Obituary of Paul Douglas Smith

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Paul Douglas Smith, who left us on August 12, 2024, at the young age of 57 due to a cardiac event. Paul was born, with one good eye, on December 14, 1966 in Sydney, Nova Scotia to Mary Rose (Reddy) and the late Hugh Alexander Smith.

Paul was a man of many talents and passions. He was known as a tough stay at home defence-man on the hockey rink who didn’t shy away from dropping the gloves to stick up for a teammate. He enjoyed walking, Alexander Keith’s, dress shirts, the Wheel, chocolate, watching Jeopardy and enjoying life with family and friends. He was a skilled operator of a power saw, a great hand on the lobster boats and spent many hard-working years in various roles in the construction industry. Paul loved reading and catching up on current events. Beyond his many skills, Paul was the biggest Philadelphia Flyers and Bobby Clark fan.

Paul had the gift of gab and was genuine in his connection with others. He loved to catch up with friends and family, often calling just to chat and see how everyone was doing, no matter the time of day. He was always there to lend a helping hand whether by shovelling a driveway, piling wood, any project that needed him. 

Paul was best known as the beloved uncle to his five nieces, four nephews, three grand nephews and his close friends’ children. He loved them as if they were his own, he took great joy in spoiling them with treats and spending time with them. His kindness, generosity and playful spirit will forever have a positive impact on their lives.

Paul had his struggles in life, but his capacity for caring and willingness to do anything for others never wavered. His friends were family to him, cherished as some of the greatest treasures in his life. Together they navigated both joyful and challenging moments bound by a mutual loyalty and unwavering support.

Besides his dearest friends, Paul leaves behind his loving mother Mary Rose (Reddy) Smith; three brothers, Danny (Mairi); Greg (Mary); Brent (Noella); and brother-in-law Colin MacDonald. He will be dearly missed by his nieces and nephews Lyndsay (Chris) and their boys Ben, Nathan, and Rhodes; Emily (Addison);  Ryan;  godson Alec (Jessica);  Gillean;  Nicola (Jonny); Mackenzie (Sean); Lucas and Will. He also held a special spot in his heart for his goddaughter, Julia MacDonald, and all his close friends’ children. Paul also leaves behind many aunts, uncles and cousins who meant the world to him.

Paul was predeceased by his father Hugh Alexander Smith, his cherished sister Janet MacDonald, and a nephew Ben at birth. He is now at peace, reunited with those he loved and lost. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity that honours Paul's memory or simply take a moment to check in on a friend with a phone call, just as he would do.

Celebration of Life will be held from 2:00-4:00 pm on Thursday, August 29th in the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 59, 75 St. Ninian St., Antigonish, where family and friends can come together to honour and remember everything he meant to us.