Robert Smith passed away peacefully on August 5, 2026, with his wife and children by his side. Robert was a devoted, loving husband to his wife Ann and a loving and devoted dad to his children Marian, Andrew (Tracy) and Elizabeth (Nicky). Robert loved his grandchildren Philip, Emma, Matthew, Chloe and Abbie with his whole heart.

Born in West Auckland, England Robert had a life-long career as a Marine Mechanical Engineer, beginning as an apprentice at Doxford Engine Works in Sunderland. Upon completing his apprenticeship Robert went to sea with the British East India Company as an engineer. In 1965 Robert returned to life on land and took a position with Doxford once more in the drawing office.

In 1966 Robert married Ann Softly and continued studying for his Higher National Certificate which he completed in 1968. Their first child, Marian, arrived in 1967. Robert worked on a contract in Vickers shipyard in Montreal for 6 months in 1969. When he returned to England, Wallsend shipyard in the drawing office. Son Andrew was born in 1971. In 1972 Robert took a position as Lead Draughtsman for James Brown and Hamer in Durban, South Africa. Elizabeth, third child for Robert and Ann, was born in South Africa. The family lived in Durban for eight years and returned to England in December 1980.

Early in 1981 Robert went to Canada to open an office for Krupp Mak. The family followed in June 1981 and took Canadian citizenship eight years later. Robert worked as a senior engineer for Krupp Mak and worked in shipbuilding, ship repair as well as engine commissioning, most notably the Louis St. Laurent, which was the largest icebreaker in Canada when it re-entered service in 1993.

Shipbuilding took Robert all over Canada from the East Coast to the West Coast, all points on the Welland Canal, and even the Arctic Ocean. Robert also spent time working in Texas, Massachusetts, Maine, Peru, Chile, and Ecuador and countless other ports.

In 2005, after many years of difficulty with movement Rob was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, which meant he had to retire from the job he loved. In keeping with his character, he met the challenge of Parkinson's Disease with quiet courage, resilience and determination. Robert joined exercise groups in his effort to keep moving, took holidays in Portugal, Holland, Ireland, England and Victoria, British Columbia, and Newfoundland. In 2024 Parkinson's caught up, and Robert had to take to a wheelchair, and eventually developed Parkinson's related dementia. Every day Rob stood up and got out of bed just to be part of family life.

Robert will always be remembered for his dry sense of humour, his keen mastery of darts and dominoes, and his encyclopedic knowledge of history, geography, and old movies.

Apart from great love for his family Robert loved babies, ice cream, chocolate and bird watching.

Robert’s family would like to especially thank the marvelous nurses and personal support workers who cared for him over the years. Their kindness and grace is much appreciated.

Robert's family are so grateful to him for all he did for them; he leaves them with amazing memories of a well-loved dad and grandad, and their gratitude will last for ever.

Family flowers only. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Parkinson's Canada Super Walk Team Robert

Passion for Parkinsons Passion for Parkinson's – Foundation

The Hospital for Sick Children Ways to Donate | SickKids Foundation

or the charity of your choice.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday August 18, 2026 at the Kopriva Taylor Community Funeral Home, 64 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville at 11:00 am with a reception to follow in the Kopriva Lounge.