Obituary of Allister Herbert Smith

Allister Herbert Smith, 89, formerly of James River, Antigonish Co., passed away peacefully under the care of Melville Lodge, Halifax, on September 29, 2024.

Allister was the eldest of six children born to Herbert Duncan and Harriet (Chisholm) Smith of Antigonish.  Allister attended St. Ninian Street School then Morrison School. Following high school he furthered his education graduating with a Plumbers license from a community college in North Sydney, and later attended community college in Port Hawkesbury to obtain an oil burner furnace technician certificate.  Allister worked at Smith's Hardware, a family run business in Antigonish, as a clerk and contractor for plumbing and oil burner services. When Smith’s Hardware store closed its doors, he continued as a self-employed plumber and oil burner service technician serving many clients in the Guysborough & Antigonish area, including the Antigonish School Board.  Allister recently received a 35-year service medal from the Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association for his services with the Town of Antigonish Volunteer Fire Department. 

Allister lived a simple life where spending time with his family was at the forefront of his joy. In the early years, he enjoyed running track and field, bowling, scuba diving, skiing, trips to the beach, and his dad’s camp on Browns Mountain.  In Later years, he enjoyed family get togethers, daily walks, listening to the news, reading, many scrabble and cribbage games with his family, and was an avid fan of watching curling, the “Jays” and “Montreal Canadiens.”

Besides his parents, Allister was predeceased by his loving wife Mary Ellen (Leamy) Smith and brother James Roy.  Allister is survived by his children Arlene (Richard) Rockwell, Middle Sackville; Brian (fiancé Michelle) Antigonish;  three grandchildren, Ethan, Madeline and Regan Rockwell; brother Robert (Linda) Smith, New Glasgow; sisters Lynne Tolson, Bedford; Karen Smith, Antigonish; Pauline Smith, Halifax and many nieces and nephews.  

Visitation will be held Thursday, October 3^rd from 7 to 9pm in MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant St. Antigonish. Funeral Service will be held Friday October 4^th at 2:00pm in St. James United Church, Antigonish with Rev. Peter Smith presiding.  Burial will take place at Glen Bard Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Canadian Cancer Society.