). Predeceased by his parents Bill and Maddy (Ryan) Smith, and sister Barbara Smith.
Ron’s memorial service will be held on Tuesday, April 7th at 11 AM at the Zurich Community Centre, 15 East Street, Zurich. A reception celebrating Ron’s life will be held immediately following the service. Cremation with interment St. Boniface Catholic Cemetery, Zurich.
Donations to Jessica’s House would be appreciated by the family.
To be loved by him, was to know fierce loyalty
A lion’s heart
A photograph you seek out, when you are reminiscing about the “good old days”
The song you mindlessly hum to yourself
With the amusement of a child
And intentions of the bravest
Soar as high as you always dreamed of
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).
Robert Jeffrey
Sorry for your loss
Lisa Cymbaluk
My Eulogy for my dad.
He was known by some of you as Ron, Ronnie, Ace, and once upon a time “Animal”.
To me, he was always known as “Dad”.
Today, we are celebrating the life of my Father, Ron Smith.
As all of you know, my dad never lost the ability to look at the world through the lense of childlike wonder. You knew that, because his visible excitement was ever present, when something new and fascinating came along; like when the Plowing Match or the Snowbirds came to town, or when Bean Fest and the car show rolled around. He’d be right in his element, like a kid at a carnival, and it was his time to shine. I don’t think I’ll ever think of the Bean Festival and not think of my dad.
When I was a little girl, I would ask him what his favourite colour was. Instead of simply answering, “my favourite colour is red,” he would always answer, “dad’s favourite colour is red, and God knew it, so he made sure he gave me a little girl with red hair.” I could always rely on that answer. Just like I could always rely on him calling me the MOST nonsensical nicknames you could ever imagine. Names such as:
Lee
Lee Lee La Roo
Daughter or Daughtsiera
Colly
CollyGollyGnoinGnoingMickMickBingBing
Bingy and The BingaBangstaBoo
Toad or ToadWomp
PallyMally
Or my favourite, “Pal”
Growing up, I wondered how he came up with all of these silly words and names, until I had a child of my own, who now has his own laundry list of names that aren’t even remotely close to the one he was given at birth.
He loved music so much. We wore the grooves off of Wayne Newton’s “Daddy Don’t You Walk So Fast” and really tested the longevity of a Beach Boys cassette we played and flipped and played some more, in his big red van. We’d belt out the songs and he’d always sing “Surfer Girl” to me when that track rolled. I remember coming home from school one day, and seeing a brand new CD on the table, with no note or context. It was The Beach Boys, and I was so excited to pop it into the CD player he bought me, for passing grade 4.
We continued building our CD collection, when he subscribed to Columbia House and we started ordering CDs. He would always include me, asking me if there is anything I liked or finding out which artists and bands I was curious about. I would sometimes come home from an outing, and hum him old songs I had listened to on the radio, and he would always figure it out; whether it was The Cars-My Best Friends Girl, or Supertramp’s Breakfast in America. Then, he would order the CD for me.
He was always humming and singing, and some of his classics were the theme songs to shows like, The Beverly Hillbillies and The Andy Griffith Show. He loved a classic TV show, but he was a real true crime junkie at heart. He had books about The Black Donnellys, enjoyed movies based on Bonnie and Clyde and Ma Barker. Saturday nights were always lined up with a big bowl of Nachos and the sounds of sirens, from the high speed chases on the show COPS. Following that, was Robert Stack’s eerie voice narrating one of dad’s favs, “Unsolved Mysteries”. To top it off, naturally, America’s Most Wanted wrapped up the evening. It is no wonder my current playlist library is filled with True Crime Podcasts and Crime Stories and Criminal Biographies.
Speaking of Biography, one of his most viewed channels was A&E, which hosted a nightly program simply called “Biography”. It would spotlight historical figures and celebrities, and it didn’t matter who it was or what significance they had, Dad watched it every night, just soaking up the facts and history.
One year, for lent, we dedicated our 40 days to only one hour of TV a day, for each of us. Mine was spoken for with Power Rangers and Art Attack. When dad’s hour came, his was A&E’s Biography, but he let me watch his hour with him. I absolutely loved that hour.
In 1995, he couldn’t get enough of the OJ Simpson Trial when it aired. Reality TV at its finest.
Along with True Crime, he loved a good riddle. Something that really made him think outside the box, or a “gotcha” moment. If he found one that was truly genius, he’d make copies of it and share it with his friends. I remember bringing a copy to school, so my dad could see if my principal was able to solve it.
While we’re on the topic of school, I think many parents have had to puff up their chests and go in and give their child’s teacher a strongly worded opinion. My dad had no problem doing just that.
One morning, as I was getting off the bus, I was surprised to meet my dad at the front of the school. He was completely energized, and couldn’t wait to tell me that he went in and solved the issue I was having, and I would not be having that issue anymore. He had really given the teacher and principal a what-for, that morning.
Still getting over my shock to be greeted by him, I said, “that’s great dad! Thank you! …but your shirt is on backwards…and inside out. He sheepishly grinned, but then proceeded to remedy the issue, right then and there, as all my schoolmates were getting off the bus. Oh dad.
I suppose you could say that was my payback, for the time I put yellow cat sicker earrings on him, while he was taking his afternoon nap, one Saturday. It gets better though, because when he got up, he didn’t bother to check the mirror before he left to go grocery shopping, and swing by the hotel for a quick beer. He loved telling the story to people though, and I loved hearing him tell it.
We experienced some really unique and intrinsic adventures together. Like the times he would copilot Don Monty’s little plane, with me in the back. Or the time he bought us a 2-man tent, and we camped in the backyard together. Washing our hair with the rainwater, under the eaves trough with Pert Plus. The crooked bang trims with the kitchen scissors. Just a one and done snip. Taste testing some failed supper experiments, and some really delicious accidents. Letting me stir the orange juice in the pitcher, and saying “Mmmmm doggy” like Jed Clampett when he’d pour a glass for himself. He was king of the “dad bite”. You know, the one where your dad asks you for a bite of your snack and when he gives it back, 1/3 of it is gone? Also…Reminding him that boxer shorts and a DI shirt are not appropriate attire for handing out Halloween candy.
DI. My dad was a fixture at Dashwood Industries. He was so proud to work there. The Christmas parties were always SO GOOD, and the staff were like family to each other. When I was old enough to go with him to call-ins, he was ecstatic to take me around and show me what he did and what his home away from home entailed. One, very memorable evening, we went in and he took me up on the cherry picker. Not being one for heights, I was like “cool dad, can we get down now?” Never one to leave out all the fun features, he was more than happy to show me that not only did this contraption go high…it moved. Never. Again.
I see all of the love from his coworkers pouring in. A truly extended family. He left an amazing legacy at the plant.
A caring, passionate, childlike soul, who did his best with the hand he was dealt, as a parent. It couldn’t have been easy to be the breadwinner and the dad and the mom and still keep your own identity. But he tried. And just like every single parent, sometimes you succeed, and sometimes we sit with the pain and wonder how we could have done better. He was no different, and as a parent of a 13 year old and a bonus parent of a 15 and 18 year old, with a present co-parent, I can only imagine the immense pressure and struggles he faced doing it all alone. But one thing I never had to question was his love for me. And that right there is success on its own. For a while, we weren’t just a parent-child dynamic, we were each other’s ENTIRE world. It is quality, not quantity in our story.
In Japanese culture, if fine pottery, like a bowl, is broken, they fuse and dust it back together with gold, making the bowl even more valuable. The art of Kintsugi.
Over the last years, I have felt our fragile, cracked and shattered bowl slowly fuse back together, with the gold that came from your grandson, Lincoln, and the coming together of 2 grownups that were once father and child, now bonding over precious parenthood and our love for this boy.
Thank you, for loving him unconditionally. Thank you, for loving me unconditionally and making sure you told me, right before you parted with this world.
Not a day went by that I didn’t think of you dad. And not a day will go by where I don’t. I will keep our fun story and your memories alive, by sharing them with Lincoln and Baron and Shian. I’ll remember you when I put the apple in my lunch bag, or I see a small plane in the sky, or when the music we listened to plays. I’ll keep up with true crime and try to give my children the harmless and silly experiences you gave me.
And I know now, that my family and I are the safest they will ever be.
Thank you
Peter and Doug Corriveau and family
Our condolences to the family, immediate and extended families that are grieving the loss of Ron. Seems like a long time from now to our childhood remember the good days there the ponies cart.
Time flies pretty fast specially when you’re not looking..
Again, our condolences and Sympathy to all morning loss.
Godspeed Ron.
Tom and Susan Murch
Dianne and John So sorry for your loss. Our hearts go out to both of you and all of the Smith family.May Ron rest in peace.
Anita B. & Nick A.
Our sympathies to the Smith family on Ron’s passing.
Pat Sanderson
My deepest, and most sincere condolences to Ron’s family, and to everyone who loved him.
Ron and I were friends for many years. We loved one another like brother and sister. But we fought like one too.
My heart feels heavy knowing l’ll never receive those phone calls just to see how my day went.
He told me he didn’t believe spring would be really here until the daffodils bloomed. I’m sure there are many in Heaven. Everytime I see one I’ll think of you my dear friend. RIP
Lisa & Gerard Regier
Rick, Michelle & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Please know we are thinking of you all during this difficult time and sending love and prayers.
David and Michelle Smith
Growing up I spent a lot of time at Uncle Bill and Aunt Maddies. Lots of time with Barb when we were young and then wandering over in my adolescence to be nosey about what Ron, Larry or Steve were up to. They always had time for us. Ron always had something going on in the shed. How could we forget the motorized bicycles and then real the motor bikes. Man what I would give to see all of his creations again.
Our deepest sympathies to the whole family
Rest in peace Ron
Thx for the memories
Rick & Patti Bedard
We send our deepest condolences to all of Ron’s family. So sorry for your loss.
JoAnn Dewan
We have great memories of Ron from DI days and his laugh, keep your memories close thinking of you .
Winne Vanderspek
Diane and Smith Family
Sorry for your loss my thoughts are with you and your family at this time our deepest sympathy
Sue Wilson
Diane and John and family, all of Ron’s siblings, Lisa and family, heartfelt condolences on Ron’s passing. Cherish your precious memories. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Pete and Sandra Cornelissen
To all the Smith family, our deepest condolences on Ron’s passing. I haven’t seen Ron for many years but I often think back to many laughs that he provided me when I worked with him at Dashwood.
Ron was a great guy and he will be missed by many.
Maryann Quesnel
My deepest condolences to Ron’s family. My prayers and thoughts are with you
Doug & Betty Lynn Eckel
Steve, Deanna and the entire Smith family – Very sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Thinking of you all at this sad and difficult time. Cherish all of your wonderful memories.
Randy & Sharon Miller
Lisa, Brian, Lincoln and Ron’s family. We are so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. I will miss Ron’s stories but will always remember his laugh! May all the happy memories outweigh the sorrow! Our thoughts are with you.
Dave Thornton
RIP Ron . Glad I got to reconnect when I moved home. Cheers to the good time in the shop.
Carol Stilson
I will miss you rest in peace.
Tony /Marlene Bedard.
to all of Rons family…we will hold you in our thoughts as you go through this sad time…so sorry for your loss.
Phil & Laurie
Rick, Michelle, Matthew, William, Amy, Allison and Smith families.
We are very sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Our sincere condolences to your families.
Love Uncle Phil & Aunt Laurie
Dennis Foran
To Ron’s family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Ron. I had the pleasure of working with Ron for many years, and he truly was a fixture at Dashwood Industries. Whenever our paths crossed, he was always eager to share what he was working on and the processes he was looking to improve. He took great pride in everything he did. I will remember Ron for his personable nature, friendly demeanour, and his willingness to lend a hand. He will be missed.
Paul Flaxbard
My deepest symapthies to Ron’s family and friends. I have great memories of fun times back in the ‘good old days’ around town. RIP Ron.
George Watson
To Ron’s family and all other family relatives my sincere condolences, another member of the relationship gone too soon.
Elaine Coxon
Diane, my deepest condolences to you, John and your family. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Gord & Joanne Brown
Carol & Ted
Our deepest sympathies to you on the passing of your brother. May the memories bring you comfort in the time ahead.
Ken Oesch
My Condolences to the Smith family. RIP Ron
Larry Ballantyne/Sherrie E Broderick
Dear Diane and John, all of Ron’s
Deepest condolences for your loss…
Don & Charlene Oesch
Dianne and Smith families. Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Ron. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
Bill Weiss
Sorry to hear about Ron’s passing. He was a great guy to work with. He always made you laugh. RIP
Vicki & Bill Kraft
Condolences to Ron’s family. We worked at Dashwood for years and Ronny made me laugh every day. Unfortunately we won’t be able to make it to the funeral as I have a specialist appt that day.
Ron will always be fondly remembered by many
RIP my friend
Winston and Carol Churchill
John and Diane and family,
So sorry for your loss, our deepest sympathy!
Linda and Dan Crerar
Diane and John,
Sending our sincere condolences.
Maureen Wood
My condolences to Lisa & Ron’s Family. Knew Ron from Dashwood Industries
RIP Ron
Gary Kyle
We lost a great soul when Ronnie passed! Always a pleasure to be around! My sympathies tall his family. He’ll be missed by many,
George and Elaine Ducharme
Our sincere condolences to the Smith family
Perry & Trudy
Diane, John & family
Sincere condolences on the loss of your brother, Ron. May remembering fond memories bring comfort.
Mike and Beatie Rau
Our Sympathy to the Smith family. Ron and Mike worked together at Dashwood Industries for years and had many fun times . Ron hosted a get together of former Dashwood industries staff , we had a great time remembering all the fun times.
Rest in Peace Ron
Marlene Moore
To All The Family, My Deepest Sympathy
Joe, Marilyn and Amber Kenda
To Ron’s Family
Deepest sympathy in the loss of your dear father, grandfather and brother. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. 🙏🏻💔
Chuck & Tanya Erb
Rick & Michelle and the Smith family,
We extend our sincere sympathy to each one of you. May God grant you special strength, at this most difficult time.
Trevor Boyle
My condolences to the Smith family Ron was great fella RIP buddy
Frances Bedard
To Smith Family My sincere sympathy.
Wendy Heimrich
My deepest sympathies to all of you.
You are all in my thoughts during this difficult time.
Jeff O'Brien
To the Smith family, please accept my deepest condolences on Ron’s passing.
Rob and Brenda Grenier
Sending our deepest sympathy to the Smith family and friends RIP Ron
Jeff and Lorraine Forrester
Sending our condolences to the Smith, family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. RIP Ron.
Linda and Colin Muirhead
Sending our deepest condolences to the family.
Murray Armstrong
Sorry to hear of Ron’s passing
CHris Janet Brown
To Ron’s Family,
Our deepest sympathy.Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers
doug a corriveau
Ron rip my friend many a good laughs
Peggy Restemayer
Rick, Michelle & Family,
Sorry to read Ron passed away.
Keeping you in my thoughts & prayers
during this sad time.
Sending lots of hugs.
Sincere Sympathy,
Peggy
Jim Oesch
To Ron’s family
Sending the Smith and families of Ron , my condolences on him passing . Hugs to all
Linda & Jim Dietrich
Diane, John and all the family,
Our sincere sympathy, so sorry for your loss.
Linda & Jim Dietrich.
Jane Vanderkant
To Ron’s Family.
My heartfelt Sympathy during this difficult time. May you find comfort in your loving memories, and peace from the faith that lives within your heart.
Elaine Ford
Dear Diane, John and family. So sorry to learn of Ron’s passing. Pictures, gatherings and memories are great strength going forward. 🤗❤️
Dave Frayne
To Ron’s family and friends
My condolences to all, gone too soon.
Roberta Smith
My love and prayers to the family during this time of loss. May Ron rest in peace, surrounded with love.
Randy and Lynda Rapley
To Smith and extended family. Our deepest sympathy. May your memories be a blessing at this difficult time.
Ron and Dianne Ducharme
To Ron’s Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very sad time
John and Dawn Brown
We cannot imagine the pain and heartache that you are all feeling. We are praying for your peace and comfort. Ron was a great man he will be missed.
Tony & Alma Dayman
So sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. He was a valued member of Hensall Legion. We enjoyed visiting with him & listening to his colourful stories. RIP Ron
Sue Riley
Ron will be missed at the Hensall Legion. He was always so knowledgeable on happenings in the area from years ago.
RIP, Ron.
Leroy & Cheryl Edwards
So sorry for your loss ! May the many fond memories give you comfort
Shane & Connie Lesperance
Our condolences to Ron’s family and friends. May your memories give you comfort in this time of sorrow. May he rest in the sweetest of peace. 🙏
Brian Cymbaluk
Rest easy my Father in Law, fly towards your peace, and know, that your daughter, and grandkids are safe in my arms forever!
P.S. Thank you for the most amazing woman I’ve ever known… “our” Lisa! The rarest of loves, she is my world, and I will always be grateful to you for the gift you created for me!
R. I. P.!!! ❤️
Rose Harrigan
Sorry to hear of the passing of Ron. He was great entertainment and always full of stories and lots of laughs with his favorite saying “You know what I mean” He will be missed. RIP Ron.
Evelyn Vincent
To Ron’s family
Sincere sympathy. May the good memories bring peace and comfort