Robert John Smith passed away at Soldier’s Memorial Hospital, Orillia on Monday, May 11, 2015 with Joan at his side.(May 25, 1931 to May 11, 2015)
John and Joan (nee Woodard) were married for 59 years. Father of Blaine and dear father of the late Alan and Darryl. Grandfather of Curtis, sister of Doreen Cox (Mel) of North Bay. John was the son of the late Bob and Elma Smith of Baysville.
John and Joan had a Motorcycle, ATV and Snowmobile business called Johnne Smith Repair on Aspdin Road, Huntsville which they ran for 20 years until retiring. After retiring John and Joan enjoyed touring on their Honda motorcycles in the summer and in the winter, touring on their Skidoo snowmobiles. John enjoyed his toys and family.
At John’s request, there will be no funeral service. Cremation has taken place. The interment of ashes will take place at Lock’s Cemetery, Huntsville at a later date.
Donations in his memory may be made to Algonquin Grace Hospice, Huntsville or to the Huntsville Hospital Foundation.
Bryan D. Boothby
I’ll miss John he was always a good friend though over the years my career took me away from Huntsville. But I spoke highly of John over the 40 years I had been away and respected him so much. John taught me the safety of riding in 1968. He will truly be missed.
Mike and Kim Yearley & family
We will miss John he was a true gentleman , we always enjoyed seeing him at the cruise nights or bumping into him and Joan on the street or in a store.
Christine and George
Dear Joan and Blaine. We just learned of John’s death, while we are travelling and are eager to express our condolences. Over the decades that we have known John, whether initially when your family looked after our bikes, or more recently when John popped by the shop, or we met casually to chat and catch up, he was always generous with his advise and shared information from his vast biking experience. We enjoyed his cheerful and easy going nature and humour. In short John was a really classy fellow. We are truly very sorry to hear of his passing away, and we can’t imagine what a devastating loss it is for you both. We look forward to seeing Blaine in early June and perhaps visit Joan when we are in Huntsville. Please take care.
Martha Briggs Watson
Oh, Joan, my heart aches for you! I always enjoyed talking to John about the history of Huntsville. I will miss seeing him at the Seniors Luncheons. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jeremy & April McClung
What a shock to hear the news at the seniors luncheon. John was always so personable and friendly. He will be sorely missed!
Barb Sheridan
Joan and Blaine. Our deepest condolences.Barb Sheridan and family
Adam O'Connor
I am so sorry to hear of Johns passing. John was an amazing man, he taught me so much, helped me out when i was into racing and even gave me a job when I was having trouble out of college. He had a heart of gold and will be truly missed.
Brian & MJ Smith
Joan, Blaine & Family, we are so very sorry to hear of John’s passing. It was always a treat to stop and talk with John over the years. Sorry, for the future young riders that will miss out on his advice & wisdom. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Helen Robertson
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was a special friend of my late brother, Alan, (and me) since our public school days at Brown’s Brae public school. Over the years he often dropped by to visit. He will be greatly missed.
Steve McGary
Sorry to hear of Johnn’s passing .
Marylin and Martin Hammond
We were so sad to hear of John’s passing. It was nice to reconnect with you and John on the senior trips in last few years. We will truly miss his company of these trips. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Roy & Tina Davies
So very sad to hear of Johns passing.We are truly going to miss John’s visits to the shop at Bracebridge Machine. He had a knack for striking up a conversation with anyone he ran into, whether it be one of the guys in the shop, other customers, or even the courrier drivers.
Please accept our sincerest condolences.
Andrew West
So sorry for your loss. We all looked forward to seeing him every week at the coffee club. He was a true friend to my dad and myself. I will miss our talks. I always will remember the fun times we had a bike night. He was one of the nicest people i know. My dad will sure miss seeing him .
Garry & Brenda Sparling
Saddened to hear of Johns passing. Both Brenda and I shared a common interest with John regarding motorcycles. He even inspired Brenda to take a motorcycle repair course. We both spent time chatting with John and enjoyed sharing many stories about many topics. He was a very pleasant soul and we will sincerely miss him as many of those that knew him will.I have a model of a BMW motorcycle that John gave me some time ago. It will serve as a memory of his kindness,friendship and our mutual interests.Sincere condolences to Joan,Blaine and family.
Garry Sparling
Debbie MacLeod Andrews and Danny
Dear Joan so sorry to hear about. John, Thinking of you.
Marcia, Vaughn and Ron
Sure will miss John visiting us at the shop our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Marcia, Vaughn and Ron
We will sure miss John stopping in to visit at the shop and our chats at the hockey games We are sure thinking of both you and John and your family. He will certainly be missed by so many in our community
Ken and Carrol
I have spent many enjoyable rides with John and will fondly remember these on and off road ventures. Our sincere sympathy to Joan and the family.
Wendy McConnell
Joan…We are so very sorry to hear of John’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.. Wendy & Dan
Paul and Glenna Cottrill
We always enjoyed talking with John. He was so very knowledgable about mechanics. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this very difficult time.
Tim bennetts
With great saddness I heard of John’s passing. My thoughts and prayers going out to Joan and family.
Blanche Cornwell
Sorry to learn of Johns passing, my thoughts & prayers goes out to you & family Joan.
Fran and Ron Coleman
Joan and family,it is with sadness I learned of John’s passing.I will miss chatting with John, when I met him on my walk.
Take care, thinking of you.
Fran & Ron
David and Rosalie Wheeler
We were saddened to hear of John’s passing. Our condolences to the family.
Paul Le May
I was saddened to hear the news. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
Ron & Juanita Martin
So sad to hear about John’s passing Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time.
BOB AND ANNE SHERRY
OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS VERY SAD AND DIFFICULT TIME.
BOB AND ANNE SHERRY – BAYSVILLE ON