Obituary of Barrie Smith

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Barrie Frank Smith on July 28, 2024 with his wife and daughter at his side. Barrie was born on Oct 25, 1950 in Halifax, NS. He was son to the late Don and Joan Smith, who raised him in the town from which he’d never stray too far: Spryfield. He was a loving husband for 45 years to his wife Cathy; a tireless father to his daughter Mandy (and her husband Matt); a dependable brother to Paul and Bill (and sister-in-law Betty), and a legendary grandfather to Kaitlyn and Grayson. Barrie’s most enduring trait was his penchant for being helpful. Anyone who crossed his path that needed anything, got it. He was a man who loved a good winter storm so he could bust out his snow blower and ensure his neighbours were cleared out in record time. He was an unsung maintainer of lawns. He could fix most things, build most things, bake you muffins, slip you a twenty-dollar bill, and walk your dog–sometimes all in the same day. And for these services, you never needed to ask. Few are blessed to have as many friends as Barrie did. Not everyone was fortunate enough to run with the “Bucket Boys” who used the long-gone Spryfield KFC as a homebase. Whether during his time working as a lineman for MT&T and Bell, or from all the hours spent watching the Mooseheads with other season ticket holders–if Barrie crossed your path, you got to know him well. And that’s to say nothing of the people he met while cruising Maritime highways on his Kawasaki Vulcan or those he met when sailing around the world with his close friends and family. He had a gift for gab that made everyone feel seen, welcomed, and cared for. He truly enjoyed his time in this world and lived his life to the fullest. He expressed himself by making jokes, sharing memories, telling stories and revealing trade secrets, such as which diners were the best. He shared his humour and wisdom until his last breath. We would like to send our deepest thanks to Nurse Iona for providing warmth and comfort to us during his final hours. Barrie’s cremation has already taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.