Obituary of W. Ross Smith

W. Ross Smith passed away on May 13 2021, with his children by his side.Ross was born to Mary (Davidson) and Joseph Smith near Wingham, Ontario in 1928. Ross is survived by daughter Cathy Blackler (Phil) and son Bradley (Jane). Grandfather to Jessica Blackler, Alia Henderson (Pat), William and Gavin (Esme) Smith. Great Grandfather to Evin and Drew Henderson.Ross is predeceased by Shirley Smith (Chapman), daughter Angela and grandson William Ross Smith. Also predeceased by parents, brother Hartley and twin sister's Alma & Irlma.Ross was an avid photographer and pilot, sometimes doing both at the same time with Arial photography. Through these passions he travelled widely, making many friends along the way. In later years he made Texas his winter home.Never one to shy away from a challenge or new idea, he had many exploits such as pursuing a career in film editing in Toronto, co-creating with Shirley “The Country Spire” for many years, and a memorable adventure with son Brad who was 13 when they embarked on a hitchhiking adventure to the Yukon.Always ahead of his time, as his children we were the only ones on our street in the 60’s with a custom made A Frame Playhouse and renovated school bus for Road trips .Ross will be fondly remembered by his nieces and nephews who held a special place in his heart and his friend Mary Thomas.A special thanks to the staff of the Wildwood Care Centre for their outstanding care, compassion and most of all sense of humour, as they tried to keep up with his rhyming limericks during his final years.Also we would like to thank the village it took to get him to all his appts over the last couple years, and the angel in his corner who helped make things happen.You know who you all are and we are so grateful for your selfless contribution to our lives.Thank you as well to Dr Wilson for her support.Ross has been cremated as per his wishes and will be interred in Roy’s Cemetery across from The Country Spire. We will have a celebration of life at a future date.Donations can be made to a charity of your choice.