Alexander J. Smith
November 18, 1942 to November 30, 2021
Obituary
Alexander J. Smith, a retired Construction Estimator and Entrepreneur, died unexpectedly at 8:40 pm on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at St. Clare’s Mercy Hospital in St. John’s, Newfoundland at the age of 79.
Alex is survived by his children Dwayne Smith and Gillian McPhail. He is predeceased by his Wife Loretta Smith (Cantwell); his mother and father, Bride and Jim Smith; his brother Ken Smith; his nephew Michael Smith; and his brother Ronnie Smith (18 mo.).
Left to mourn are Alex extended family, sister Elaine Smith; sister Geraldine O’Dea, sister Mary Williams, sister Helen Foley, brother Gerard Smith, brother Fred Smith, brother Leo Smith, and brother Thomas Smith.
Alex was a committed husband and devoted father to his children, and a loving grandfather to his three beautiful grandchildren, Gretchen, Callum, and Bridget. He was an ardent fly fisherman, an avid hiker, and a passionate gardener. His admirable property and magnificent gardens were the stars in his crown. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.
Special thanks must be given to local Paramedics and the exemplary surgeons and medical staff at St. Clare’s Hospital who spared no effort to save our father’s life.
A memorial gathering will be held at Alex’s home in Mount Pearl, by both invitation and drop-in, at a time to be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers or donations, Alex’s children welcome any gifts of flower seeds, plants, or shrubs to be planted in his honor come springtime.
To the Smith and Cantwell families, very sorry for your loss. He was a great man.
I will always remember Alex for his kindness when my father passed away.
To Alex ‘s family , and all the extended Smith families , We are sending our sincerest condolences from Nova Scotia , to the Rock and hope that you all find strength and support , and are surrounded bu your nice large family during this difficult, sad time. . We didn’t get to know Alec well ,but do know that he was a kind ,gentle man that was well loved by you all . We are savers of seeds and love digging in the dirt and being outside ,and we will plant some flowers in the spring and think of Alec and you all. Love from the mainland : Jenny and all the Murphy’s .
Sending our condolences to the Smith Family. I’ve known Alex for the last thirty years and I had the pleasure of listening to a few of his great stories..
He was just a very nice man. Rest In Peace 🙏
Sorry to hear of Alex’s passing. Alex started me off with my bookkeeping business 33 years ago. He bought me my first computer. He will be missed by John and myself. Sending our condolences to Dwayne, Gillian and the Smith family.
Sorry to hear of Alex’s passing. I have known Alex for quite a number of years having to deal with him on many construction projects. He was a very honest man and a quite capable man. May God bless him and his family members.
My deepest condolences to all members of Alex’s family and his friends. He was such a sincere kind man. Will always have fond memories of him.
The Smith Family
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Alex. I first met him while working on Bowrings in 1964. Alex was one of the few people that you meet in life that can only be described as a good person. I never shared his passion for hunting but his stories and tales of woe were always entertaining.
Shocked to learn of Alex’s passing. Condolences to all the family at this most difficult time. Glad I got to see him several times over the past few years. I will cherish my memories of Alex as a friend and classmate growing up in Freshwater.. You will be in my thoughts and prayers .
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your husband Alex.
Alex was a childhood friend. We went to school together
and shared many childhood memories growing up on the “Old settlement hill” in Freshwater. Memories I will always cherish.
God Bless his family, and may Alex rest in peace.
So very, very sorry to hear of Alex’s passing. He was a close friend when we lived in Freshwater. He’ll be in my prayers. Again my condolences..
To the Smith family this message comes from friends from the beginning of Alec’s career. at NECCO .He was working as a surveyor when we needed help in the office to help with the estimating —— and as the story goes it was all uphill from there . We were also part of Alec and Loretta’s wedding at the Marian chapel and a drink or two with them back at Torbay . Indeed many fond and funny memories of the ten to fifteen years we worked together .our thoughts are with you .
Lloyd and Jean Cooke
So surreal and hard to accept. Coworker, great friend, great mentor , just simply a great person. The chats , the talks, the advice , the catching up I will surely miss. Alec used to say to me ; Danny as Kenny Rogers used to say “you got to know when to hold em and when to fold em “! People of his character are very rare . Alec I was very fortunate to have you in my life for many years . God bless dear friend , I will think about you often at the estimating table 😢.
Sincere condolences to all the family and anyone who knew Alec.
Danny Coffey
Dwayne, Gillian, and Family. So sorry to hear of Alex’s passing.I stayed with Alex and Lorreta for a couple nights while in university many years ago.RIP IN PEACE.
Dwayne, Gillian and the Smith Family. It was with great sadness we heard of Alex’s passing. Being next door neighbours, cousins, and friends of all the family was a high point in life in Freshwater. Lots of fun and adventure for sure. So rest in peace, Alex….. from the little red headed guy you used to call Fox. AKA Eddie Smith.
To the Smith Family, my thoughts and prayers on the passing of Alex. I had the pleasure of working with Alex for a number of years, he was a friend and a mentor, he was a gentleman. He will certainly be missed. Rest in Peace Alex.
Dwayne and Gillian,
Going to miss the salmon fishing and rabbit hunting stories at Little Ridge. Going to miss the scoffs in the country. Going to miss the parties in the rec-room. He could make wonderful things want to grow out of the ground. Alex was a good man with grand outlook on life. Great memories. Our heartfelt condolences to you and your families.
Doug and Kathryn Sellars
Jill, Gretchen, Callum & Bridget,
I was heartbroken to hear of the sudden passing of your Dad and grandfather. He was a lovely and kind man who love you all so much. Sending you all my deepest sympathies and prayers during this time.
Sending all my love,
Nadine, Geoff, Matthew and Jack
Dwayne and Gillian; I was so sorry to hear of your father`s passing. I have fond memories of you all when you were both very young. You had great parents who loved you both dearly. Hold on to your memories, and may they help you get through the days ahead. God Bless.
My Sincere Condolences to Alex’s Family and Friends at this sad time ,My Thoughts and Prayers are with You all
Dwane,and Gillian,
I was very saddened to hear of your Dad,s sudden passing. He and your Mom were neighbors and friends several years ago. I admired very much his wonderful green thumb..s. Take comfort in your memories.
Brenda Cooper
Dearest Jill, Gretchen, Callum & Bridget,
So very sad to hear of your father’s and grandfather’s sudden passing. Know we are thinking of you all during. this time, sending you good thoughts , with our heartfelt sympathies. Your father was a kind soul and he will be deeply missed.
Lots of hugs to you all,
Sonya, Logan, Zoe, Doretta & Ern.
My condolences to Alex family and friends.Worked under him on a few projects and always had a great laugh and smile .Much respect to him over those years .Rest easy Alex.
My sincere condolences to the Smith Family. Alex was a wonderful family friend for many years and will be greatly missed.
He was an exceptional conversationalist and always had a pleasant demeanour. He loved talking about plants and construction. He was genuinely interested in other’s lives. I will miss chatting with him.
To Mr. Smith’s family,
We were so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He was a business associate and friend who will be dearly missed. His energy was infectious. Please know our thoughts are with you.
Lisa Badcock and Staff of Trico Limited
To all the Smith Family.
Very sorry to hear of Alex’s passing. Best wishes for you all. Celebrate with your memories of him.
Con and Elaine Dunphy
Paradise, NL