Obituary of John 'Jack' Bryan Smith, New Waterford

It is with heavy hearts that we, the family, announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, John ‘Jack’ Bryan Smith on August 19, 2018 at New Waterford Consolidated Hospital at the age of 73.  

Jack was born on May 11, 1945 to proud parents John & Mary (Copan) Smith.

For over 25 years, Jack worked underground as a coal miner in #12 Colliery and Lingan mine providing for his family. He spent much of his younger years playing baseball with the Hi-Fi Hawks, and his ability to pitch a ball was like no other. This ability won him two Nova Scotia championship titles in 1975 and 1976, followed by an induction into the New Waterford Sports Hall of Fame. His pitching arm not only won many ball games but also won the attention of his loving wife, Charlene.  Jack loved spending time with his family and was always the life of the party. Many weekends he could be found camping in Ben Eoin with his daughters, or at The Heather playing pool. In later years, Monday was bowling night with his team “Don’t Matter” (as Jack so cleverly named them). More recently, he spent his mornings having breakfast at Mickey D’s enjoying the conversations more than anything else. His family and friends meant everything to him. He would always light up at the mention of his grandkids and a phone call or visit from them was his favorite. Saturday nights were always reserved for “The Boys”.  Watching hockey with Rocky & Glen in the barn was the highlight of his week. Whether the Leafs were winning or losing he was just happy to be out there with his buddies.

Surviving are his loving wife of 36 years, Charlene MacLeod; his loving daughters, Carmella Smith and Kim (Eddie) McCarthy; his stepson, Nick (Jaclyn) MacLeod; his beautiful grandchildren, Ashley (Adam), Crystal (J.D.), Bryan (Allison), Brittney (Travis), Jamie (Chris), Hannah, Rhiley, Lukas, and Taylor; his precious great-grandchildren, Matheson, Halle, Ophelia and Levon; his sister, Sadie (Dave) MacLean;  his brothers, Alex, Henry (Melita), Ronnie, George (Cathy), and Glenn (Evelyn); sister-in-law, Anna Smith; mother-in-law, Tootsie MacLeod; also left to mourn are many nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.

Jack was predeceased by his parents John and Mary (Copan) Smith; brother, Douglas; sister-in-law, Ruth Smith; father-in-law, Charlie MacLeod and two brothers, Krystal and John Francis, in infancy.

A special thank you to the amazing nursing staff and doctors on the second floor at the New Waterford Hospital for their care and compassion during our difficult last few days.

There will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place under the care and direction of V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, New Waterford. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 23, 2018 at 2 p.m. in Calvin United Church, New Waterford, with Rev. Duncan Roach officiating.  A luncheon will follow in St. Leonard's Hall, Convent Street. Donations can be made in his name to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Cancer Patient Care Fund at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.  Thank you to V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home for their professionalism during this difficult time. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca.