David Smith Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son, father, brother, uncle, colleague, and dear friend. David died peacefully on Saturday, February 17, 2024, after battling ALS. He was surrounded by his loving family and friends at Zwicker Lake, Hants County, NS.
Born in Campbellton, NB and raised in Windsor NS, he attended Windsor Regional High School and Dalhousie University.
David’s career took him to Alberta where he found his calling as a Union Representative for UFCW Local 401, putting his many skills to the test. His passion for issues that mattered—from labour advocacy, workers’ rights and social justice—was undeniable. David carried with him a profound understanding of the struggles and injustices faced by working-class families. His favorite motto “Speak truth to power” was the foundation of his career and life.
David was a mentor, trusted friend and a source of unwavering support for many. His unique blend of compassion, empathy, and determination left an indelible mark on all who knew him. His legacy will endure through the lives he touched—in the labor movement, among his friends, and within his family. His absence will be deeply felt by all who crossed paths with him.
David is survived by his two children, daughter Kelly Smith (Mike) Calgary, AB, Tyler Wiltsey, Virden, MB, his parents, Edmund and Ada Smith, The Crossing, sisters Tanya (Kevin) Copeland, Bermuda, Kyla (Jason) McInnis, Fall River, brother Josh (Skylar) Smith Challand, Brooklyn, NY, nephews Ben, Nate, Matty Copeland; Sam McInnis; Carlos and Austin Smith Challand; Niece Amelia McInnis and by David’s girlfriend Jacqui Codrington, Calgary, AB.
David wanted to express his gratitude to those who cared for him and showed him love during his illness.
In David’s own words: I have had an adventurous and interesting 55 years. I’ve worked or traveled through every province and territory in the whole country, from Whitehorse in the Yukon, to Newfoundland off the East Coast. I’ve traveled from California, to New York, visited over 20 of the 50 United States, and the Caribbean. I’ve climbed and skied in the Rocky Mountains, swam and sailed in the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean, jumped out of planes, and (sometimes ill advisedly) off of bridges. I’ve kissed many beautiful women. I’ve had a career that allowed me to live life mainly on my own terms. I got to help people who needed it, and was lucky enough that I got paid to do that. I even ran for public office. I’ve been blessed with two beautiful children who took the best of me and threw away the worst. Take away the early days of boozing, and I could have done so much more, but “C’est la vie.”
Calgary, AB. Memorial will not include a formal service. Those wishing to attend can drop in to pay respects to family and friends and share stories of their memories of David
Calgary Memorial
Thursday, February 29, 2024 at 3-6pm
UFCW Canada Local 401, 46 Hopewell Way N.E., Calgary
In lieu of flowers, David requests that you show an unsolicited act of kindness for someone less fortunate, and/or donate to your local ALS society. Tributes and memories can be shared at www.eastcoastmemorial.ca
