We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Anton (Tony) Frederic Smith. Tony passed away in his home in Victoria on January 29th, 2024, at the age of 85, after a brief illness.
Tony was predeceased by his father Horace Frederick Smith and mother Doris Lavinia (nee Payne). He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marilyn (nee Cudmore), daughter Lisa Ogden (Stephen), son Steven (Vanya), and grandson Owen. He will be missed by many other relatives and dear friends.
Tony was born in Brighton, England on January 9th, 1939. He spent the war years on the Bata Estate in Tilbury with his parents. The family immigrated to Canada, arriving in Halifax on the Empress of Canada, on March 8th, 1949. They first travelled to Trenton, Ontario a few years later headed west to New Westminster, finally settling in Victoria BC, where he graduated from Victoria High School in 1956.
After graduation, Tony joined the Royal Canadian Navy, attending HMCS Venture and became a lieutenant. During his 7 years in the Navy, he sailed on many ships and saw wonderful parts of the world – making fond memories and lifelong friendships.
Tony and Marilyn were married in 1961 in Victoria, and shortly after Tony was posted to Vancouver. After leaving the Navy Tony attended UBC, where he finished his degree. They returned to Victoria in 1967, where they raised Lisa and Steven. In 1977 Tony embarked on his career with BC Systems Corporation, where he became very well respected and fondly regarded by many colleagues and staff.
Tony loved gardening, golfing with his best buds, walked frequently at Willows beach and enjoyed coffee with good friends at Gyro Park. Marilyn and Tony lived in the same house for 56 years, building long term relationships with their neighbors, and nurtured a gorgeous garden enjoyed by family and friends.
The arrival of Owen, his beloved grandson was a highlight of Tony’s life. He loved being a part of his life, watching him play rugby, and following his academic journey.
Tony was very involved as a long-term member of Broad View United Church (previously St. Aidan’s United), serving on the board of directors, very involved with the ‘Annual Bazaar’ and ongoing Thrift store with Marilyn.
Tony will be remembered by all who knew him as a kind, generous, dedicated, loving man, who had a natural gift of leadership and made everyone around him feel loved and cared for. He will be deeply missed.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Broad View United Church, 3703 St. Aidan’s St, Victoria BC on March 9th at 2pm.
The family wish to thank our long-time Doctor, Walter Chow for his ongoing care throughout the years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Threshold Housing Society (working to prevent youth homelessness) https://www.thresholdhousing.ca 1524 Fort Street Victoria BC V8S 5J2.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Fausto Milinazzo
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Aleksa & Judy Although we haven’t seen Tony in a while, we remember a few things – his beautiful smile, his generosity, his hard work, and especially the light in his eyes one day as he announced he was going to pick up his grandson, Owen (who had recently broken his leg) in order to share some adventure or other. Tony was a blessing to the community of St. Aidan’s United Church, with his energy and his commitment to what went on there, particularly the bazaar and the thrift Shop, where he and Marilyn were a force to be reckoned with.
Although death has taken Tony’s body, we hold memories of Tony in our hearts. Our faith tells us we will meet again.
Our deepest condolences to Marilyn, Steve, Vanya, Owen,Lisa & Stephen.
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Jane van Hoorn My condolences to Tony’s family. I was very sad to hear of Tony’s passing. Met Tony when I started working in his unit at BCSC in 1979. He was the best manager I ever worked for and I’m so very grateful I had the opportunity to tell him that when I saw him at the BCSC reunion. It had been at least 30 years since I’d seen him last and when I pointed at my name tags to say HI, he stated that ‘he didn’t need a name tag to know who I was’. He was very progressive manager, supported me in growing my career at a time when IT was a very male dominated field and women didn’t get many promotions. A true leader.
Rest in Peace Best Manager.
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Shaun McCumber Marilyn, Lisa and family: Tony was a great mentor and friend to me. His generosity in sharing his insights, knowledge and experience was tremendous and I enjoyed our work on various projects at BC Systems. And his humour and love of life was much appreciated on the CIPS conferences we attended. Thelma and I always smile when we think of the Ottawa trip, and the fun we had with Tony and Marilyn. He will be missed but not forgotten. Shaun.
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Arnold Rossander The passing of friends brings to mind the great times we had with them. We worked together at BCSC but had long gone our ways as I retired in 1997. Our recent meeting at the BCSC reunion was a great surprise as I has just found out that his grandson is dating our granddaughter. We (Sherry and) will miss him.
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Marg Lunam Marilyn and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Tony was a very special guy, always a bright smile and a warm hug! He gave so much to his community at St Aidan’s where I feel lucky to have experienced his fun loving energy and commitment to us all. I have special memories of you both from our time at St Aidans, on Sundays, at socials, at committee meetings and at the bazaar….. and also seeing you at Butchart’s on a summer evening of music…..you loved that as did we!
He is and will be remembered well!
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Wilfred Lund On behalf of the Venture Assn I wish to express our sincere condolences to Marilyn and Tony’s family. Tony was stalwart in the Assn and energetically and faithfully acted as the representative of the Venture Class of 1958 for decades. And, more recently, he was the registrar for the 2019 national reunion requiring 5 years of committee work. As usual he brought his many talents and sense of humour to this task. Tony was always fun to work with.
Personally, I mourn the loss of a good friend since we were shipmates in HMCS Stettler in 1962. Tony took me under his wing and taught me the ropes.
Tony, our band of brothers will miss you. We wish you God speed with fair winds and a following sea.
Captain(N) Wilf Lund, OMM, CD, PhD, RCN(retd)
C0-Chair, Venture Assn (West)
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Gerry Gabel I am so saddened to hear of Tony’s passing. We both started at B.C. Systems in 1977 and became work colleagues and good friends. I’ve seen less of him since we retired but we bumped into each from time to time. Tony was one of the “good ones” and he will be sadly missed. Our condolences to Marilyn and their family.
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John Munton Tony will be missed by many, es-specially his beloved family and those of us who were fortunate enough to know him and golf with him. I first met Tony in the early 80s working with him at BC Systems. WE had common interests and soon became good work friends and toiled on a number of projects together. Later we met again playing Golf at Metchosin Golf club where we were both often short of a 4th for our group and started joining forces. Now that blended group will be missing a leader, our best organizer and rules official. Our main rule was that we were there to have fun and didn’t need the stress over such things as counting strokes or worrying about such things as handicaps. Others for the sake of safety, was that if .you found your ball and it was in awkward place like behind a tree or under a root just pick it up an move it to a safer spot, no sense injuring anything that would make it harder to hold a glass later.
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Nelson R Armstrong Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss. As you state, he was very well respected and, he was a pleasure to work with. In my view, he was a true gentleman.
I (Fausto) worked with Tony a number of years ago. Tony was one of the most agreeable, kind people that I have ever met. Recently, I recalled a conversation with one of our mutual friends who commented to me that Tony was the only person he knew who liked to paint (walls). Over time, I realized that while Tony painted I am not at all sure that he liked doing it, but Tony always saw what needed to be done and was always ready to lend a hand. It wasn’t even necessary to ask him; he just showed up. The world could use a few more Tony Smiths!
Our most heart felt condolences to Marilyn, Steve, Vanya, Owen, Lisa & Stephen
Bev and Fausto Milinazzo