SMURTHWAITE, John Arthur
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear father on Sunday, February 26, 2017 peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband and best friend of the late Norma (nee Givens) for over 60 years. Loving father of Joan (Randy) Flegel and Cheryl (Tom) Richardson. Cherished grandfather (Pa) of Craig (Lindsay), Jo-Anne (Jose), Lynne (Chris) and Cindy (Jesus). John will be lovingly and forever remembered by Norm and Carol and Bob and Sharan and by many devoted and dear friends, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Dad was a very strong, honest and hard working man who was always there to help others and taught us all by his example. He enjoyed his trucking career and retired at the age of 65 continuing to keep himself busy every day. He played hockey and baseball in his younger days and loved curling and golf over the years. He shared his love of these sports with his family and we have many wonderful memories of games together as a result. Dad also loved playing bridge, bid euchre, short visits to the slot machines and working in his garage. He was innovative and could fix or build anything. We are so blessed to have this wonderful, generous and devoted man for our Dad and Pa.
A celebration of his life will be held at the Stroud Curling Club lounge, 7883 Yonge Street, Innisfil on Saturday, April 8th from 2 -4 p.m.
Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Mike McConvey for his exceptional care over the years and for his kindness, compassion and support making home visits recently and to Dad’s visiting nurses with a special thank you to Christine.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations can be made to Hospice Simcoe, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto or the charity of your choice. Messages of condolence can be left at www.peacefultransition.ca
Cheryl and Grant Reid
Posted on: Thursday, March 2, 2017I’ve known John for approx 30 years. I will forever remember him as my “other dad”.
John and Norma took over as my parents in some ways when I entered nursing college with Joan in 1973. They were always there for me then and over the years! My greatest memory is when they took the long trip by car to visit Joan and I when we went on an adventure and spent some time nursing in Dallas, Texas. I will forever miss you John, and I know your playing cards up there with Norma. Much love and strength during this difficult time to the family whom have been like my own family for many many years.
Ed Smurthwaite
Posted on: Thursday, March 2, 2017John, although we where first cousins we where more like brothers and I will miss our special relationship and with Norma my card partner. Be at peace, love you brother.
Gary Smurthwaite
Posted on: Thursday, March 2, 2017John will be sadly missed, what a character he was. Lots of fond memories My deepest sympathies to all the family.
Gary, Daniele, and Nicole Smurthwaite
Ed & Mary Smurthwaite
Posted on: Friday, March 3, 2017“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal”. — We certainly have lots of memories that we will carry with us forever. So many good times together, so many laughs, so many travels, so many card games (both good & bad) & so many visits back & forth. Our thoughts are with the whole family & we would like to thank all of them for their constant care. We know that both John & Norma would be bursting their buttons with pride. We will miss our travelling buddies!
Janet Tomlinson and Brad Weatherill
Posted on: Saturday, March 11, 2017We are thinking of you all at this difficult time of losing another wonderful person. We have so many happy memories of “Uncle John,” as a lifelong friend to Brad, and along with “Aunt Norma,” two examples of the kind of parents we want to be. Hard working, good listeners, easy to be around and always approachable. John had an amazing smile and was enthusiastic about life, and mostly about family. From camping trips, to games, curling, hunting, cards, dinners and lots of get togethers in Stroud at the Weatherill house, his presence at all of these outings made people happy and made the event better. We will miss him. With Love, Brad and Janet