Obituary of Samuel Gordon Smith

SAMUEL GORDON SMITH (1949-2026)

It is with bittersweet emotions that we announce the passing of our loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle and Friend; Samuel Gordon Smith, at the age of 76, on Friday, February 6th, 2026.
After many years of fighting with multiple unkind health issues, Sam passed away very peacefully at home with his family by his side. Sam was best known for his master finished carpentry skills, creativeness, competitiveness, his pranks and his brute unpolished one-of-a-kind character. His passions were fishing, woodworking, joking, country & rock n' roll music, hockey, old cars and his Golden Retrievers (Barney, Bear, Bruin, Bearin & Benny). His pride, besides his family, was the many homes he built, especially the log cabin with Ed.
Sam will be greatly missed by his wife of 55 years, Ruby (Beroud); his sons Sammy (at home) and Shawn (Tara Gilliland) and being Papa to Brandon and Charlotte (Mississauga);  and his dog Benny and cat Jett. He will also be missed by his bonus grandkids from across the street, Cooper and Lincoln Longaphie, who loved to give him high 5's when they came in the door. He will additionally be missed by his adopted kids from the Danish/Ridgeway hockey exchange, Kai and Berit in Denmark, with whom we had the honour of attending their wedding 20 yrs ago and have remained close.
Sam was born in Simcoe and moved to Fort Erie as a small child. He was predeceased by his father, Eugene (step-mother EllaMarie) Smith of Jarvis; his mother Betty Swartz (nee Salvatora Bonaccorso), step-father Gerry Swartz of Fort Erie; step-brother Gerry (Rock) Swartz and niece Autumn Boles.
Sam is survived by his siblings Debra (John) Boles; Becky (Bryan) Porter; Mary Lou Mueller (Tom), and Michael (Dorrie) Swartz, of Fort Erie; Robert Smith; Ken (Loralie) Smith; and Charlene (George) Bartsch of Jarvis. Step-brother to Jim (Carol) Swartz of Welland; Blaine (Brenda) Jones; Darlene Lalonde and Gary (Donna) Jones of Waterford. Survived also by many nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place and arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Funeral Services in Ridgeway.  Private family interment will be held at a later time.  Sam hated to see people hungry and homeless. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local food bank, SPCA or charity of your choice.  
We wish to express our great appreciation to Sam's doctors, the late Dr. Henry, Dr. Sharma, Dr. Scher and Dr. Ordinario, for all their support. Special appreciation also to the Remedys RX team on Garrison for their guidance. Extra special appreciation to the Stay-at-Home Nursing PSW's that have been an absolute Godsend to us: Mel, Pia, Jane, Saheed, Adeyinka, Morrison, Steve, Kate, Mallory, Mandy, Izzy, BobbieSue and many others. We couldn't have made it through these years without them. Also thanks to nurses Cheryl Cartright and Jackie for their care. A special thank you is also extended to our wonderful neighbours, who helped pick him up so many times and to his loyal friends who gave of themselves to cheer him up with their devoted visits: Johnny and Amy Opatovsky with Charlee, Tom and Sharon Mountain, Larry Williams, Al and Norley Emond, Marilyn Noel, Verge DeCaire, Linda Wolbert, Enzo and Mikki Petrella, Leo and Mel D'Agostino, Paul and MJ Fletcher, Terry and Edith Brown and his brother Mike. Loving thanks also to Bob and Sharon Paterak, Ed VanOsch, Zoltan and Kenny and his niece Sally for their visits. Heartfelt thanks to everyone for their kindness of flowers, cards, food, visits and phone calls. Sending huge hugs to everyone.  
For the last while, in his dreams, Sam had been so very busy building a second garage. We watched him work day by day with his hands hammering away as he shouted out his instructions to his old pals. We believe that he has been rejoined with them and his rowdy buddies Wally, Frank and Bolzy. We're sure that they finally needed that garage to store those old cars and dune buggies in and called on him to finally join them for the final ride. We can only imagine the ruckus that they're all causing in heaven now! Have fun guys!    
Sam believed in God and his favourite line from a song: "Heaven doesn't always wait for only those who congregate"! Rest in peace darling! We will miss and love you forever!