Royden Coupland Smith

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our father and Gampy, Royden Coupland Smith, age 90 of Thunder Bay.  He passed away peacefully on June 2, 2016 at St. Joseph’s Hospice with his children by his side.

Roy was born in Fort William on May 2, 1926. He attended Fort William Collegiate Institute where he made many lifelong friends. Roy then left Fort William for McMaster University in Hamilton with his best friend Lloyd Rollerson, where he graduated with an Honours Degree in Chemistry and Physics. Dad always said these were some of the best times in his life.

Roy then moved back to Fort William and was employed with Abitibi Provincial Papers for thirty nine years, where he was the Superintendent of the pulp, sulphite and groundwood mills.

Here he made many lifelong friends. Dad then met and married the love of his life, Ann Elizabeth McDougall, and they had three children who were so proud of their father. Dad retired in 1988 and he and Mom then spent most of their treasured time at camp at Two Island Lake with family and friends and travelled to many special places. 

Dad had a passion for gardening and flowers, and kept the camp looking beautiful. Dad was a very thoughtful, compassionate, loving husband, father and friend who will be truly missed by all. Family was always everything to Dad, he had the biggest heart and was always thinking of others before himself. Dad was truly grateful to have had two brother-in-laws (Peter and Paul McDougall) who were the brothers her never had, especially Peter who he spent lots of time with. 

Dad was a long-time volunteer of Mission to Seafarers, Port Arthur Rotary, Meals on Wheels, Salvation Army, and the Cancer Society. He was involved with St. John’s Anglican Church which was very important to him.  In his early years he loved to fish, fly fishing especially. He also helped his father build the family camp at Loon Lake, something that he was very proud of. Dad really liked golfing, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, and got all three children involved during their youth.

Later in life, Dad took up curling and joined the league at the Thunder Bay Country Club. Most important to him was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his loving wife Ann in 2007, his father Jack in 1965, and his mother Hilda in 1986. He will be sadly, and forever missed by his daughters Adriann (Rick), Margot (Emil), son Mark (Patty), his 4 grandchildren Colin, Kaylee, Steven, and Abbey.

Special thanks to everyone who assisted with dads care at St. Joseph’s Hospital, 2 South and the Hospice.  Your care and compassion was above and beyond

A celebration of Roy’s life will be held on Tuesday, June 7th, 2016 at 10:30 am at St. John the Evangelist Anglican Church, 226 Pearl Street with Rev. Canon Dr. George Porter officiating.  If friends so desire, donations may be made to St. Johns Anglican Church, the Northern Cardiac Fund or the charity of your choice would be appreciated. 

Online condolences may be made at www.sargentandson.com.