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John Smedley
December 28, 1963 - January 25, 2017
Tribute
It is with profound sorrow and shock that we announce the unexpected passing of Jack Smedley. Jack was born in Toronto, Ontario, and spent many happy years there. He attended the Toronto Waldorf School for 14 years, forging many strong friendships, and creating many great memories. After graduating from high school he attended Trent University in Peterborough Ontario, earning a degree in business administration, and meeting his ex wife and mother of his dear daughter Shaelagh.
Eager to spread his wings, and with the encouragement of his cousins and the support of his aunts and uncles, he made the big move west to Calgary. However, with the exception of the birth of his daughter, things just didn't work out that well, and he was never able to feel at home in Calgary. Then, in the fall of 2015, he suffered a major fall, and injured his back severely. He was no longer able to work. In the spring of last year, Jack made the decision to move to Vancouver Island to start a new life for himself and help his parents in Duncan. His daughter joined him a few months later. He loved Vancouver Island. Being by the ocean, the warmer climate and the quieter life suited him just fine. He and Shaelagh had great plans to finally find a nice place to live, and get their lives back on track.
Jack was kind, fun loving, had a quirky sense of humour, and always made friends wherever he went. Thanks to Facebook he was able to reconnect with so many of them over the last years, and as can be seen in the many comments and words of condolences, he was well loved. He was also able to connect with many of his relatives in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, United States and Canada.
Jack is survived by his parents Eric and Irene Smedley, his sister Elaine (“Sister”), his niece and nephew Rhianon and Evan, and his brother in-law Todd. We will all miss him immensely, but especially his 19 year old daughter, his pride and joy, the love of his life and best friend.
Condolences
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From: H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre Staff
H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: kirk goodwin
Relation: worked with Jack
Dear John,
I cannot believe you left us so soon. Our lives seemed so hectic and in dealing with that you always asked me ” are you whipped” to which I would respond in laughter “always” !! That was our go to question and answer. I will also never forget asking you one December a couple years ago what your New Years resolution was going to be, and in that calm comical voice you said ” to work more”, I laughed for days after that.
we also laughed, cried and prayed for Resverlogix stock to come in but rest assured we will meet again my friend to toast our victory.
RIP John I will miss you dearly
your friend always,
Kirk
From: Alison Akert
Relation: close friends
My dearest Jack…. you will be missed by many! I know I will miss your care and concern and your funny sense of humour. I am still so saddened and shocked by your passing. You have remained by my side as a close friend and we often shared much when it came to my son Justin and your daughter Shaelagh… I will miss those conversations. You were taken from this earth far to young, but the best always are! Perhaps we will not have that walk on the beach on this earth, but if heaven has a beach… we will one day take that walk! Until we meet again my friend 🙂 xo.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of Jack’s family.
From: Robert Cole
Relation: Friend
From all Jack’s friends at Trent University. While it has been a long time since we have seen Jack, many of us were able to connect with him via Facebook and share some good laughs and talk about old times together. We are all deeply saddened and shocked by Jacks untimely passing. Jack’s memory will not die with us, as he will fondly be remembered as a wise man with a great sense of humor who was liked by many. Our heartfelt condolences to his family, and friends and especially his daughter Shaelagh. May he rest in peace.
From: Pamela Anne Johnston
Relation: A Trent U. Buddy
J is for Jack, such a jovial guy at Trent U.
A is for absolutely a friend always to be remembered
C is for what a character…great sense of humour
K is for the kindness in your soul
Deepest sympathy to dear Shaelagh & family.
With love & light, Pam
From: Rob Barghout
Relation: Friends since childhood
I was stunned to hear of Jack’s passing.
I have memories of playing together on Thursday afternoons as our moms were at TWS teacher’s meetings.
I’m glad we reconnected on FB. I loved your sense of humour; I’ll miss you.
All the best to all of you.
From: Anne & Peter Smedley
Relation: Cousins in UK
We met Jack and Shaelagh for only a few hours, several years ago in Calgary. Jack immediately came over as good fun, friendly and kind. One of those people you take to straight away. Shaelagh was full of life and an interesting character.
Since we have kept in contact with Jack on Facebook where he shared his contempt for the bad and joy of the good in the world today, To us Jack championed all the great things we know of Canada.
Although we are many miles away our thoughts and love are with you all. We will miss you Jack. Anne & Peter Smedley UK xxx
From: David and John Capel
Relation: Cousins
Sincere condolences from David and John Capel. Rest in peace Jack.
From: Kerrilea Underwood
Relation: Friend - Highschool
My dear friend, Jack. On this day of celebration, I am so thankful for having had you as a friend and classmate. I will always remember your fun-loving spirit and boyish grin. We spent a lot of our teenage years listening to music together. It gives me comfort now to revisit some of those songs I haven’t heard in so long. That’s how I will celebrate today, here in your home town. May your family find comfort in happy memories and may your daughter always know of your devotion and love.
Until we meet again, I’ll leave you with these lyrics from one of our favourite ELO songs:
“Remember the good old 1980s?
When things were so uncomplicated?
I wish I could go back there again
And everything could be the same”
Rest in peace, old buddy.
Xoxox Kerrilea
From: Christine Arnet
Relation: Classmate and friend from childhood to high school
Jack had the greatest sense of humour, from early childhood on. I was happy in recent years, to rekindle a friendship that began in kindergarten almost 1/2 a century ago. There are many teenaged memories of spending time with Jack, many of them involving wearing sunglasses and looking cool! When he moved to the west coast, I was grateful to be able to connect with him, spend some time with him and appreciated him so much for his friendship. My deepest condolences go out to his family and all the people who loved him, but especially to his daughter. Every time Jack mentioned his daughter his face lit up, and his whole being smiled. He was very, very proud of her. Rest in Peace dear friend. May you journey free and in Light, wherever the next adventure takes you. You will be sorely missed, and never forgotten.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
February 7, 2017
Beginning at 11:00am
Location:
HW Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre
5285 Polkey road
Duncan, BC Canada
5285 Polkey road
Duncan, BC Canada
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