Robert Paxton Smithers

After a battle with dementia, our loving father died peacefully on October 26th. Dad had a love of life and learning that was contagious, with a smile which lit up every room. 

Born in Montreal, dad (known as Rob to many and Bob to many more) graduated from McGill University, Electrical Engineering in 1958. Not long afterward he married the love of his life Diane (née Crowley). Diane and Rob first met as young children, inseparable from the beginning. After a move to Beaconsfield, Quebec, he built a career working at Kolostat Inc. in Laval. Beyond his work life, dad pursued many hobbies including photography (which meant building a darkroom to develop his photos), woodworking, tennis, skiing and travelling with Diane. A great story teller, he could captivate a room describing the hunt for the perfect pasta in Italy or discussing which Scotch brand was the best. He loved being a dad and grandfather and took an active role in his children’s lives and interests. Rob coached hockey for many years and was involved with the Beaconsfield Softball League. One of his great joys was mentoring his children and their friends. He would often spend time with his teenage children and their friends in the family’s basement, joining in games of pool or talking with them, instilling such wisdom as “if you’re going to sweep a floor, sweep it better than anyone else”. 

He is survived by his sister Ann, his three children, Steven, Christopher and Jennifer (Mark). Rob embraced his role as a grandfather and will be greatly missed by his eight grandchildren, Julie, Alison, Emily, Joey, Tommy, Indiana, Michael and Matthew. 

Our family thanks the staff of the Gary J. Armstrong Long Term Care Home for the care and comfort they provided for dad as his health declined.Donations in Robert’s memory can be made to: The Dementia Society Ottawa Renfrew  https://dementiahelp.ca/

A Celebration of Robert's life will be held at the Hendley's home (324 Hamilton Road, Russell, ON  K4R 1E5) on Saturday, November 23, 2024 beginning at 12 p.m.  Enquires can be sent to jdsmithers13@gmail.com.