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May 1935 - November 2023
Alvin (Al) Edward Smith P.Eng., M.B.A. (1935-2023) Al passed peacefully on Nov. 17th, “My Way” at his Coburg home, with his daughters’ Allison and Shannon at his side. Aka “Smitty” to many, and “the Wise Old Owl” to his beloved Granddaughter Michelyn Smith. Al was predeceased by his parents Charles Ebenezer Smith and Emma (nee Danard), and the Smith siblings: Hugh, Isabelle (Ketchen), Clarence Kenneth (C.K.), Mary, Lloyd, and James Cecil. Born in Flin Flon Man. Al climbed from the Schist Lake forest railway side log house, to the one room school house, to earn a Civil Engineering degree at U of M. (Class of '59 )., thereafter building the Inuvik airport and highway connecting Banff to Jasper through the Alberta Rockies. Al moved next to earn his MBA at Western’s Ivey School of Business (Class of '63). Al then continued his upward journey and made his mark, in progressive Institutional Sales and Research Executive leadership positions, commencing at Burns Bros., with subsequent impact at Merrill Lynch and Dundee on Bay St., and lastly managing the CBC Pension fund. Al was genius smart, an actual trial blazer, accomplished, well read, kind, honest, caring, generous, determined, strong, witty, a consummate storyteller, teacher, mentor, leader, builder, single handed ocean sailor, and FUN. Al will also be remembered for the situational joke up his sleeve. So highly regarded by so many people. Before you could ask Google, you could ask Al. In the few weeks preceding his death, Al was very grateful for the outpouring of goodbye visits, facetime farewells and calls full of love and heartfelt words, that occupied virtually every waking moment of every day. Al and his family would like to give special thanks to the wonderful group of caregivers, who assisted Al with daily care after his stroke in Sept. 2020. A special mention to Don Betts, The Drs and staff at Toronto Western Hospital - Krembil Neuroscience Centre and Toronto Rehabilitation Hospital, Dr. Daryl Kucey, Dr. Raj Ruparelia , and Dr. Francesco Mulé. A Cobourg Celebration of life will be held on Tuesday December 5th at 11:30am in Al's home. A Toronto celebration of life and Service will be held on Saturday January 6th, at the Granite Club, and an invitation to Al's Toronto Celebration of Life will be sent shortly, for an RSVP. A graveside service will be held in Salmon Arm BC in the spring with details to follow in the new year.
Pragmatic, saw how things really were. Courageous, acted on them regardless.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the Smith family and those close to Al. I only knew Al for about four years, but I am very thankful that our paths crossed. Al was extremely genuine, wise, and thoughtful. I'll miss his stories about the railway, his travels, and business ideas.
I’m very sorry to hear about the passing of Al, I had the pleasure of knowing him over the last 10 years or so. My fond memories of him included lunch at The Whistling Duck Restaurant in Brighten ON; and on a number of occasions I had the pleasure of listening to him recount stories about his youth and career. I wish to offer my deepest condolences to the Smith Family during this difficult time. Sincerely: Wilf Tuck and Family
Al was one of a kind . . one of the best . . . a very good friend . . . We skated together on the Engineering team at U of M, went to B School - Al in Canada, me in the US. Al offered me a job to join him at Merrill Lynch in Canada, but I had just started a new job with a firm in Boston and had two young children so that move wasn't on. We stayed in close touch all our careers and even in his difficult last years. Just a super, super guy - one of the very best . . rest in peace . .!
My deepest condolences Allison and Michelyn , so sorry for your loss. May his memory be a blessing. Sending love and prayers!
To the entire Smith family, Our heartfelt condolences to everyone. I had the pleasure of meeting Al when I covered the CBC Pension fund for Marleau Lemire back in the day as an Institutional Sales person. Al introduced me to Allison and Randy who were doing some great things at Advantex which we ended up financing on a few occasions and me joining the Board for a few years. Al was amazing, funny, very smart and was quick to the point - he did not suffer fools lightly ! Then I met Mich for the very first time this summer and she worked with us over at Lode and did a simply remarkable job !. Al you have great genes and it shined on Allison as it does on Mich ! We will miss you Al, may you rest in peace . Richard and Penny Groome
Dear Allison Your Dad was a unique guy. I always welcomed his spontaneous bursts of information on any and all things. It was overwhelming. He was a good Manitoba buddy and I valued his friendship. Thank you Allison for looking after him and keeping me informed. Best, Gary Aldcorn
Al was my buddy and workmate in the summer of '56. We worked and drank our way up the "Hutsy-Putsy" line from Le Pas to Churchill, surveying grade for the CNR. It was a fantastic job and a grand memory I carry to this day. God bless his family and his passing..
So very sorry to hear that Al has passed. He was very fortunate to have lived a full life and blessed to have his daughters by his side at end of life. With sympathies extended…Catherine❤️💐
Dear Allison, We are so very sorry to hear about the passing of your dear Dad. His obit makes clear what an accomplished man he was combined with many admirable human traits that made him such a lovable father, grandfather and friend. Our hearts go out to you and Michy and your sister Shannon. No doubt you will miss him keenly. We know you looked after him with great love and devotion. Now, he is in God's hands. With much love, Diane and Angelo xoxo
Dear Allison and Shannon : I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of your Father. Al was a darn good citizen — accomplished , thoughtful , astute and generous. His company was always sot and welcome. He will be missed by all that knew him in the evening with the setting sun and in the morning with the rising sun. My sympathy and condolences are with you at this very difficult time. Sincerely Michael Willmot
So sorry for your loss, remember fondly when Al worked with Bill. Blessings, Jeannine Cochrane
My condolences to the family of Al Smith (Smitty) as he was known. He was my boss at Prudential Bache Securities in 1987. He was fair, enterprising, and enjoyed a good joke or two. Most of the investment advisors at the firm respected him for his acumen and knowledge. Many times he would shoot me down from an idea that I had. In the end, he was right. I believe that he was unfairly treated in the end.