Obituary of Fred Smith

SMITH, John Frederick “Fred”

It is with great sadness that we announce the loss of our husband, father, grandfather and great- Grandfather Fred who passed peacefully at home on March 18, 2026, at the age of 96. Fred was the loving husband of Anita McLean (McNorgan) of 5+years and the late Ann Smith (2007) of 54 years. Fred was the loving father of eight children: Paul (Carolina), Sharon (1999) (Bob 2017), Shawn (Ann), Ann (Murray), Gregory (Josie), David (Kate), Todd (Anna) (Jane 2010) and Graham (Melina), 21 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and stepfather to Debbie, Lisa (Mike) and Andrea.

Fred was born in Leamington on December 2, 1929, to parents Thomas and Florence Smith and he grew up with his brothers Tom, Ed, and sister Mary. He was a proud graduate of Assumption College in Windsor. Fred was an avid outdoorsman and later in life had a passion for Sporting Clays which he enjoyed with his many friends, children, and grand children until the age of 95. He was fierce competitor and loved to win but was always willing to teach the next family member.

Fred started his working life delivering telegrams by bicycle during World War II, was a mechanic, clothes salesperson, worked for Heinz as a District Sales Manager, VP of Sales at General Crane Industries, owner of London Ford Tractor, and at the age of 55 founded and operated Arva Industries with his great friend and partner Vern Eck until he retired at the age of 86.

Visitation will be held at the John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo St. (at King) London on Sunday, March 22 from 2-4 & 7-9 o'clock.  The Funeral Mass will be held at the Holy Family Parish, 777 Valetta St. on Monday, March 23 at 10 o'clock. Please do not send flowers as Fred, always the pragmatist, would have preferred donations to the St. Joseph Health Care Foundations, Cardiac Program and Alzheimer’s Canada or a charity of your choice.