Gordon James Smith
September 10, 1945 - March 6, 2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Gordon James Smith. Diagnosed with blood cancer in November 2021, he had successfully completed chemo treatments in June 2022, and was in remission only to succumb to suspected heart failure.
Gordon was born in Dryden and moved to Kenora in June of 1958 with his family when his parents Jim and Eileen Smith bought what became Smith's Grocery.
Gord was predeceased by his parents, as well as his loving wife Deanna and stepson John Campbell.
He is survived by his twin sons Ken and Karl Smith, son Owen Smith, daughter Cindy Khalfa (Hidar), sister Joan Notenboom (Peter), brother Michael Smith (Darlene) and step children Judi Forster, Shirley Jones, Trisha Hay (Dwayne) and Billy Campbell (Susan). Gord will be sadly missed by several nieces and nephews as well as his little Westie, Maggie.
Gord was never one to sit idle, helping in the family grocery store as a teenager and eventually taking over the business when his mother retired. Along with the grocery business, he took over the franchise for Humpty Dumpty chips, made and sold ice in the Kenora area, cut wild meat on the side, and also became a wholesale distributor for Lakehead Wholesalers. In addition, he built a meat smoker in his back yard and quickly became known for his extra ordinary meat smoking abilities. He also had many fans of his own special recipes for the garlic and Christmas sausages he made.
When he handed over the reigns of the grocery store to sister-in-law Darlene and brother Mike and semi retired, he continued with his meat smoking and sausage making and also started to drive taxi and school bus part-time.
In later years, Gord discovered the pleasures associated with wood carving, and as a member of a wood carving club received several awards for his carvings, forming long lasting relationships with some of his wood carving buddies as well as with fellow taxi drivers.
Gord's request was for immediate cremation with no service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer society or a charity of your choice.
A very special "Thank you" to good friend Terry Grafham and brother Michael for their devoted care and compassion over the last 16 months as well as the doctors and nurses who provided him with excellent
medical care during his cancer treatments.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Smith family.
