Robert Allan "Al" Smith

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Robert Allan (Al) Smith, who passed away peacefully at Hospice Huntsville on June 18, 2025, at the age of 87, following a courageous two-year battle with lung cancer and heart disease.

Al lived a full and joyful life, surrounded by the love of family and friends. He is deeply missed by his beloved wife of 63 years, Marilyn, and their sons, Doug (Jane) and Glen (Suzanne). He cherished his five grandchildren (Lucy, Mack, Claire, Liam, Esme) and one great-granddaughter (Maeve), as well as many nieces and nephews. Al was predeceased by his four sisters (Jean, Beverly, Shirley, Joanne) and one brother (Harry).

Straight out of high school, Al landed his dream job at AVRO Canada, working in the engineering department drafting parts for the iconic Avro Arrow aircraft—until the project was unexpectedly shut down. He then followed in his father’s footsteps and built a fulfilling career with the Toronto Fire Department (TFD), serving for over 16 years. An injury sustained in the line of duty led to his retirement.

Following their friends and a shared dream of living in Muskoka, Al and Marilyn, along with their sons, moved from Toronto in 1979 and opened Smith’s Marina on Mary Lake, proudly serving boaters for 19 years.

Travel was always a passion, and Al and Marilyn explored much of the world—visiting every continent except Antarctica. Among their favorite destinations were the Orient and Bali.

A highlight of their adventures was completing the 7,000-mile Great Loop aboard their cruiser, Siris. As members of the American Great Loop Cruisers Association, they lived aboard for 18 months, traveling from Lake Simcoe to Key West and back via the inland waterways.

He considered himself truly blessed to have made so many wonderful friends throughout his life—a life well lived. A thank you to our adopted family, the Lovegroves, enduring friendship, love, and unwavering support.

Heartfelt thanks to the dedicated medical teams at Huntsville District Memorial Hospital, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie, Southlake Health in Newmarket and Hospice Huntsville for their compassionate care and support during his final journey.

We warmly invite friends and family to join us for a Celebration of Life honouring Al on June 28, 2025, at the Huntsville Summit Centre from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. At 3:30 PM, we encourage you to share your stories and cherished memories of Al.

Donations to Hospice Huntsville would be sincerely appreciated.