Douglas Smith

Douglas James Smith

Douglas “Doug” James Smith passed away on 18 March 2023 at the age of 81.  He was at home, surrounded by family.  Born in Toronto February 4, 1942 to James and Marguerite Smith, Doug is survived by his wife of 26 years Janet, his daughter Heather and son Greg, his two step-children, Allan and Katherine, six grandchildren and 2 sisters, Susan and Nancy.

A well-known dentist in the Ottawa area, Dr Douglas Smith graduated from the University of Toronto in 1970.  He spent 36 years in private practice in Ottawa, always staying current with the latest in dentistry and serving his patients faithfully.  After he left private practice Doug started to really enjoy his hobbies, but it wasn’t long before he was practicing at the Civic Hospital Dental Clinic, treating the neediest patients.  He continued in that capacity until his mid-70’s.

Doug was one of the original members of the Bytown Dental Study Club, was a member and served on the executive of the Ottawa Dental Society and was a councillor for the Ontario Dental Association. He also served in various capacities with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons.

A long-time fixture in the Ottawa Dental Community, he is sorely missed by his colleagues and patients.

Doug had a passion for adventure. He loved flying and had been behind the stick from a young age.  He owned a Cessna and Piper Comanche before moving on to float planes eventually owning a Taylorcraft and subsequently a Piper Clipper.  In addition to flying Doug loved sports, particularly windsurfing and skiing.  Doug and Janet windsurfed in Cape Hatteras so much they almost qualified as locals!  Skiing with his family was also a passion of Doug’s and one of his favourite moments was qualifying for a free lift pass in the French Alps because he was over 75!

Doug loved being on White Lake and one of the very last things he did was give Watersheds Canada a legacy gift to assist them in  carrying on their work, protecting shorelines, wetlands and the quality of the water of these treasures that are the lakes and waterways of this country.

Most important was Doug’s good nature and infectious humour.  He always had a good tale to tell, was quick with a quip and was rarely seen without a smile.  A master of the groaners, in the family a particularly bad jest was often referred to as a “Doug Joke”, a description that will ever live on after his passing.  It is truly for these qualities that he will be missed by all of his family and friends.