Obituary of William John Smith

SMITH, William John (Bill or Smitty)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William Smith on October 26, 2023 at Victoria Health Science Centre in London.  Beloved husband of Carol (LaButte) for 51 years.  Cherished father of Tracy (Mike) Gagnier and Cole (Michelle) Smith.  Cherished grandpa of Joslyn, Andrew and Cody.  Dear brother of Shirley (Tony) Jacuzzi, Mike (Cathy) Smith, and Wayne (Gloria) Smith.  Predeceased by his parents Wilfred (1998) and Helen (2013) (née Hoffarth). Son-in-law of Tom (late Mary (2004) (née Murray)) LaButte.

Bill retired from Ford Motor Company 19 years ago, where he was a High Pressure Welder.  The guys he worked with were like his second family.  Bill and Carol were married for over 51 years.  During those years they spent many winters in Florida, checking off items off their Bucket List.  Bill loved boating, fishing, hunting, travelling, but most of all, he loved spending time with his grandkids.  Bill highly enjoyed cruising the canals at Lighthouse Cove and visiting friends on his golf cart.  He also loved his sports teams, The Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions.   Those family and friends, who knew Bill well, knew he wasn’t afraid to give his opinion and he never shied away from a good argument. 

He will be deeply missed by his family, many nieces and nephews, as well as all his friends and extended family at Lighthouse Cove.

A special thank you to all the doctors and nursing staff on the Respiratory floor and in the Critical Care Trauma Centre for all your care and compassion.

As per Bill’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a private Celebration of Life will occur at a later date.