Obituary of John Hugh Smith

John Hugh Smith, 76, of Antigonish, died November 13th, 2023, in St Martha’s Regional Hospital in Antigonish. 

He was born on June 29th,1947 to Cynthia (Horne) and Joseph (Josie) Smith in Antigonish. 

John graduated from Halifax Vocational School in 1968 where he completed a 2-year Mechanical Drafting program.

He married Barbara on January 7th, 1972, and they had three children: Bradley, Kevin and Bryan.

He worked as a draftsman for Gabriel Shock Absorbers and Goodyear Tire in Ontario before moving his family back to Beaver Meadow in Antigonish County in 1989. John later worked for Clark Tire in New Glasgow, North Grant Construction, and the Welcome Inn in Antigonish. John also enjoyed his years before retirement working as groundskeeper for the Sisters of St. Martha’s at Bethany Motherhouse. 

He was an athlete, avid sports fan and loved the outdoors. John played hockey in his youth for the Antigonish Bulldogs and the St Andrews Flyers. He enjoyed coaching his 3 boys in hockey and ball over the years and was a valued member in the Dixie Minor Hockey Association in Mississauga, Ontario. After moving back home to Antigonish, John enjoyed spending time hunting on Brown’s Mountain and the Keppoch with family. He later enjoyed watching his grandchildren excel at their sporting and cultural endeavors.

John is survived by his wife Barbara (Sylvan Valley); his sons, Bradley (Kim) Dartmouth; Kevin (Kristiina) North Vancouver; and Bryan (Shauna) Antigonish; grandchildren Regan, Emma, Megan, Cooper, Flynne, Taggart; and his siblings Wayne (Simone), Elaine (Donnie), Mary Jean (John), David (Marion) and Carol Ann. 

He was predeceased by his father Josie, his mother Cynthia, his sister Sheila, and his grandson Oliver. 

The Smith Family would like to acknowledge and thank the nurses and staff at Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow, and St Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish for the great care that John received.

Visitation will be Friday November 17th from 2-4 and 7-9 pm in MacIsaac Funeral Home, Antigonish. Funeral mass 11 am Saturday, November 18th in St. Ninian Cathedral, Reverend Dan McLennan presiding. Burial in St. Paul's/St. James Cemetery.

Memorials or donations may be made to Palliative Care Unit, St Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish.     
St. Martha’s Regional Hospital - donation link