Obituary of John Wesley Smith

SMITH, JOHN WESLEY - Born November 18, 1942; St Catharines - With his family by his side, John passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 24th at the Vineland United Mennonite Home; after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. It was also the anniversary of his wedding to Gail in Edinburgh, Scotland.  Husband to Gail Paterson, Father to Jenifer, Susie and Penny. Loving Grandfather to Jamie and Dinny. Brother to Carolyn (John) Pellettier, Art and Harold (Mary Featherstone). Predeceased by his sister Penny Staebler and his parents Harold and Ida(Empringham) Smith. 

John lived in Vineland his whole life, where he was a leader in the Niagara fruit industry for over 50 years; running Cherrylane - a cherry and peach processing business and fruit farm. He was the Chairman of the Ontario Tender Fruit Board in the 80’s, as well as an executive committee member of many fruit grower and processing associations.  He made many contributions to Ontario agriculture including continuing the Jamaican seasonal agricultural workers program initiated by his father.   

John was an avid sports fan. He loved to play hockey and golf and was a most enthusiastic Yankees and Canadians fan. He enjoyed the cottage, laughing with friends, travelling and above all, a very proud Father and Grandfather. 

Cremation has already taken place.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, March 1st from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm at the Vineland chapel of the Tallman Funeral Homes, 3277 King St.  Vineland.  A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 2nd at 12 noon at the Vineland United Mennonite Church, 3327 Menno Street. The service will be followed by a reception in the church.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Niagara.

Special thank you to the United Mennonite Home and John’s personal care givers; Victor Mejia, Svetlana Tihotcaia and Cindy Stratton.