Obituary of David William Smiley
SMILEY, David
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear brother David on Thursday, February 4, 2021 at the age of 60. Beloved son of the late William “Bill” (1998) and the late Hazel (2010). Cherished brother to Janice (Ken) Slingerland and Joan (Bob) Cornelius. He will be dearly missed by his nieces Jena (Corey) and Lauren, nephews Michael and Joel, Aunts, Uncles, many Cousins, extended family members and friends.
The family would like to thank the staff at the NHS for all their care and compassion. In accordance with David’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, a private family service will take place. A Celebration of Life for David will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the St. John’s Anglican Church.
Eulogy
I wanted to speak about David today in my belief that we should never again define him by his illness. Now, and moving forward is the time to celebrate who he truly was in mind, spirit and soul.
Who was David?
He was kind, patient, loving, spiritual, intelligent and he truly had a great sense of humour!
He grew up happily surrounded by many friends. I would describe those times as ‘free spirited silliness’. They used to make up silly songs and games. There would be lots of laughter. Janice and I being ‘more mature’ would roll our eyes at times. David was blessed in that two of those friends- Scott Priddle and David Ferguson stuck by him throughout his life, supporting him through the good, and the challenging times.
Schooling had a bit of a rocky start. Back in the 60’s things were different – Bob and Ken can attest to that! It was all about discipline. It was the age of the strap! David was always well behaved and never got the strap, but he began Grade 1 with a sense of fear. The Grade 1 teacher had a reputation for her strict, disciplinary approach.
I have never forgotten how those school mornings began. One in particular is etched in my memory. To make matters worse, it was pouring rain that day. I still remember David in his bright yellow raincoat with the yellow rain hat, as he was sobbing. Mum would fold some Kleenex for him to carry, and then it was Janice’s job to take him by the hand and make sure he arrived at the classroom.
He survived Grade 1 – mostly unscathed, graduating from Gracefield, McArthur, Ridley College, a year or so at Brock University and ultimately graduating from Guelph University with a BA in Psychology. Unlike his 2 sisters who studied the Sciences, his focus was on the Arts – particularly the written word.
Family
We had many family vacations across the country. Time spent with the Albons, and for David a lasting friendship with Darrell. There were many trips to visit with the Millers, David spending much of his time with cousin Billy. Those are such precious memories.
Family dinners – Bob being the gourmet at our house. Janice and Ken a team effort. He cherished that time together.
How exciting when our family grew! Jena, you were the first! Mum and Dad became Grandma and Grandpa. I became Aunt Joan! David became Uncle Dave. How blessed we all were when Corey joined our family and although not for long, David was able to spend some time with little Carter.
Michael and Joel. You guys were his buddies. He so enjoyed the time you spent with him at the Flea market and Coin store. You shared a common interest in old records, coin collecting and gathering of ‘stuff’. Joel would return with ‘stuff’ and my only questions would be….did we really need one of these and how much did it cost?
Lauren. Uncle Dave used to call me and ask, “Does Lauren have a game this week?” As always, my response, “Yes, she does and would you like to come?” We would drop off Lauren at Jack Gatecliff and head to Tim Hortons. David would get his large double-double. I was never a loud screaming mother at the arena, but under my breath..…Lauren, PUT the PUCK in the NET for UNCLE DAVE!!!... Seldom, did you disappoint.
He loved us all. Janice and I are so blessed in that he told us many times how much he loved and appreciated us.
I want to finish by reading a letter David wrote to Bob. It was written in 1978. He was 17 at the time. Bob was doing his work term in Alberta for 9 months. Unlike today, there was no Facetime, texting, personal computers, etc. The only way to communicate was long distance, land line phone calls (very expensive!) or a hand-written letter
Dear Robert,
You surely must wonder why the hell I am writing to you. But I felt that it would be unfair to allow you to continue in your ignorance concerning the unscrupulous activities of my dear sister Joan.
It’s your right to know these goings-on’s and I will relate them to you to inform you of the somewhat shady situation that has been unfolding before my very eyes. First of all, there’s Kurt. He’s built like Sylvester Stallone yet has the charm and good looks of Burt Reynolds. The last couple of Saturday nights they’ve hit the El Macambo, sucking back a few pitchers of draft, then returning home rather pie-eyed and wasted. His fuel injected Maserati is totally amazing! I WISH YOU COULD SEE IT!!
Also, she’s been dating some waste-brain called Fred, who explained to my father and I that he was thinking he was joining the Campaign for the Legalization of Marijuana. My father dislikes him, but he gets along great with Joan. Well why shouldn’t they. THEY HAVE SO MUCH IN COMMON!!
Concerning what Joan said about working at Vineland, well it appears she strung you a line. Every morning Philip arrives about 8:03 in his vintage Aston Martin. And exactly planned like clockwork, Joan vivaciously and most enthusiastically runs to him dressed in a beautiful pastel summer dress. Philip asks Joan if she is ready. Joan replies smugly, “I’m always ready, Phil.” Philip has a picnic basket packed containing 1938 Parisian Burgundy wine, a selection from his extravagant wine cellar. During the day they hunt for butterflies then get smashed on their wine. He’s quite the gentleman and I marveled at his sophisticated gestures and smutty visual suggestions. I guess he could be best compared to Sean Connery.
Well, Rob, I can sympathize with this somewhat sticky situation. Letters you have been receiving of Joan’s are merely propaganda. Because you can not witness the truth for yourself, I felt it was my duty to unfold this human drama to you. I hope this problem can be rectified upon your return home. If I can be of any assistance, I would be more than happy to help you. Feel free to contact me through correspondence or if the urgency requires you to phone – well by all means go ahead.
Until we discuss this matter again,
Your trusting cohort,
David W. Smiley
P.S. THIS IS B.S.
This letter is truly reminiscent of who David was.
God love him. God bless him. May he rest in peace.
