Douglas William Harry Smith
June 16, 1949 to September 1, 2023
Obituary
Douglas William Harry Smith died peacefully at home in St. John’s, NL with his close family by his side. Predeceased by brother Bob Smith, parents Bert and Helen (Eaton) Smith, other Smith and Eaton relatives, extended family members, and dear friends. Leaving with fond and loving memories are Doug’s wife, Rebecca Roome; son and daughter-in-law, Jeremy Smith and Cyra Belbin; sister, Jan Smith; uncle Alistair Eaton; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Hamlyn and Sue Roome (Peter Fontaine); brothers-in-law Graham Roome (Sue Emberley) and Peter Roome (Judy); nieces and nephews Hayley, Alex (Diandra Buttazzoni), and Lauren (Pat Tweddell) Smith; David (Jess Campbell), Becky (Marcus Beaubier), Robin, Colin, and Stuart Fontaine; Brian (Marissa) and Megan Roome; Matthew and Pascale Roome; great-nephews Lucas and Quinn Fontaine; great-niece Sarah Roome, and other relatives and treasured friends.
Thank you to caring family and friends, to Dr. A. Drover, Dr. J. Siddiqui, Dr. C. McIsaac, Dr. B. Doulton, Community Health Nurse Ian Lilly, the pharmacy team at Shoppers Drug Mart Churchill Square, and to physicians, nurses, pharmacists, technicians, and other health care professionals at the Cancer Centre, Palliative Care Program, and elsewhere.
Visitation at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Wednesday, September 6th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. There will be a family celebration of Doug’s life at a later date. No flowers by request. The family would appreciate donations in Doug’s memory to Stella’s Circle (stellascircle.ca) or to a charity of your choice.
The final words go to Doug, as was so often the case.
“I have no words to express my love for Rebecca who, miraculously, put up with me for all these years, and for our wonderful son and daughter-in-law, Jeremy and Cyra. You all made my life a joy.
I have been extraordinarily lucky in knowing so many marvelous people. Many are a part of my relatively large extended family. Others became family, friends, and colleagues, and such an integral part of life that I cannot imagine what it would have been like without you. I will not try to name you all, there are simply too many of you and your generosity has been boundless.
It’s been a grand ride, occasionally bumpy and sometimes perilous, but always interesting and usually fun. And that’s because of those who let me into their lives and who became part of mine.”
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on September 6, 2023
7-9 p.m. on September 6, 2023
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
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Becky, just reading of Doug’s passing, and want to extend my sincere sympathy to you, Jeremy, and his wife, Cyra.
Sincerely,
Glenda Wilkins
Hi Becky,
So sorry for your loss. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to you and your family at this time. Cherish those memories.
Becky, Jeremy, Cyra, & family: I just learned of Doug’s passing; my heartfelt condolences. Doug was a well-liked, remarkable public servant who took on challenging tasks with professionalism & diplomacy – that was Doug in all aspects! At each encounter he always found time to ask about my personal life and to share a funny anecdote he knew would bring a smile/laughter. He was a true gentleman. For a short time I resided next to his parents and when Doug was visiting we’d have great chats over the garden fence. He was a wonderful & caring son. I hope the good memories you shared will bring some comfort to you during this sad time. Rest in Peace, Doug.
I had the good fortune to work collaboratively with Doug during his time with Intergovernmental Affairs. His thoughtful, collegial and respectful approach, interspersed with his fabulous sense of humour, always made it a pleasure to work with him. I came to know him as a kind, caring and gentle person, and I extend my sincere and heartfelt condolences to his family.
Becky,
My sincere condolences to you and your family. My thoughts are with you. Let your happy memories help you through this difficult time.
Jan, Becky and family
Don and I were saddened to hear of Doug’s passing. Deepest condolences to all.
Becky,
My condolences to you and your family. Doug was such a wonderful person, always ready for a good conversation. Take good care.
Becky and family, please accept my condolences on Doug’s passing. May memories of happy times together bring you comfort. Thinking of you at this difficult time.
Becky, my sincere condolences on Doug’s passing I
.I always found him friendly and willing to take the time for a brief chat as you both strolled around Kents Pond. .A real gentleman
Our deepest condolences to the Smith and Roome families and friends as we all mourn the passing of Doug ,
Becky, so sorry to hear about your loss. Ever the true gentleman, Doug approached everything with a reasoned calmness that made everyone around him feel better. He will be missed! Our thoughts and prayers are with you …. stay strong.
Condolences to Becky and family and friends. Doug was a great colleague and had a big impact on my career and on the province during his time with NLFM and subsequently with the Province. More important, he was always a gentlemen: generous, gracious, and thoughtful. Even when we were dealing with colleagues who were not very collegial, he always took the high road, kept his sense of humour, and kept his eye on the ball. Always a pleasure to work with, to chat with and socialize with when the work was done. He’ll be missed, but he won’t be forgotten.
So sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. Please know that….. “Death leaves a void that nobody can heal, but love leaves a memory that no one can steal.”
Becky, I am very sorry to hear about Doug. My heartfelt condolences to you and your son and family.
Becky and Family,
Sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. My sincere condolences.
Doug had a great collection of anecdotes that often ended with a pearl of wisdom. At least, that’s how I will remember him.
We first met in a course on English Romantic poetry… maybe the English courses sparked his talent.
However that was the year of the student strike.. maybe 1972… that seemed to put an end to all lectures. Se we never got much beyond William Blake before it all ended…. which may have been a mercy.
…a long time ago.
Dear Becky,
You and Doug were among the first people that I got to know when I first moved to St. John’s from the Mainland, back in the early 1980s. You and I both worked at MUN’s Extension Service at the time, and it’s through you that I got to meet Doug. Meeting you two was an important event in my life and I greatly appreciated spending time with you both. I was very fortunate to work with Doug in a professional capacity when I moved to the provincial government and he was at the Federation of Municipalities. Nobody made me laugh quite like Doug; his take on life was funny and profound. While I haven’t seen you two in a few years, you were always in my thoughts, and now more than ever. If the measure of a person is the positive impact he or she has had on the lives others, Doug was a great man indeed. Mary Win and I send you, Jeremy and the entire family our most sincere condolence.
To the Smith family thinging of you all at with the passing of Doug.
Jamie Eaton
Becky, I am so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. Condolences to you, Jeremy and family.
Becky & Family:
I was very sad to learn of Doug’s death and I extend my condolences to you, Jeremy and family. I will remember him for his gentle, cheerful and unflappable nature in all circumstances, no matter how challenging – a colleague to be relied upon and a pleasure to know. I wish you all comfort and much strength as you mourn his loss. I am glad to have known him and worked with him.
Becky
Thinking of you and your family at this sad time.
Dear Becky, sending sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of your dear husband. Clearly, he loved you and his family and friends fiercely! Please know I am thinking about you.
Cheryl Mallard
To Becky and family
I am so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. I knew Doug through work and for a long time before that. We went to the same school and his brother Bob was in my class. Doug was such a great fellow. Please accept my sincere condolences.
Keith Noel
Becky, I am so sorry to hear about your husband’s passing. I know this must be a great loss for you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tish
Becky and Family,
My heartfelt sympathy to you on the passing of Doug, such a warm, and wonderful man. I was always struck by his easy-going friendliness, and his smart and insightful humour, that made every conversation with him an enjoyable one. He was a great leader and collaborator in the public service. He will be missed by all those who worked with him. I am sorry that I will be out of the province on Wednesday, and will be unable to attend the visitation. My condolences to you at this difficult time.
Becky,Jeremy and Cyra
Thinking of you all as you miss Doug, but treasure the legacy he has left you with. Such love , respect and integrity lives on….as does his indomitable spirit.
Take Care.
Dear Rebecca and family,
The loss of our dear Douglas profoundly saddens us. We remember him as a kind and caring neighbor and friend. His warm smile, soft voice, and kind heart made our integration and adjustment in St. John’s easier. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. May you find strength in the cherished memories you shared and the love that will always endure. Douglas’s legacy of kindness and friendship will forever live in our hearts. Please accept our heartfelt condolences, and know that we are here to support you in any way we can. We send you love, comfort, and strength as you navigate this grief journey.
Cham & Jaime
Houston, TX, US
Becky, I’m so very sorry to learn that your beloved co-conspirator in life has just passed away. Please accept my condolences on your loss. Doug was indeed a fine man. Godspeed.
Sheilagh Malone
To Jan and family,
Sincere condolences to you and your extended family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.. Cherish all the great memories of family as you move through this time of loss.. Be strong..
Paul Thompson
Dear Becky, Jeremy, Jan, and family,
Our heartfelt condolences over Doug’s passing. He lived a wonderful life and fought a good fight.
I hope he has joined Bob and my Dad in ‘cheating at pick up sticks’ 😉
Sending lot of love, cousin Sue, Robert, Sean, Mark, Sarah, and Rachel xoxo.
Becky and Family
Janet and I were saddened to learn of Doug’s passing. Doug was a highly respected public servant who served the province with distinction and compassion. Our condolences to you and your family.
David and Janet Vardy
I have great memories of Doug from our working life and after . He was one great person. My sincere condolences to Becky and all his and herfamily. From Bonnie and Ray.
So sorry, Bec
Rebecca and family, we are very sorry to learn of Doug’s passing. I remember some good times in the early days, but as with all of us “the moving finger writes …’. We send our sincere condolences.
Dear Becky,
So sorry to learn about Doug. I knew him fairly well some years ago and, although I haven’t seen him much during recent years, I always remember him as a fine, upstanding person and community leader.
Jeannie (who has recently moved to :Pleasant View Towers) joins me in wishing you and your family our condolences.
Becky & Family, So sorry to read of your husband’s passing. May special memories bring you comfort as you grieve Doug’s passing and celebrate his life. Hugs Geri (Butland) Doherty
Becky , family and friends. So sorry to learn of Doug’s passing. May you find comfort in loving memories.
Becky I’m so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time.
Becky, Jeremy, and Cyra
Thinking of you all at this most difficult of times. Always enjoyed chatting with Doug at the various Belbin family events & occasions. Cherish the memories, especially the ones that generate a smile!
Sending heartfelt condolences on the passing of a wonderful and thoughtful man. May he rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing to all.
Rebecca and family;
Please accept my condolences to each of you at this difficult time. I had the genuine pleasure of working with Doug while he was Assistant Deputy Minister of Intergovetnmental Affairs. A very bright and considerate man, I genuinely enjoyed our many conversations beyond the scope of our work. He was a truly memorable person and I share in the mourning of his passing.
Becky, I am so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. He was a wonderful public partner for several of my research projects as you know. I was always so grateful for his input and generous sharing of his lived experience. He was a real pleasure to work with. (as are you). My thoughts and prayers are with you and all Doug’s family and friends. .
Holly Etchegary
I was so sorry to see this today.. I had the privilege of many heartfelt conversations with Doug. He dealt with his illness with such grace and even humor, proving he was going to beat it as long as he possibly could. He met difficult conversations with ease, always making it comfortable to talk about the tough stuff. His love and pride in his relationship with Rebecca and Jeremy was always evident. Doug taught me lessons about living that I will never forget.
Thinking you his family at this time.
Becky and family,
Sincerest condolences on Doug’s passing. Such a marvelous person, great wit and a friend to all.. May the memories of your life together sustain you at this time and onward.
Gary and Ann Dart
Becky
I am deeply sorry to hear about Doug.. Few could match his optimism and kindness or his love of life.
Becky, and family:
We are so sorry to hear this news. He was our friend and we will miss his wry, mischievous smile. We hope the wonderful memories you all must have will help you through this difficult time. We send our love to you all.
We are so very sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. A wonderful man has moved on to another sphere. Currently travelling in Wales and England so won’t be able to visit at Carnell’s. Our deepest sympathies. John Abbott and Colleen Hanrahan.
Becky,
Very sad to read of Doug’s passing. He was such a wonderful man. While I know the next while will be very difficult lean on those dear to you for comfort and know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Christine & Will Sharpe
Upper Island Cove
Becky
Sincere condolences to all on the passing of your husband. Take comfort from your beautiful memories and keep him close in your heart
Becky, I’m so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Oh Becky, our hearts our heavy, the journey so precious throughout your treasured years. Doug championed all that crossed his path. Much love and strength to you.
Rebecca and family,
Very sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. our memories go back over 40 years to younger days . we all have travelled our own paths and Doug’s touched ours once in a while. Life was better when we all got together. rest in Peace , old son.
Becky, my thoughts are with you. Sounds like Doug lived a rich life with you by his side.
Rebecca, and family
My thoughts and prayers go out to you. I really enjoyed working with Doug. He made work life easy, just by being who he was. A genuine and sincere individual who earned the respect of many. He will be missed.
Thomasine
Well done,
Always a treasure, both on and off the perch.
I follow albeit more slowly.
Peace be with us all.