Tribute

John Alan Smith, 88, formerly of Meredith, NH, passed away January 26, 2016, at the Cowichan District Hospital in Duncan, B.C., on Vancouver Island, Canada. He was born on Staten Island, NY, October 27, 1927, to the late Norman Stanley, Sr. and Lyda M. (Martyn) Smith. As a child his family moved to East Chelmsford, MA. At the age of 18 he enlisted with the 15th Airforce Division. In his early years, John worked as a baker at the Yum Yum Shop then later as a supervisor at the Wannalancit Textile Mill in Lowell, MA. In 1968 he moved his family to Meredith, NH, where he worked as a supervisor at the Amatex Corporation for nearly 25 years before retiring in 1992.

John loved his family and was a wonderful provider for them. He was an active participant in many a homework project for his four children. If anyone had a need, he was there to help. He enjoyed nature, wildlife and the outdoors, especially animals like black bears and his beloved pet raccoon, Freddy. He spent many afternoons exploring the woods of N.H., tracing the past through old foundations and stone walls. He was a history buff who loved reading books and watching documentaries on the subject, WWII in particular, as well as visiting museums. Cooking and inventing new recipes were among his many talents, in addition to an affinity for woodworking and home renovation projects, including cabinet making and masonry. Over his lifetime, he built three of his own homes and rebuilt/renovated many others for his children. He saw a challenge as an opportunity to make himself better. His final years were spent on Vancouver Island where he savored walks by the ocean and long, scenic drives with family.

John is predeceased by his elder brother, Ens. Norman S. Smith, Jr. and survived by his younger brother Robert F. Smith and Robert’s wife Miriam of Gilford, NH. He leaves behind four children: Deborah Wareing and her husband John of Belmont; Cheryl Vargas DeTurk and her husband Tom of New Hampton; Stephen Smith and his wife Linda of Rochester; and Kathleen Smith-Hichkad and her husband Ajay of Vancouver Island, Canada.

He had nine grandchildren: Chuck Wareing of Lebanon, OH, Daniel Wareing of Oldsmar, FL, Michael Wareing of Grass Valley, CA, Rosa Vargas Macias of Port Arthur, TX, Eleanor Vargas Stanford of Jacksonville, FL, John Vargas of Englewood, FL, and Stephen, Brianna and Dylan Smith of Rochester; eight great-grandchildren: Charlie, Connor, Chloe and Cooper Wareing, Sofia and Ava Wareing, Isabella and Gabriella Macias, and Brianna Vargas. He also leaves behind his dearest cousin Roberta Neizer and many nieces and nephews.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at a future date to be announced on this website.