Ronald Finley Smith

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Ron (“Smitty” to his friends and “Grumpy” to his granddaughters) passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025 at the age of 86. He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Elizabeth, and brother Murray. He leaves behind his daughter Kimberley Weatherall (Steven) of Orleans, ON; granddaughters Kristin (Adam) of New Westminster, BC and Stephanie of Orleans, ON; great grandson, Joshua; brothers Brian (Hideko) of Tsawwassen, BC and Norman of Costa Mesa, CA; sister Janet of Toronto, ON; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends worldwide. 

Born February 28, 1939, in Victoria, BC, Ron was the son of the late J. Edwin and Olive (Grant) Smith. Ron attended Willows School, Oak Bay Junior and Senior High Schools.  As a teenager, Ron worked as a beekeeper for his Aunt Babe and Uncle Charlie’s business, Babe’s Honey, which explained his passion for honey in his later years.  

He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) in 1957 and was especially proud of his work as a photographer living in: Greenwood, NS (twice); Söllingen, Germany; Marville, France; Calgary, AB; Ottawa, ON; Barrie, ON; and Oromocto, NB before settling in Ottawa in 1989 to be closer to Kimberley’s family. 

Ron was a proud and active member of the Kinsmen Club in Greenwood, Calgary and Ottawa, where he loved volunteering for charitable causes in support of children. He was an avid gardener, following in his father’s footsteps, often talking about or sharing his tomatoes with just about anyone. He also enjoyed researching his family history, curling at the Navan Curling Rink, reading, and sharing stories and photos of his childhood in Oak Bay, Victoria and his time in the military.  

Ron spent several years dedicated to looking after his wife Elizabeth who suffered from Alzheimer's and was unfortunately diagnosed with the same disease a month prior to her passing. The family would like to thank their friends and family for the incredible support over the last 10+ years while they helped care for both, whether it was lending an ear or providing their moving services (multiple times) - they could not have done it without you.   

They would also like to thank the nurses, PSWs, staff and Dr. Melissa Guindon at the Promenade Retirement Residence in Orleans and nursing staff, Dr. Jessica Beaton and the palliative care staff at Montfort Hospital for his care.  

A Celebration of Life will take place at Beechwood Funeral, Cemetery and Cremation Services on December 8^th, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. with a reception to follow. A private burial will take place the same day at the National Military Cemetery at Beechwood. 

In memoriam donations can be made to the Dementia Society of Ottawa and Renfrew County or to the Alzheimer Society of Ontario.