Suddenly, at his home in Exeter, on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, Gerald (Gerry) E. Smith at the age of 80. Beloved husband of Sylvia (Looker) Smith. Dear father of Wayne and Pat Smith of New Hamburg, and Linda and Mario Maldonaldo of Brampton. Dear grandfather of Emily, Katherine; Lexie and Bradley.
Friends are invited to join the family at the R.C.L. – R.E. Pooley – Branch #167 (Exeter Legion), 316 William Street, Exeter on Sunday, June 25th from 2-4 PM for a celebration of Gerry’s life. Musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments should they wish to offer a musical tribute to Gerry. Cremation with inurnment at Exeter Cemetery has already taken place.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Darryl Baxter
I just found out about Gerry’s passing. I still have fond memories of fiddle contests with the Smith family back in my University days. Often think about your family when I pass through Exeter or when I am at any fairgrounds. Those were some of my favorite memories. I miss Linda and Sylvia as you were such good people to me and my family. My condolences, the fiddle world lost a good one.
Chad Wolfe
My deepest condolences to the family. Gerry was an inspiration to so many. In particular, his music was the soundtrack for many, many Stepdancers both on stage and in their practise rooms at home, me included!
Ivan Felker
Sylvia and family: So sorry to hear of your loss. Gerry has been an inspiration to so many musicians over a number of years. We just returned from B.C. and found out Sunday evening. Caroline Woods had a message on the phone advising me. We have lost a talented musician, composer and e-mail buddy. God Bless. Ivan Felker
Clarence Rau
My sincere sympathy to you Sylvia and all the family .Gerry was a awesome musician loved his music he was a great friend. He loved to garden and loved birds he will be truly missed by a lot of people.
Doug Scott
Our condolences to you and your family.
Doug and Linda Scott
Kevin Varley
Great Aunt Sylvia, Wayne, Linda and families it is with Sadness that we hear of the passing of Great Uncle Gerald, I know he will be sadly missed. It was always nice to hear his fiddle music, in addition to see Great Uncle Gerald on Channel 8 in my younger years.
It is unfortunate that Great Uncle Gerald is the last of the Smith Family. I still have a copy of the Smith Family Tree book and I get it out from time to time to look at.
All the Best in the coming days.
Joe Mohr
So sad to hear the news of Gerry’s passing. He contributed in such a remarkable way to the Fiddle and Step community playing thousands of tunes for thousands of dancers myself included. He was a great guy and a great player. My deepest sympathy.
Don Guillemette
So sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing, sincere condolences to the Smith family. Gerry was a great influence for many young fiddlers and older, he was a peer in fiddle music promotion. We will all miss him, RIP my friend.
Fiddle friend,
Don Guillemette
Jim and Sharon Allison and Family
Sylvia and Family:
So sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. We had so many good times together at Kongskilde over the years. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
The Charron Family
Our sincere condolences to the whole family.
We have so many fond memories of chatting with Gerry about his love of fiddle music. He shared his many fiddle contest memories with us, making us feel welcome to the fiddle music community. Gerry always had a sparkle in his eyes and a warm smile when sharing his memories and we are blessed to have known him through the past twenty years.
He has touched all our boys with his passion for music and for this we will be forever thankful.
We will cherish the memories. Thinking of you all.
All our love,
Steve, Rosemary, Jake, Kyle and Joel Charron
Jimmy Phair
Sylvia I am so sorry to hear of Gerry`s passing. My heartfelt condolence goes out to you and all of your family. Gerry was a true friend who inspired me to do better, He was a gifted fiddle player and a true leader. Gerry will be sorely missed but never forgotten. Jimmy Phair
Edwin, Vickie and Ashley Giles
Sylvia, Linda, Wayne: our deepest thoughts are with the whole family. Gerry was a wonderful person and teacher to Ashley. He took her under his wing like family. There is not enough words that we can say for how grateful we are for what he did for her. Gerry will be greatly missed by Ashley, Edwin and myself,. Again, we are very sorry for your loss. Gerry will always live on in everyones heart and through his music that will always live on.
Edwin, Vickie and Ashley Giles
Dave & Marie Wallace Ernie King Music
We were shocked and saddened to hear of Gerry’s passing. It was always a pleasure to have him come to our store.We learned so much from him about fiddling and contests. He will surely be missed. Our sincerest condolences to the entire family.
Dave & Marie Wallace Ernie King Music
We are shocked and saddened. It was always a pleasure to have him come to our store. We learned so much about fiddling and contests . A great friend! He will be missed. Our deepest sympathies to the entire family.
Bryan and Marie Watson London
Our sincere condolences to all GERRY’S family such a great person and fiddle player would always help out when needed he will be missed by a lot of people RIP
Wes and Christine Hodgson
Sylvia and family
Extending our sympathy to you all at this most difficult time. Treasure your many memories
I had the pleasure of working with Gerry for 25 years at Kongskilde and we had many a laugh
together through that time. Sorry we will not be able to attend the celebration of Gerry’s life as we are away for the weekend.
Wes and Christine Hodgson
Joyce Black
Sylvia, Wayne and Linda – Very sorry to hear of the passing of Gerald. His music talents will be missed by many. Sincere sympathy and keep your memories close to your hearts.
Dianna Hickey
Sincere Condolences to Sylvia and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during these challenging days.
William and Helen Delorme
William and Helen Delorme
Our sincere condolences to Sylvia and family. Gerry was such a talented musician. He was pleasure to work with at Kongskilde Ltd. always organizing his sales and appointment.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
William and Helen
Calvin Vollrath
I met Gerry in Edmonton back in 1980 or 81. He was in town on business and while he was in downtown Edmonton, he ran into someone playing fiddle. He approached them and said he was a fiddler as well. That person (not sure who it was) informed him that there was a fiddle contest going on just down the street at the International Order of Old Bastards. Gerry made his way down to the contest, which I was at. I believe he borrowed a fiddle from me and entered the contest. We were all so impressed there was a fiddler from Ontario in the contest and a good one too. He and I became instant friends and he and his daughter Linda made a few trips out to Alberta in the years to follow to enter into some fiddle contests.
My deepest sympathies to all the Smith family in this difficult time. He will be dearly missed by the fiddle & step family.
Guylaine Gagner
My deepest condolences. I have so many fond memories of him at the contests.
Each time I had the honor of accompanying him on stage, he would always take the time to tell me how much my work was important . So generous and kind… He will be greatly missed. Sending my thoughts and prayers.
Ian Hamilton
Our deepest condolences to you Sylvia , Wayne , Linda. I can not believe how fast time has gone.I remember meeting Gerry and yourself over 30 years ago ,where did time go. I sit here remembering the many good times at fiddle contests and doing the odd show s with Gerry and the conversations we had about tunes and composing tunes.
He will be greatly missed by our family and our fiddling fraternity of friends .
Our thoughts are with you Sylvia Wayne and Linda.
The Hamilton family
Ian Patty Connor Carter Wendy Rob Gerald and Teresa
Pam & Paddy Fitzgerald
Please accept our family’s condolences for your loss. Gerry was such a positive influence in the fiddle community. He always greeted us with a smile and showed a sincere interest in the kids’ progress and activities over the years. Our kids learned to dance using primarily Gerry’s Step Dance CD! He will be missed but fondly remembered!
Lorrie (Adams) Hopf & Family
To the Smith Family……Please accept our deepest sympathies on the passing of your dear husband, father and grandfather. I remember Gerry very well as he played many times for my dad and I to dance the waltz clog. He was a lovely man and those times remain as a wonderful memory for me. Please take care.
Gerry&Colleen V
Sylvia and Family,
So sorry to hear about Gerry,
our thoughts and prayers are with you. Gerry was a talented man, enjoyed his playing. and playing guitar
We remember him from Casey`s park, Lucan jams and other jamborees
He did an excellent job teaching Ashley Giles.
Sandra Cox ( Snedden)
Hi Linda
I saw the picture of you and your father that Karen Reed posted on FB and am so sorry to hear that he has passed. It seems like yesterday we were all on stage dancing at the contests and Gerry was the best ! I loved when he was house fiddler and you were on the piano ! . I loved your records too. Practised and taught to them always.
My condolences to you and your family.
Sandra Cox ( Snedden)
Stepdancer
Karen Reed
Sylvia, Linda, Wayne, I am so sorry to hear the news of Gerry’s passing. There are so many memories of our times together at the fiddle/step dance contests. He had great influence to many and was a great contributor to Canadian fiddling. Linda, it was through your dad that I became a house fiddler for step dancers and he used to take me to play for square dance competitions as well – something I still do. He will be missed.
My deepest sympathies to you all.
David Smith
Thoughts & prayers are with Sylvia Wayne Linda and your families. He was a great uncle to be proud off with a great talent.
You will be missed Uncle Gerald. Thanks for all your heartfelt support to our family over the years.
We will see you again someday. Ill try and bring a spare fiddle .
Shawn Cleary
We were so shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Uncle Gerald. It is so hard to believe that the final member of the Smith family has passed. You will always hold a very special place in my heart, welcoming me into your home for stay overs and including me in your family’s vacations. Cindy and I were so pleased to have Jamie come and spend time with you and share your love of music with him, I know it really meant a lot to my mom. We all loved you and will miss you greatly.
Frank McCowan
Thinking of you now and always Sylvia, Wayne and Linda, and remembering all the good times and music in the Smith family. I will surely miss him. Frank & Cathie McCowan & Dorothy Gerrie
Bob Simpson
Sylvia and family
My condolences to you all in Gerry’s passing. I worked with Gerry many years at Kongskilde. He was very well organized and keen at sharing information from his many years of work in the agricultural field. Gerry was a good business man & friend, often sharing a little joke to make your day. His love and accomplishments in music were well
known and his efforts teaching others most appreciated. I’ll always think of Gerry when I hear a fiddle tune.
Bob & Joanne
April Verch
I am thinking of your family during this difficult time. Gerry was always such a positive influence on me and so generous with his time and fiddling advice. I think of him often and always will, especially when playing the tunes he wrote. We will miss him in our fiddling community. Holding you all in my prayers…
Omar Maldonado
Our deepest sympathies to Gerry’s entire family at this very trying time.
Our thought, prayers and any support we can provide are with you today and always.
When our families were joined by marriage, Gerry not only welcomed us, but embraced us.
His great vitality, warmth and disarming smile, made all those near him feel welcome.
He leaves a wonderful legacy behind via his wonderful children, grandchildren and the many souls he touched with his incredible musical abilities.
I guess God needed another angel to join his symphony in heaven.
The Maldonado family.
Geraldine and Kevin Coyne
What a great guy. Gerry was so patient and kind when teaching fiddle lessons. His legacy is in his students and his family. Always to be remembered. Our sympathy to Sylvia and family.
Kim Craig
So many lovely memories of Gerry. He stood on that stage and just played, and played, and played … at Dundalk until the wee small hours of the morning. Gerry was our rock as dancers!
Deepest sympathies to your family.
Kim Craig
Larry Johnston
On behalf of the Waterloo Wellington Bluegrass Music Association, our sincerest sympathies to the Smith family. Gerry, his smile and his fiddle will be greatly missed at all of our gatherings.
Jim Swan
So sorry to hear that Gerry is gone. . It was so good to see you both in Blyth, and to be able to hear him play to the crowd that loved to hear his tunes. My heartfelt condolences to you Sylvia and the rest of the family. Gerry shared his talent and his time along with you and I know Sunday will indeed be a reflection of the impact he had on so many.
Carole jackson
25 years ago I sent Gerry’s tapes to a young fiddle player in Northern Ireland. She said he was the’king’.
Have so many happy memories of a kind, talented man. So glad I got to hear him last year at the Legion.
So sorry for your loss
Carole (Hogarth) Jackson, Comfort, Texas
Brian Voigt
Gerry you have been a great uncle and friend to me and I will always cherish the times we shared. To Aunt Sylvia Linda and Wayne you are in my prayers and thoughts.
Paul Ross
Sylvia – I was disturbed to hear the news of Gerry’s death. He was a great musician, an excellent teacher and a very pleasant person to work with at various events in the church’s life. I think especially of the contribution he made over the years to Friends of Music and the encouragement that he gave to Devon Martene. May God bless and comfort you in this difficult time and in some mysterious manner than I cannot fully explain, you will continue to feel Gerry’s non-physical presence in your life.
Debra Farnham
I have so many wonderful memories of Gerry and his family. I wish you all a peaceful transition during this period. Please know that I love you with all of my heart. Love Debra and Stan
Judy & Mark Waymouth
So sorry to hear of the loss of Gerry. His contribution to the fiddle and step dance world has been huge, he will be greatly missed.
Arnold and Margaret DeLong
Our prayers and condolences to Sylvia and their family. Gerry done so much to help keep fiddle music alive, also many Cd’s that he recorder so Step dancers could have great music to practice. We will miss you Gerry RIP.
Ver a armstrong
Sylvia and family, Thinking of you at this sad time, sincere sympathy, Vera
Grace Bender and Allen Hamilton< Listowel
Sincere Condolences from the Allen family. We have many wonderful memories of Gerry. Margaret, Kaye, Grace, Jim , Phyllis and Families.
margaret entwistle
I AM SAD…to hear of the death of Gerry…he will be missed…at all the places he played…and contests he took part in for all his life…God Bless
Jim Oesch
Sylvia ,Wayne and Linda
Very sorry to hear of Jerry’s sudden passing ,one heck of a great guy and will miss his humor and smile .i’m glad he gave me some tapes of his fiddle music years ago as well as our history in our family .
God bless him ,i will sure miss him ,as i know you’s all will ,as well !
Jim
Marjorie Speiran and Gerald Campbell
Sylvia and family, you have great memories of a wonderful, talented husband, father and grandfather who has brought many joyous and musical times in your life. May those tunes linger for many more years. Our blessings are with you all at this time.
Ken Hunking
So sorry to hear this news. Always enjoyed listening to him play the fiddle. Sympathy to all his family.
Regn&'Dorothy Morrison
Sorry to hear about Gerry’s passing. You will not know about us but Gerry played for the 3 Morrison girls many years ago from Kirkton. Many falls & competitions for step dancing. Remember him well. The girls liked him so well. Our sincere sympathy. What a loss in music. A great man.
Gord & Sharlene Worrall
Our sincere sympathies to Sylvia and family. Gerry was such a talented musician. I will miss jamming with Gerry in Lucan, and hearing his perfect fiddle breaks and tunes.
Earl & Julia Martene
Our deepest condolences Sylvia, Wayne, Linda and families. He made beautiful music and had a huge and lasting impact on our son. He will be forever remembered by our entire family. His legacy will live on with many a fiddle player and step dancer but most particularly with our Devon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Earl & Julia Martene
J. Turner
I wish I could give you a big hug, Sylvia! I can’t offer to do anything since I am not driving but the phone is always available. Lots of love and comfort.
Murray and Sherry McCall
Dear Sylvia and family,
We are so sad to hear the news of Gerry’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. With deepest sympathy, Murray and Sherry McCall
Karen & Randy Stanlake
So sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing. He was such a pleasure to work with at Kongskilde for many years. He always had a smile and a joke. Very polite and courteous! He was so proud of his family……….he will be missed. We were all blessed to have him in our lives. I hope you can soon turn your grief into a wonderful celebration of a wonderful life!
Carmen & Marion Butchart
Our sincere condolences to you Sylvia, and all family members.