1939 – 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert Leonard Smith on June 8, 2026.
Bob passed away peacefully after a courageous three-month battle with various health
challenges at St. Mary’s Hospital.
Bob will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Shirley; his children, Kathy (Ed), Debbie, and
Stephen; his siblings, Marion (Al), Don (Hyun-Mi), and Merrill (Gina); and his sister-in-law, Jill
(Cameron). He also leaves behind his dear friends, Don McEwen, Ron Patterson, Marsha
Gouett, the Four Men For Lunch club and his cherished fellow parishioners at St. Stephen’s
Anglican Church.
Born at home on George V Avenue in Lachine to Robert Smith and Eileen Leonard, Bob’s
lifelong devotion to St. Stephen’s Church began at just eight years old alongside his maternal
grandparents. He remained a pillar of the church community throughout his life, a dedication
honored in 2011 when he received the Bishop’s Award from the Diocese of Montreal.
Bob met the love of his life and future Reverend, Shirley Elmslie, in the 10th grade. Married in
1962, they were just days away from celebrating their 64th wedding anniversary. Bob shared his
passion for the outdoors with his wife and children, encouraging countless adventures in
cycling, swimming, and cross-country skiing. His legacy is filled with memories of family
camping trips, days at the cottage, and annual bike rides to Lake MacDonald with his son and
friends. He cherished his many cousins, nieces and nephews and he enjoyed large family
gatherings with both the Smith and McAskill clans. He fondly remembered his many travels to
Bermuda with Shirley to visit lifelong friends Terry and Barbara Huntington.
Bob’s impactful teaching career began in 1961. Adored by students and colleagues alike, he
brought vibrant energy to his schools by organizing ski trips, coaching basketball, and hosting
early-morning air hockey games in his classroom.
Our family is profoundly grateful for the exceptional care Bob received at St. Mary’s Hospital.
Bob himself was appreciative of the good care he received. He engaged pleasantly with the
staff, maintained good spirits, and even commented that he felt “pampered.” In lieu of flowers,
donations in Bob’ s memory may be made to the St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation (3830
Lacombe Ave., Suite 1510, Montreal, QC, H3T 1M5) or St. Stephen’s Anglican Church (25 12th
Ave., Lachine, QC, H8S 1B2).
Visitation will be held on July 4th, 2026 from 10 am to 12 pm at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church
25 12th Ave., Lachine, QC, H8S 1B2. A service will follow at 12 pm, after which there will be a reception.
RÉSIDENCE FUNÉRAIRE J.J. CARDINAL FUNERAL HOME
2125, rue Notre-Dame, Lachine (Québec) H8S 2G5
Tél. : 514-639-1511 | Téléc. : 514-639-1516 | Courriel : service@jjcardinal.ca
3 Comments
I knew Bob for a long
Time. I was brought up in the Catholic Church, resurrection. But my mother and all my aunts and uncles were Anglicans. They also had a strong commitment to St. Syephen’s. In fact my first name is Stehen. Condolences to Shirley and all the family. May he rest in peace
My sympathies to the family..
Dear Shirley and Family
Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers go to you. Bob was such a special person who loved St Stephen’s Church and always found ways to keep everyone connected through his newsletter. He will be missed. May he rest in peace.and rise in glory.
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