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.