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Randall Smith
Date of Death: December 28, 2021
Tribute
I, Randall Smith passed to the next level (Tuesday, December 28, 2021.) I am predeceased by all those who died before me and survived by those who are still alive.
I was born to George and Beryl Smith, June 5, 1949, at a very early age in Welland, Ontario, in the same hospital where my mother was, as I wished to be close to her. From my mother’s point of view the doctor recommended that I be removed in pieces due to problems anticipated in childbirth. She courageously opted for a caesarean section, a hazardous procedure at the time. From my point of view, a skylight opened up and a masked man all in white lifted me gently into a new world. Little did I know at the time this simple act would put the kybosh on a well meaning woman’s attempt later in my life to convince me to do a re-birthing seminar that recreated the birth trauma as a form of therapy. She had a hard time with the skylight analogy.
I hung around for many years and did lots o’ stuff. I met saints and satanists, witches and priests, materialists and mystics, and, fortunately for me, many wonderful friends and my incredible wife, Paula. You were and are so precious to me. You saved me in ways you never could know. Thank you so very much.
I really loved having the chance to hang around. That’s a big miracle, to get to hang around. God must like me since he gave me the opportunity to be and also Paula. Thanks God.
Randy has left the building. Here’s hoping that there’s more.
I leave behind my loving wife and best friend Paula, my wonderful in-laws Gary and Patricia Gregovski and my much loved step-children Gordon Whynot, Pamela Whynot and Heather Haveman and their spouses and families.
Be kind to each other. Have a good laugh every chance you get. Stay calm. It’s worth it, I promise. Don’t eat pizza right before bed. Value logic and reason and forgive my damn pedantry.
All my love from beyond,
Randy
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PS: That’s my man, folks, thoughtful and funny and wise, helping me to ease into the difficult task of writing his obituary…
No matter how hard I tried, I was unable to write his obit/tribute while he was alive. I found it difficult to just “fill-in-the-date” and add this postscript.
That’s all for now, more coming, all in due time.
Paula
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Randy Smith 1949 – 2021
Condolences
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From: Haywards Funerals
Haywards Funerals staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Carol Mackie
Relation: student and friend
Randy was one of the most special people to me and I will remember him fondly for the rest of my life. He was a most patient Tai Chi instructor and was always kind, respectful and informative. He taught me in his garage &/or driveway after he was diagnosed and Covid was isolating all of us. We had many wonderful conversations and he will be terribly missed. My heart goes out to you, Paula – I’m here for you.
From: Heather Desabrais
My heartfelt condolences Paula ❤️ Thinking of you at this difficult time.
From: Duff Shaw
Relation: Personal friend and business associate.
Fortunate to have known such a fine gentle man as a friend and business associate at Ryerson University. You impacted many lives and always were there with a helping hand.
From: Michael R. Hunter
Relation: A Professor at Ryerson
Randy was wonderful and more than a colleague. We witnessed 911’s events unfold on the television in my ILLC office – a bonding experience if ever there was one. On another occasion, when I was to put it mildly quite upset because a techy meanly refused to do something that my students desperately needed, Randy saved the day.
He was never judgemental, always happy and great fun to be with so we got along famously. In fact his quote “If you’re too busy to go fishing, then you’re too busy.” is one I have often repeated to others.
My intention was to visit him when he left Ryerson and he relocated. I deeply regret that that never happened.
He was one of the nicest and smartest people that I have known and I am extremely saddened to hear of his passing. My solace lies in the fact that we were all so very lucky to have had him in our lives.
From: Cecilia Baker
It was a pleasure to work with Randy. I first met him when I came to Ryerson as an exchange student, and later on when I joined the School as staff. He was such a kind and fun loving guy who was so great with our students in our tiny computer lab in the ILLC and was of great support to our faculty and a great friend. It was a pleasure to be around his bright light.
From: Michael Patrick Albano
Relation: Friend
Randy and I were friends since high school and I was sorry to have lost touch with him. He was an optimistic and kind presence in my life. I am grateful to have known him.
From: William Roberts
Relation: Friend forever
A life filled with love for everyone he moved with his insight, kindness and wonderful sense of humor and balance. We will all miss you my dear sage,
Your old friend and accompanist,
Bill Roberts
From: William Roberts
Relation: Friend forever
A life filled with love for everyone he moved with his insight, kindness and wonderful sense of humor and balance. We will all miss you my dear sage.
Your old friend and accompanist,
Bill Roberts
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
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Thank You Notice
Please enjoy this playlist in memory of Randy
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