Obituary of Ricky Smith

Ricky Smith, age 60 of Dominion, passed away peacefully with his family and friends by his side on Friday, January, 6, 2017 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital (Palliative Care Unit), Sydney. Born in Germany, he was the son of the late George and Rose (MacDonald) Smith. Ricky was employed with Devco for over 24 years as an industrial electrician. He worked out west after Devco closed; but then got hired on at Highland Fisheries where he applied his electrical trade and abilities until he took ill. At the fish plant Ricky was always known as the guy who supplied candy, bars and pastries. His locker was always open and everyone knew they were welcome to take what they pleased. Ricky had a great sense of humor and was always known for his practical jokes. He was always there to lend a helping hand, never looking for anything in return. He loved spending time with his wife, Mae in Port Hood where they went for the past 15 years. Mae will be left with wonderful memories from their, "Island" where they spent many weekends canoeing and camping to their own little island on Lingan Bay. Many kids in the neighborhood will remember Ricky as the man who taught them to swim in his pool. He barbecued hot dogs and hamburgers for the kids and spend many a Saturday nights in the summer entertaining. Bonfires were also another Saturday night speciality where many a conversations were held; particularly with his best friend, Matt MacPherson. Ricky was a true Maple Leaf and Boston Red Sox fan. Many heated debates took place over the better teams. He also played on various hockey, baseball and dart teams. Ricky was an original member of the Dominion Community Hawks since 1987. He was valued for his abilities as an electrician and contributed his skills every year to the Hawks Club; especially during Seaside Days. Ricky is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 39 years, Mae (Gouthro) Smith, three daughters, Jillian (Ricky), Leigh (Darren), Shannon, his cat, Trixie, two brothers, George (Gloria), Gerald (Brenda), eight sisters, Barbara, Lorna (Frank), Wendy (Tommy), Fran (Fred), Tisha (Brian), Cindy (Greg), Susan (Patrick), Janice (Steve), grandson, Xander, many nieces, nephews, mother in law, Jeanette Gouthro and his best friend, Matt MacPherson. He loved more than anything his 3 girls and his grandson and best bud, Xander who affectionally referred to him as, "Grumpa." Besides his parents, Ricky was predeceased by his sister, Ellen Lorraine in infancy, niece, Vicky in infancy, nephew, Christopher and his father in law, "Wick" Gouthro. The amount of love and affection shown to Ricky over the past 7 weeks was incredible. It was a great sense of comfort for Mae and the girls to receive all his friends and family and listen to the stories of their beloved and respected father and husband. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 2-4, 7-9 p.m. in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve Street, Glace Bay. The funeral mass, officiated by Fr. Dan Boudreau is Wednesday at 11 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, Bridgeport followed by a reception in the church hall. Interment in St. James Cemetery, Gardiner Mines. On line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca Donations in Ricky’s memory may be made to Cape Breton Regional Hospital (Palliative Care Unit) or the Dominion Community Hawks Club. Those we love don’t go away They walk beside us everyday Unseen, unheard But always near.