Reginald “Red” Smith, born April 2,1940, age 85 of Reserve Mines passed away peacefully at the VG Hospital on Monday, December 29, 2025 with the love and support of his family by his side.

Red was the son of Edward (Larry) and Catherine Frances (Gallant) Smith.

He lived almost his entire life in Reserve Mines on his beloved Cape Breton Island. During the past nine months he enjoyed living in Halifax with his daughter Nancy, son-in-law Jim and his furry friend, Larry.

At a dance at Holy Cross, he met his future wife, Barbara “Bobby” McIntyre.  This began the story of Ma and Da who went on to build the foundation of a family, raising their five children, his greatest joy. Red valued his family more than anything and will always be remembered for his deep love and devotion to them.   He took immense pride in watching his children grow and live full meaningful lives as a true reflection of the man he was. His role as a grandfather and great-grandfather was one he embraced fully with patience, warmth and endless heart, whether it was sharing stories or simply spending time with them.

Before starting his family, Red worked as a taxi driver. He loved sharing stories from passengers he met along the way into his last days, stories that reflected his sharp memory, humor, and genuine interest in people.

As a young man, he went to trade school and studied carpentry.  This became his lifelong career that supported his family.   Red had a sharp mathematical mind which served him well as a carpenter, and he carried that love of numbers into everyday life. Whether following sports statistics, keeping track of grocery prices, or staying up to date with the weather, he always stayed on top of things.

A lifelong baseball fan, Red especially loved the Toronto Blue Jays and had hoped to see them win the World Series once more. Though they did not take the title, he was happy they beat the Yankees.

Known for his infectious chuckle and warm presence, Red leaves behind many cherished memories for those who knew him. He will be deeply missed especially for his habit of gently strolling with his hands behind his back singing “Tiny Bubbles” a simple joy that brought smiles to those around him.

Although he battled both heart disease and cancer, he did so with remarkable courage, strength, and humor. Even through difficult times, he met life with resilience and a quick wit that never left him. He always said “What’s life without laughing”.

He will be lovingly remembered by his daughter Nancy (Jim MacLean); his sons Reggie and Joey (Tracey Rohrback); his best friend and son-in-law Graham Fequet, his eight grandchildren; Chiara, Tara, Courtney, Matthew, Jarret, Lauren, Devon and Ryan.  He is also survived by his six great-grandchildren, Khloe, Austin, Rory, Nora, Madeline and Sullen, and his sister Diane (Don) McNeil, and brothers Joe and Frank and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Red was predeceased by his wife Barbara “Bobby” and his daughters, Barbara and Donna.  He was also predeceased by his brothers, Willie, Jack, George, Manny and Wayne and sisters in law, Sarah and Joan and niece Tanya.

Special thanks to his family doctor Dr. Walaa Moamer; Keith Warren (TAVI Clinic), Shanna Foster, and the entire cardiac team at the Heart Function Clinic, Dr. Andrea Kokorovic and the entire urology team of doctors and nurses and Michael his palliative care nurse for all of his guidance.

Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. followed by a reception, all taking place in V.J. McGillivray Funeral Home, 16 Reserve Street, Glace Bay. Rev. Dan Boudreau officiating. Interment in St. Joseph’s Cemetery at a later date.

On-line condolences to the family can be expressed at: www.vjmcgillivray.ca

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the palliative care unit or a charity of choice.