 First intersected at Saint John High School in the early 1950s.
-Next, interacted briefly in Fredericton and Bathurst, NB., where John, as NB Chief Geologist, assisted me, a UNB-attending summer student working in Bathurst, in 1958.
- From a chance meeting in Vancouver, BC, John, as Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy in Nova Scotia,  was instrumental in my move to accept the position of NS Director of Mineral Development, in 1979.
- Served under John’s tenure as  Deputy Minister in Halifax and as Chairman of NOVACO coal authority in Sydney, NS,  1979-1983. 

John Smith , as a mentor and treasured friend, was a major influence in the shaping of my career in mining.  Upon both leaving government service, we kept in touch periodically as we both pursued new career paths.  I think of him with great affection, often.

I remember my Uncle John as the uncle who was always energetic, upbeat and pleasant.  Always happy to see you and interested in what ever you were doing. He will be missed.

John R.I.P.  We members of the Anglican Cathedral in Halifax, who were engaged in a variety of Christian studies , are so grateful for John's constant willingness to debate and to encourage matters of Faith and Reason.
Kent Doe
Cathedral Church of All  Saints

My deepest condolences to the family. I was so sorry to learn of John's passing. He had been a geological colleague of my father, Rusty Evans, but I knew him best at the time of the last illness  and death of my mother, Diana, of whom John was very fond. He presided at her funeral and spoke so beautifully about her.  His words were a great comfort to the family. A lovely man of whom I saw too little after that time. 

We are sorry to learn of your loss. We were married by your father in St. Marks shortly after he arrived there June 1989. He was a kind and gentle man with a great sense of humor. Your family will be in or thoughts and prayers.

Victor and I remember John fondly for his support of the Cursillo Movement and for his friendship. He was always so engaging and his ready smile made us all feel comfortable in his presence. Rest In Peace dear soul.

Sending my deepest to condolences to Gregg and John's two sons and their families. I always appreciated John's warmth, his intellect and inspired preaching. He will be sincerely missed by the whole Cathedral family. 

Denise Smith 

I would like to send my condolence to John's family so sorry  for your loss


To all the family, 
We were sorry to learn of John's passing. John was always interested in our Church's ministry in the Wirral area and we appreciated his support.  We especially enjoyed his update letters we received at Christmas time. 
Praying for God's  comfort, strength and peace to sustain you.
Congregation of the Wirral Baptist Church

To All The Family:    We were sadden to learn of "John's" passing.  We appreciated that John remembered his friends in Wirral.  We    always enjoyed receiving John's annual Christmas letter updating us concerning his family, activities and travels with Greg.
Praying that God's love will comfort you at this time.  Don & Sylvia 

My sincerest condolences to Greg, Michael, and Andrew.



To Michael, Andrew, Greg and family
                   
Marina and I were saddened to learn of John's passing.  He and his travel partner Greg visited us last October.  He was in good spirits, looking forward to trips planned for the forthcoming winter.  

I have known John for many years.   I was grateful when he hired me to work with the New Brunswick Department of Mines in 1964.  Time with John was always rewarding, whether it was in the bush, the office, social gatherings, or on business trips across Canada.  He was a great guy to work with, and I was honoured to be asked to assume his responsibilities when he left to go work in Nova Scotia.  

John was a good friend, not only to me, but to my children as well. 

Our deepest sympathies and condolences to you all.

Richard and Marina Potter

Dear Greg ,
We are saddened to learn of your loss.You are in our thoughts and prayers.
With love,
Amy and Brent 

John and I both grew up in Wirral, attended elementary school and shared many times  together as country boys do. He was my inspiration to pursue a career in geology  and I spent several summers working  in the Bathurst area with John as my supervisor. During my time in graduate school John gave me  summer employment  with the Mines Department to assure my success. He was a great mentor and a friend. Rest in Peace. 

I remember John with great fondness! I worked with him as a newly ordained priest at the Cathedral back in 1998-99 and always appreciated his gentle, encouraging nature. I have many wonderful memories of sharing ministry together. May he rest in peace and rise with Christ in glory.

Greg, Michael and Andrew. We were saddened to learn of John’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with  you, family and friends. There are so many memories that will sustain us all.. He will be missed . May God bless you all.  Ferne and family. 

I will miss John; sterling man and priest.
Heartfelt condolences to Greg and all of those John touched.

Dear Greg, Michael, Andrew and Families,
It was with sincere sadness that I read of John's passing.  He was my first "boss" when I was employed with the Mines Branch in 1961 in Fredericton, NB.  He was so much more than a boss - he was a wise mentor and a good friend and we spent many pleasurable times together with our respective families.  His life took on new challenges and he was successful with all he undertook.  May God Bless Him and those he leaves behind.    

Greg, we are so sorry to learn of John’s death.  He accomplished many things in his life and will be missed by a great number of people but especially by you and his family.  We are certainly thinking of you and send our love.  You are in our prayers..Claude and Sharon 

I can merely echo Jack Garnett's comments and add that John hired me in 1962 as a first year UNB student for a summer job mapping geology for the NB Mines Branch with his compatriot and friend Bob Jones, also from Wirral as party chief. The second summer started with John as party chief while we awaited Bob's return from his graduate studies. Both he and Bob were excellent mentors and have been long standing friends. With sincere condolences to John's family and partner Greg.

His family, friends and associates can be very proud of the dedicated service he accomplished over the two  full careers he excelled at in one lifetime; initially in the Canadian mining industry, and then in his total commitment to the church and its ministry.

My very dear Greg, I was very saddened by your loss. Miss you! Look after yourself. Faith 

I knew John as a member of NS department of Mines in ‘70s and ‘80s. A thoughtful well informed mentor  for a young man  starting in the minerals industries. 
My condolences to his family; may God bless you all in your time of great loss .

Greg;
With sadness we have just read of Johns passing. Our deepest condolences from us and friends here in Florida where we are currently visiting.
Gerald Breau and Charles Brown, Cambridge-Narrows NB

Sincerest sympathy to Greg, Michael and Andrew and families on the death of your, partner, dad and grandfather. I know he was proud of each of you and you brought much joy to his life. 
John's obituary is a wonderful tribute to a long life well lived. Cousin John and I lived houses apart in my growing up years , but we have rarely lived in the same province as adults. Our roots in Wirral and our shared birthday have kept us in regular touch. John touched many lives and will live on in fond memories.

Very sorry to hear of the passing of John and condolences from both of us. Currently away from Halifax but will try to be at the funeral on Monday.

Dear Greg, Andrew & Michael & all your family -

My sincere condolences for your loss.  I feel very blessed to have met and known John.  I smile at the memories we made during all those Dinner Theatres at Emmanuel.  Take comfort in all the wonderful times you all had with John.  I'll keep you in my prayers and thoughts.

Love Cécile Leverman

I knew John when he was in Port Dufferin, kept in touch Christmas time, He was a great man so sad to hear of his passing RIP John

Very sad to hear of Uncle John's passing. I remember his great smile and that he was always interested in what you were doing. I don't ever recall seeing him angry. Just an all-around great guy. He will be deeply missed. 

I've always said I auditioned as a guitar player for the Anglican Church.  That's where I met John, who I accompanied at contemporary eucharists on Wednesday nights.  The man was an angel to me, lighting my path, and bringing me hope. He will never be forgotten.  Rest in peace, and rise in glory, dear friend.


Uncle John.  Memories. Always Smiling. Bright eyes. Guitar player. Proud Canadian.  Challenger.  Outwardly Focused. Inwardly at Peace. Brother to Dot. Caring Son and Father.  Family Connector.  You will be deeply missed. May Christ be your Song for Eternity.

John and I were contemporaries at the Atlantic school of theology, and ordained transitional deacons on the same day. John has always been thoughtful and considerate, and I have appreciated our priestly journey together. May he rest in peace, and be remembered with joy.

My deepest condolences to Greg, Michael, Andy and their families, other family members and Uncle John's many, many friends.  Although our paths had not crossed for decades since we lived on opposite sides of the continent, I have some treasured memories as a young girl when our two families would be in Wirral at the same time.  Rest in God's peace Uncle John. 


Condolences to all the family. I will miss his smiling face every sunday. He taught me I am loved, and I can not repay that. Blessings.

Such a kind, friendly man. I always liked John.

I first met John when I was a theological student and preached in his four point rural parish. John provided me with a master class in priestly professionalism that day. I firmly believe that his passion, his humour, and his no nonsense attitude served  as building blocks for my own formation. John was an original. I will miss him.  The church will miss him.

I am so very sorry  to hear of Uncle John’s passing.  I remember him as a fun loving, happy man.  He loved a good conversation and to share family memories.  Although it didn’t happen too often as the years have passed, it was always a delight to hear him and Mom reminisce.  May he rest in the peace of Christ.

Our deepest sympathy to all of Johns family and friends , he was our valued colleague for so many years and a fine priest. 
Blessings 
Rev John Ferguson 
Rev Carolyn Tomlin 

OBITUARY

John Cropper Smith

1 April, 1932 – 22 January, 2020

JA Snow Funeral Home

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