John Duncan Smith

He graduated from Wolfville High School at age 16 and then started working for the Royal Bank of Canada in Kentville and Stellarton, NS. He was later transferred to Ontario by the Royal Bank and worked at various locations in southern Ontario; his final position with the bank took him to the Bay St. branch in Toronto. He enrolled at York University and completed Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in geography while working full time at the bank. He married Carol Flett in 1968 in Toronto and moved back to Nova Scotia with her in 1972, living initially in Avonport, where their two children Gillian and Kelda were born, and later in Halifax. Having originally taken a position with the Nova Scotia Department of Development, he later worked for 20 years at the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, and retired in 1998 from the position of Director of Policy and Program Planning with the department.

A devoted husband and father, he was often described as a perfect gentleman. He was much loved and respected by those who knew him. He was an avid golfer and a long-time member of Ashburn Golf Club. Also a keen skier, he was a very active person and walked 14 kilometers every day for many years into his retirement. His deep love of the natural world and in particular of Nova Scotia’s natural beauty was a fundamental part of his life. An avid reader with a lifelong love of learning and knowledge, he was also noted for his wry sense of humour. He was a devoted lifelong fan of the Montréal Canadiens.

He was predeceased by wife Carol and sister Donna.

He is survived by daughters Gillian (Costa) and Kelda (Roger), Halifax; brothers Wendell (Lydia) Smith, Edmonton; Stephen (Lisa) McHattie, Puslinch, ON; Sidney Smith, Halifax; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 11th at 2 pm at the Old Ashburn Golf Club, 3250 Joseph Howe Drive, Halifax. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Nova Scotia Nature Trust. Burial in Fairview Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to J.A. Snow Funeral Home. To leave an on-line condolence, please visit www.jasnowfuneralhome.com