Robert Smyth

SMYTH, Robert (Bob) Dunlop
1 RCHA (retired)
Korea Medal with M-i-D
01 February 1927 – 29 May 2015

Son of the late Robert Lawrence & Annette Dunlop. Predeceased by his sisters Sheila (Warman), and Gwynneth (Hill), and by his brother, Richard (Dick) Smyth. Loving and beloved husband, partner and best friend for 63 years of the late Lilias (nee Scott) of Ayrshire, Scotland. Much loved father of Heather, Susan, Jennifer and Scott & Judy (Giesler). Devoted Papa of Christina and Robin. Brother-in-law of Marian (Coles). Fond uncle to the Warman and Hill families and the Coles family. Godfather of Rob Warman. Cousin of the Champion family. Friend to many in Canada, the UK, and Australia.

Unexpectedly, while visiting family in London. Dad passed away as calmly as he had lived. He enjoyed a life-long pleasure in returning to the city of his birth and youth, Quebec, but it was in Halifax, where he studied Science and Engineering at Dalhousie University, that he met the love of his life, his “lovely lady”, Lilias. Mum and Dad fell in love on their first date and were quickly engaged to be married -although it took time to convince family and friends they were serious, having made the announcement on April 1st. Shortly after their wedding, Dad was deployed to Korea (’52-’53) where he was proud to serve with 1 RCHA as an artillery officer. Hill 355 was never forgotten. Following his return, Dad and Mum spent the next 27 years on postings to the UK and in Canada. Mum counted more than 20 moves during Dad’s career. As an army family, our education and lives were enhanced by the opportunities and adventures we experienced and the friendships made. Following his retirement from DND Dad embarked on a second career with the National Research Council before permanently retiring in Ottawa in 1994. Dad and Mum, hand-in-hand as always, greatly enjoyed their retirement, spending time with friends and family on both sides of the Atlantic, travelling across Canada and around the world. They were especially happy in the company of their two beloved granddaughters. Mum passed away last July, having been lovingly cared for by Dad, in sickness as in health. Dad bravely soldiered on until May 29th when, after a short illness, he reached out to hold Mum’s hand again.

Dad was a kind, generous, caring, selfless, hospitable and sociable gentleman, who lived life with appreciation, gratitude and a sense of humour. The son of one of the first women to attend Macdonald College, Montreal, his daughters have always given Dad credit for teaching us, from a young age, to be strong, independent women, and he took great pleasure in seeing his granddaughters as well following their dreams. Dad was so pleased that his son is the third generation not only to enjoy, but to excel at sailing, and to live his own and Dad’s (unrealized) dream of obtaining a pilot’s licence. Dad has surely now “…slipped the surly bonds of earth…”

Dad was, and the family remains, grateful for the excellent care he received at University Hospital, University of Western Ontario. We thank all who helped Dad, the paramedics, the ER staff, Team 1 of Internal Medicine, the nursing staff, personal support workers, technicians, porters and environmental support. Special thanks to RNs Lisa G., Jennifer P., and Lynda, and to Doctors N. Chavez Johnston and S. Tatzel.

A private, family service has taken place at the National Military Cemetery, Beechwood.

If you wish to make a donation in Dad’s memory, you might consider: The Perley Rideau Foundation, The War Amps of Canada, the Canadian Red Cross, the CHEO Foundation.