Obituary of Raymond Harry Smithson

It is with great sadness we announce the death of Raymond H. Smithson on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 in the Windsor Elms Village, Falmouth, surrounded by family. Ray was born on May 10, 1943 in Welland, ON, to the late Sidney and Helen (Secord) Smithson.

Ray spent his formative years in Welland until February 1961 at the launch of his long Military career. A proud and dedicated serviceman, Ray started in the Navy, switched to Air Force then returned after brief retirement to the naval reserve, most recently HMCS Scotian. Typical for most career military servicemen of his time, Ray had postings across Canada where he enriched the communities he lived in and the many lives he touched.

Ray was active in the Legion and Masonic Temple before and after retiring permanently in 2008. He served as President of the Royal Canadian Legion Hants County Branch 009 in 2017 and two-time master of the Shore Lodge No. 134 in 2008 and 2009.

Love of family and community were very evident in his life and in tributes upon his death, he loved to help those in his community reach potential they didn't know they had, often anonymously and enjoying their success vicariously.  The description “nicest man I know” was often attributed to him followed shortly by the impact he had on their lives.

Ray is survived by his wife, Carol (Moore); her children, Marina (Gerald) Theriault and Troy (Letitia) Clayton; his former wife, Janet and their children, Lee (Tena) and Michael Smithson and Dawn (David) Gallow; grandchildren, Grace, Kelly, Hannah, Thomas, Jacob, Ashley and Hunter; brother, Douglas (Laurie) and sister, Sandra (Jim) Montgomery.

Arrangements for cremation have been entrusted to DeMont Family Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 419 Albert St., Windsor (902-798-8317). A celebration of life, followed by a reception, will be held 2 - 4 p.m. Saturday, June 15 upstairs in the Royal Canadian Legion Hants County Branch 009, 35 Empire Lane, Windsor. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ray may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Hants County Branch 009 - Poppy Fund, PO Box 28, Windsor, NS B0N 2T0. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca