Obituary of Graham Norrad Smith

It is with the deep sadness we announce the passing of Graham Norrad Smith of Moncton, NB, formerly of Paradise, NS, on April 18, 2018 in Moncton. He was born on April 30, 1929, in French Lake, NB a place that always remained dear to him. Graham was a devoted husband to Betty (predeceased in 2012) for fifty-seven years, living in a number of locations in Nova Scotia including Harmony, Paradise and later Rumsey Lake. He was an amazing father to his four children, Heather Hemming (George Walford - Port Williams, NS), Deborah Smith (James O’Hagan - Moncton, NB), Derrick Smith (Paytra Schurmann - French Lake, NB), Scott Smith (Carleton Place, ON), and was much loved by his nine grandchildren, Matthew, Deborah, William, Alexander, Sonya, Blake, Blaise, Joshua and Maya and four great granddaughters, Lilia, Alexa, Sadie and Rosalie. He is further survived by his special niece, Pam Noble, and many other extended family members. Graham was the last surviving member of his immediate Smith family, which included his parents, Frank and Daisy Smith and brothers, Gerald, Charles, Malcolm and Murray. Graham lived a full and wonderful life. His entrepreneurial spirit availed him of many opportunities. One of his early jobs working for the CPR enabled him to meet Betty the daughter of the foreman Hartley Moore. He joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1952 serving first in the Navy followed by the Air Force. Highlights during his 21 year career were numerous including a trip through the Panama Canal, attending the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II as part of the Royal Naval Fleet Review aboard HMCS Magnificent, and spending some very cold months with a posting in Churchill, MB. In the early 1970s, while still serving in the Air Force, he and Betty literally set up shop in Paradise where they co-owned and operated the Paradise General Store. Graham then began a career in real estate, eventually owning and operating Graham Smith Real Estate, retiring in 1995. He was an active community member in Paradise and beyond. He loved politics at all levels and particularly enjoyed his years serving as an elected Municipal Councillor in Annapolis County. He was also active in the Paradise United Baptist Church serving in a number of capacities including Chairman of the Board of Deacons. He was a member of the Order of Good Cheer, the Bridgetown Lions Club, the Order of the Eastern Star, the Freemasons and the Royal Canadian Legion. In later years, a highlight was the time he and Betty spent at Gulfview Mobile Home Park in Florida where they had many close friends. For the last three years, he lived at the Briarlea where he was very appreciative of the care and support the staff provided. Throughout his almost 89 years on this earth Graham had a great passion for life and an appreciation of all things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small. He loved a walk in the woods, fishing in a babbling brook, exploring new places, gardening and tending to the multitude of hummingbirds that loved to visit the gardens he and Betty created over the years. Graham was a warm, generous, hard-working and fun-loving man whose optimism, infectious sense of humour, and love of family will continue to inspire those who knew him. Graham brought so much love and laughter to the lives of all who knew him. He will be greatly missed. Visitation will be held at the Oromocto Funeral Home on Sunday, April 29, 2018 from 2:00-5:00 pm. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, April 30, 2018 at French Lake United Baptist Church in French Lake, NB, with Rev. Paul Thompson officiating. Private interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Graham’s memory may be made to the French Lake United Baptist Church or a charity of your choice.