Daniel "Dan" Frederick ((Gordon) Smith
Passed 01/11/2020
Obituary For Daniel "Dan" Frederick ((Gordon) Smith
Daniel Frederick (Gordon) Smith “Dan”
It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Dan Smith, of West Chezzetcook, on January 11, 2020. Born in Sydney, NS on October 25, 1951, Dan was the son of the late Irene (MacEachern) Smith and Fred Gordon. He was the cherished husband of Shirley Smith (Robinson) for 45 years. Together, they shared a special bond in love and music and used their strong Christian faith working as peacemakers and mediators to support many.
Their home was always open to friends, family and anyone who needed a hug, a warm meal or a place to stay. He was known for his gentle nature and non-judgemental spirit which enabled him to connect to people of all walks of life. Dan and Shirley had a heart for prison ministry and brought love and understanding to all they met. He was a talented composer and musician and blessed many with his guitar and beautiful voice over the years. You could always count on Dan to bring his guitar along and fill any room with music and joy. With his friend Sheldon, they established the duo “Smith and Chant”, writing many songs together and performing countless times, producing two albums. Dan was an active member in many churches over the years and brought his music to congregations as a worship leader.
As a boy, he spent his formative years at the family businesses in Sydney, the Esplanade Grill and the Silver Rail. He never lost his Cape Breton roots which were evident in his music and warm, welcoming personality. If you met Dan, he never forgot you and you could consider yourself a friend for life. He was a confidant, role model and listening ear to many over the years.
Growing up, Dan was a member of the Sydney Police Boys Club which had a strong impact on his life. This is where he found his love of music, beginning as a drummer. Moving to Owen Sound, Ontario as a young man, he established a branch of the Boys Club there. When he and Shirley moved to Nova Scotia he introduced The Boys and Girls Club to the Halifax area as well and became Director. Later, he used his entrepreneurial spirit and established his own business, Boomerang’s Fun and Games. Dan was also very involved with concert promotions over the years and worked with local artists in the recording industry. He later translated these skills and became a successful Marketing Director with Melaleuca.
Dan was a remarkable Husband, Father, Grandfather and Uncle. He is survived by his loving wife Shirley, sons Daniel (Lori), Chris (Liane) and Josh (Bex) all of whom he loved and supported unconditionally. He was an exceptional Grandpa to Jackson, Leah and Elijah whom he adored and who adored him. Dan also had a special relationship with John Tanner (Kelly) who was like a son to him. Also surviving are his mother-in-law Patricia Robinson, siblings John and Rose-Marie, special cousins Nick, Angie, Spiro, Athena, Ken, Ron, Bob and Sharon; Shirley’s siblings Cathy (Glen), John, Frances (Mike), Bernice (Al), Robert (Laura), Scott (Rachel) brother-in-law Darrell and many, many nieces and nephews. There are also countless others who consider Dan an honorary grandfather and role model. Dan was predeceased by his mother Irene, father Fred, father-in-law Russell J. (Jack) Robinson, sister-in-law Marie, nephew Dylan, and niece Carra.
A Celebration of Life for Dan will be held on Saturday January 18, 1:00pm at Lake Echo Fellowship Baptist Church at 17 Peter Court, Mineville. Reception to follow. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Huntington Society of Canada at www.huntingtonsociety.ca
Condolences
-
05/24/2020
-
02/02/2020
-
01/22/2020
-
01/20/2020
-
01/20/2020
-
01/18/2020
-
01/18/2020
-
01/17/2020
-
01/17/2020
-
01/16/2020
-
01/16/2020
-
01/16/2020
-
01/16/2020
-
01/16/2020
-
01/16/2020
-
01/16/2020
-
01/16/2020
-
01/16/2020
-
01/15/2020
-
01/15/2020
-
01/15/2020
-
01/15/2020
-
01/15/2020
-
01/15/2020
-
01/15/2020
-
01/15/2020
-
01/15/2020
-
01/15/2020
-
01/15/2020
-
01/15/2020
-
01/14/2020
-
01/14/2020
-
01/14/2020
-
01/14/2020
-
01/14/2020
Useful Links
Add Your Useful Link
Contact Us to have your link and message added here.
Please fill out the form below. We will contact suitable submissions with further details.