Greg "Bird Dog" Smyth
April 23, 1966 to February 16, 2018
Obituary
Passed peacefully away at home with his family by his side.
Greg is predeceased by his father Ronald Smyth (2015) and good friend Jed Long (2015).
Leaving to mourn his soul mate and love of his life, Tamara Tilley, his loving mother Barbara Smyth, Siblings, Rob (Helen), Arlene (Glenn), Gord (Pam), Matthew (Tracey) and special Uncle Drew. Also leaving to mourn his mother and father in law; Hettie And Don Tilley, sister in law Stephanie (Shawn) and brother in law Robin. Nieces and nephews; Meghan, Amanda, Sarah, Marlee, Nathan, Joshua, Jake, Jason, Shannon, Heather, Jacob and Stephen.
Throughout his life, Greg made more than friendships. He forged lasting relationships that would extend beyond his hockey career. His toughness, sense of humor and big heart were unparalleled. He was one to have your back and fiercely loyal to everyone he met.
Greg had the respect and admiration of his team mates and opponents and those he coached and those he mentored. He won the heart of every child he met and they all loved him as much as he loved them. Greg loved life, his family and his friends. His light heartedness could often be seen in his carefully chosen attire. Never one to sugar coat anything by telling it like it was.
Bird Dogs legacy will live on through the countless stories, words of wisdom and famous one liners.
Special thanks to the staff at Dr. H. Bliss Murphy Cancer Center, nurses on 4 North A, Health Science Center, Palliative Care Team, Community Health and the outpouring of love and support from family and friends near and far.
Visitation will take place at Carnell’s Funeral Home on 329 Freshwater Road, Wednesday, February 21,
2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., and Thursday February 22, 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.
Donations in Greg’s memory can be made to: Ronald McDonald House Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter or The Children’s Wish Foundation, Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter.
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on February 21, 2018
7-9 p.m. on February 21, 2018
2-4 p.m. on February 22, 2018
7-9 p.m. on February 22, 2018
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
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With heavy hearts, our deepest sympathy to the Smyth family. Greg was an amazing and loyal friend to those who knew him. Taken far too soon. Rest in peace, friend.
Tammy and Family,
Sending thoughts and prayers to you and the family. Bird was the friendly giant. He was respected and loved by many. He will be dearly missed by all.
To the Smyth family, We are saddened to learn of Greg’s passing. Our very fond memories of the gentle giant will live on. I struggle to single out one spectacular memory from our teen years growing up together because there were so many. Our sincerest condolences, Mike LaFontaine and family.
Tammy, I am so very sorry to hear of Bird Dog’s passing. Sending thoughts, prayers and sincere condolences to you and family. Thinking of you..xo
Long May You Run Free Bird Dog……..
” Long may you run.
Although these changes
have come
With your chrome heart shining
in the sun
Long may you run.”
I learned of his passing yesterday. I knew Smitty many years ago. He was a good friend. I knew him when I worked at the Penalty Box Pub in Halifax and Derrick White was the manager and also a good friend of mine. I am so sorry for your loss, he was a great person, and a loyal friend as I am sure you know already. He will always be remembered for his kindness and friendship. Prayers and condolences.
Tammy, Bernadette Doucet aka French we are so sorry on the lost of your man honey we are thinking about you and will be praying for comfort and comfort for you and your love ones. ♥️Always thinking of you. Love your friend in London, Ontario use to live in Lewisporte, NL.
To Tammy,, Mrs. Smyth, Rob, Arlene, Gord and Matt, I have been trying to come up with some words to express the deepest of sorrow I have for all of you and I don’t think there are any. Greg was larger than life, the passion and love that he had for all of you and your families was colossal, much like his use of language when playing sports, card or just with friends. The twinkle in his eye when he knew he was about to win crib, win a bet or just when a friend walked in a room will never be forgotten. You are the closest family I have ever known. I am so sorry. Much love to all of you, I will never forget him and he will always have part of my heart, rest in peace Greg xoxo
To Tammy & the Smyth family
Very sorry to hear of Bird Dog’s passing , our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. He was a great, great buddy of Chris & his family and will be dearly missed by us all.
To Tammy and Greg’s Mom and family, Words can’t express how sorry we are for all that you have lost in Greg’s passing. We know what he meant to our son Tom and Dana and all his many friends which tells so much about the man he was. He died surrounded by love, as he lived. Your memories will sustain you. Love and peace to you all, Max and Phyllis Beckett.
Tammy, and the extended Smyth Family, I had the great pleasure of being “Bird Dogs” equipment manager in Halifax and there was never a dull moment when Greg was in the Locker Room. I had the utmost respect for this gentle giant. Thinking of all his family friends and teamates I wish I was there to pay my respects. Rest In Peace “BirdDog” Chris “Lonewolf” McQuaid
My condolences to the Smyth family
To Tammy and the Smyth family
Deepest sympathy and best wishes for the future.
Greg was good man and a fine athlete !
We are thinking and praying for you all !
From the Millar family
Barbara and Hazlett. X
My deepest condolences to the Smyth family and Greg’s wife Tammy.
Having grown up living next door to the Smyth’s and thinking a lot about Greg these past few days I cant help but think of all the times we had together as children playing countless ice hockey and road hockey games with Greg, Robert, Gord, & Mathew. Going on so many hikes & adventures and yes, even getting into some mischief together.
Although we went our separate ways in life I have never forgotten you Greg. I have always been very proud of everything that you accomplished in your life. I would often speak boastfully about you with friends.
It breaks my heart to think that you are gone and I have been filled with such a profound sadness for days now.
I love you Greg! May you Rest In Peace.
To the Smyth Family.
I only heard a few days ago that Greg was ailing. What a terrible loss of such a witty young man.
He has most definately left his mark in this world.
To all of you who loved this man my sincerest condolences.
Rest peacfully Greg .
Tammy ,and Bird dog’s family , my husband Ken had the privilege to work with Birddog.I had the privilege of meeting him too. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time . It was such a pleasure to have known him, He was truly a great man.
Tammy and family,
Still difficult to sort through Greg’s passing which has impacted so many people. He was respected and loved by many. We know how much you and family meant to Greg. Cherish the memories.
Terry and Diane Hart
I had the great fortune of playing with Bird in Halifax. We had some great times and I will always have fond memories of the big rough tuff and softy Bird Dog!
Rest easy my friend.
Our sincerest condolences to the entire Smyth family on Greg’s passing. Wishing you peace and comfort during this very difficult time.
Sincerely, Steve Tweedie and family
My deepest condolence’s to the family I played hockey with Greg, we were on the Mississauga Reps together and had some great times. Sleeping over at the Smyth house was awesome. Just last week I was looking at some old pictures of our team, Smitty was always smiling. I will always remember our time together fondly. You will be missed Big Guy
Dear Barbara, we are saddened to learn of Greg’s death and would like to extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family, he will be missed by many.
Sincerely Bob and Pat Keegan
Tammy,
Sorry to read about the passing of your loved one. May wonderful memories and the love of family and friends bring you some comfort and peace as you navigate through your loss.
Rest In Peace, Greg and my thoughts and prayers are with you, Tammy. May you always keep Greg’s memory close to your heart!
I clicked on the Maple leafs and heard that Greg passed away. I remember Greg the quiet boy from high school. We played hockey together and the summer when he was playing for the flyers he was at our house for a BBQ. My brother and I went to see the Flyers play the leafs and Greg shot the puck at the glass during the warm up giving me and my brother a big smile. My brother said to me wasn’t that the guy that was over to your house for a bbq.. Greg was humble and fun to be around. I pray that his memories will live on. Keep well my friend. Mike Brownlee, Fenwick Ontario.
So sorry to hear of Greg’s passing,my thoughts and prayers to Tammy and the family. ????
Tammy, so very sorry to learn of Greg’s passing. You, Uncle Don, Aunt Hettie and all of your family and friends are in our hearts and prayers.
Tammy , Paul and I are so saddened by the news of Birds passing . We are so blessed to have shared many good times with you especially at Noel’s on Regetta Day … I still laugh when I think of Bird wearing that Goofy hat that Noel gave him . Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family , You both have touched so many people which is a good testament to you both … Cathy (Keough) Mullett and Paul Mullett
Tammy:
So sorry to hear of the loss of your dear loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this sad time.
Kim (Sheppard), Steve and Jacob Drodge
Our sympathies and prayers are with Bird’s family and many friends today. Bird was a classic in every sense of the word and in everything he did. We wish we could be home to hear all the great tales that are being told as everyone remembers such a special man. He was truly one of a kind and he will never be forgotten by those who were fortunate enough to have met him. RIP Bird!
I was saddened to get Ray’s email this morning and learn that “Bird” had passed!!
He fought the good fight well! He was a pleasure to be with on and off the ice! It was a privilege to know him and I’ll miss him! My very sincere condolences to Tammy, all his family, and all his friends!
Bruce Peters
Dear Auntie Barbara, Robert, Arlene, Gordon, and Matthew. Our hearts were broken to hear of Greg’s passing. Even though we have all gone our separate ways, we were immediately taken back to Orr Rd., all 8 of us growing up beside each other, playing many road hockey games, skating on the rink Uncle Ronnie made, swimming in the pool, and countless other games — and Greg played in everything. It’s clear that in Greg’s short time here, he made a huge impact on many peoples lives. What a wonderful gift.
Words can’t express our sorrow just know you are in our thoughts.
With all our love and sympathies.
Bird dog was one of a kind, a legend and great to be around. He will leave us with great memories. We grew to love him as a part of the Kellys Pub family. He will be missed.
Our deepest sympathy to Tammy who we cherish and families.
Lots of love
April,Andrea,Ruby & Staff from Kellys Pub.
Smyth and Tilly Families especially Mom Barbara and soul mate Tammy
Greg was a free spirit who was just as special as he made everyone else feel.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.
Sincere sympathy,
The Stone Family and Bella
TAMMY SO SORRY TO HEAR OF GREG’S PASSING,MAY, YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS, HE CERTAINLY WAS ONE OF A KIND….MAY HIS GENTLE SOUL RIP
To Tammy & Tilley Family,
We extend our sincere condolences to you on your loss.
Charlie & Dora Beckett
Gambo
Tammy I am so sorry to hear of Gregs passing, the times I was in yours & Greg’s company were very fun times & he was a real gentleman to all. Hold on to your great memories & cherish them forever. R.I.P. Greg.
Even though I’m only 5 feet 4 inches in height Bird Dog always made me feel like I was 10 feet tall
He lifted me up with his encouragement and his respect for me as a human being
From all I’ve learned about him he lifted others up the same way
That is a powerful legacy to leave behind
Much respect Bird Dog
RIP
Damian Follett
To Tammy
So sorry to hear of Gregs passing. Hold on to your presious memories as we are sure you have many. He fought a good fight to the end and free of all the pain.. Didn’t know Grey well but from all the writings about him in the newspaper, radio and tv he was a great guy which we are sure brings you much comfort.
Love and Prayers
Humphrey & Maggie
Tammy. We are so sorry to hear of bird dogs passing. Our thoughts are with you. Gary and Cora Vinicombe
Tammy…no words to tell you how sad we are about Bird’s passing…Frank is beyond sad…he got to see him last week and is so grateful for that…Bird was a special guy…he will be truly missed by his many many friends…and he will never ever be forgotten…thinking of you at this very sad time…sending hugs…
rest in peace Bird…luv ya
frank and elizabeth xox
Tammy, I sit here trying to find the words fully knowing I will never find them. There’s nothing I can say about Bird that you already don’t know. You are definitely his true soul mate and he dearly loved you. I didn’t hang with Bird on a daily basis but when I did it was always awesome! Sincere condolences to you and all of his family, and friends! I’m surely going to miss him. Xo
So sorry Tammy, you were the love of Bird’s life and what a life it was. He lived everyday and battled hard right to the very end. My heart aches for you, the family and anybody who is affected by Bird’s passing.
Rest In Peace Bro, love you man.
Words can’t express how we feel for you and your family, Tammy. We have many, many fond memories of Bird Dog and he will be greatly missed.
Wayne, Rose and Sean Kelly XOXO
So very sorry Tammy to hear of Greg’s passing. My heart felt condlescences to you and your family. Big hugs to all. I will always remember the big BBQ in your backyard. He sure knew how to BBQ a steak!
Condolences to all his family .He was a wonderful person.RIP BIRD. Fly high with the Angels.
Sorry to hear of Greg’s passing. He was a great guy and a straight shooter. As many would say a true team player in many ways! RIP Bird!
My heart goes out to Greg’s family in this sad time. Bird was a great guy and will truly be missed. Every time we crossed paths from the rink, to the golf course and even in the hallways at the cancer center he always had a kind word and a smile. From the pictures that hang in my hallway of hauling him off someone to all the memories in my head you will never be forgot my friend. Rest In Peace big guy.