Obituaries

Francis John Smyth

April 07, 1970 - June 16, 2021

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Obituary For Francis John Smyth

Francis John SMYTHSurrounded with love, Francis passed away at St. Paul’s hospital in Vancouver on June 16th. He is survived by his mother Mary (Maureen), sister Patricia, brothers Stephen & Colum, niece Claire, sisters-in-law Ellen and Thelma and brother-in-law Paul. He is in our hearts and memories for the times we loved, laughed and cried together.Francis’s life was a rich tapestry filled with incredible experiences and people. The strength of his spirit and his ability to adapt was truly remarkable. His understanding and empathy for people struggling and his desire to make a difference is part of his legacy. His smile would light up a room. He was happiest when those around him were happy. He loved giving gifts. If Francis was coming to see you, he had a gift for you. His approach to life was “do all things with love and it’s what’s inside that counts”. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, June 30th at 1pm at Good Shepherd R.C. Church, 2250 150 St, in Surrey, British Columbia.In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation [www.helpstpauls.com].

Services

30 Jun

Mass of Christian Burial

01:00 PM

Good Shepherd Church 2250 150 Street Surrey, BC Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • 07/06/2021

  • 06/30/2021

    My deepest condolences to Francis' family and his friends, who always share fond memories of him.

  • 06/30/2021

    Our sincerest condolences on the loss of your son . We met Francis a number of times through a family relative . We shared some nice times together . He will be in our prayers . Anna & Enzo Angeloni

  • 06/30/2021

    My sincere condolences to Francis's family. I was lucky to know Francis through work, first as one of my mentors & then eventually as a good friend. Francis was willing to lend a hand, teach you the game of golf or show you his latest new home improvement project. He had also loved Starbucks & would insist work reviews only occurred at the local Markham Starbucks. It was important for him to be a good host & make others around him feel comfortable. Something I always enjoyed & remembered. He truly cared about his friends, neighbours, family & his Irish heritage. Rest in Peace Francis. - Dan, Shawna, Ciara and Adriana

  • 06/29/2021

    Dear Aunt Maureen, Patricia, Paul, Stephen, Ellen, Colum, Veronica, Claire and Thelma, my heart breaks for all of you. I'm so sorry to hear of Francis' passing. Like Noelle, my favourite memories are of when you all arrived in Keswick. I'm laughing to myself hearing Francis call us spastics with that huge smile and twinkle in his eye. We had so much fun building forts in the ditches, going to the creek, to the old abandoned quarry pit, jumping cracks on the frozen lake, running from rabid dogs, playing with all the animals at the Burgess', and always coming home to Aunt Maureen making us sandwiches. I remember the time when one of the hamsters got out. Uncle Dessie was in the back room and we were all trying to find it without him knowing lol We were a pack. I got to see him a few years ago when he was back in Ontario and I loved sitting around mom and dad's table catching up on many years. He looked great and it was so good to see him. He will live on in our hearts. I hope we can join the funeral tomorrow remotely, and I hope you will all feel the love we are sending to you. I'm grateful you were with him when he passed and I hope he is at peace in heaven with Desmond and Uncle Dessie. Love you all xoxo Claire

  • 06/29/2021

    My favourite memory of Francis is from a shared love of motorbikes, speed, and of lovely summer day when we had the opportunity to spend time together. We each had Ducati bikes, Francis had a red 998 and I had a yellow 800 super sport. We had met for a great lunch at a restaurant at Hwy 7 & 400 with a plan to ride back to Francis' house in Barrie. After lunch we headed up Rutherford Road to merge onto the 400 where we both launched down the ramp at high speed, having fun weaving and speeding along, including the joy of a guy in a little rusty car racing us, so we slowed down to let him pass. Then we were off again and soon we saw the lights of an OPP heading south and then shortly after, the OPP coming up fast behind us, Francis speeds up! The OPP sped past me and gaining on Francis; who at this point had taken the off ramp and stopped at a service centre. I also took the same off ramp, saw the patrol car pull up next to Francis and in a split second I continued on past the service center and back onto the 400 to head home knowing the OPP can only catch one of us and hoping that Francis had my back. Later that afternoon I heard that luck was on Francis' side, the officer had pulled up next to him at the pumps looked over and said '' that's a nice bike, slow down '' To this day, I am reminded of that day when I see Francis' red Ducati helmet sitting on my shelf. He asked me to take care of it when he sold his house. Francis understood the freedom one gets when riding a motorbike. Francis is now free. Rest in peace.

  • 06/29/2021

    Thinking of my Aunt Maureen and my cousins with deepest condolences on the passing of Francis. He will surely be missed by family and friends. Colleen, Jim, James & Juliana

  • 06/29/2021

    Sincerest condolences to all the family on the death of Francis. I will always remember him as a loving and funny big man with an amazing sense of humour. Lots of love to all the family, wish we could be there with you xx

  • 06/28/2021

    Francis was a kind and sensitive teenager I met in 1990. We were friends with the same people and saw each other at Sean's pizza place at five corners and at hockey nights and the beach. We went to Dana's uncles cabin together, a whole group of us, and played murder wink and Jason and just laughed so much. He was a wonderful brother, a loving son and a lovely person. His grace will be missed and he joins so many who went before him, our friend Pete, his brother Des, his father. I am grateful to have known him and pray for his family to receive comfort and peace during this time of loss. Haynal Papp

  • 06/28/2021

    Friends with his Uncle Jim for over 40 years and with his mummy Maureen for quite a few years now, but only met Francis a few times. He was much loved and had a special place in a very special Irish family☘️ Be still and know that I am God. Much love from Shirley & Geoffrey Russell

  • 06/28/2021

    I have such great memories from when my Irish cousins descended on Nida Drive so many years ago! There were 11 of us Slattery's on one street! Imagine! What spirit and adventure Francis and the crew brought to our childhood! My best memories are of skating on the pond behind your house and of course the Rabbit Shed. I can still see this fluffy red head. Francis was always smiling... maybe sometimes a bit mischievously? But mostly in a quiet, good-natured way. That's the way I will remember him. I'm glad he is in heaven and I know he will be at peace and look after you all from above. Love you all , Noelle

  • 06/27/2021

    The ones we love are never gone; they live within our hearts and Francis will live on in all of our hearts. We send you our love and prayers as you grieve and hope there is a measure of comfort in knowing that Francis is now at Peace.

  • 06/26/2021

    My condolences to the family. Francis will not be forgotten. He was a kind and loving soul. Lia

  • 06/26/2021

    Always ready to lend a hand, share a story to make you laugh, give from the heart or just listen if that was what you needed. So sorry to learn of your passing. Will miss you my friend. Todd

  • 06/26/2021

    My sincere condolences to you all, so sad x Patsy Andrew.

  • 06/26/2021

    Francis was always cheerful and tried his best to be his best self, but sadly illness took hold of him, I smile thinking of the young Irish boy with a twinkle in his eyes, bursting with energy upon his arrival in Canada , we loved him very much, farewell on your new journey Francis, Our condolences to all the family.

  • 06/25/2021

    Francis was such a close and dear friend. He was one the first person I met when I moved to Barrie and we instantly became great friends He was my daughter Avery's godfather and was chosen because of the person he was. Such a loving, caring , passionate and talented person. I had hoped and prayed that he would be part of her life. His love for life was infectious. He was so loved by his friends and family. He was an incredible athlete who always strived to beat the best at what ever he played. He loved the game of golf and loved watching sports!!!! Francis loved life and his family meant everything to him. He will be truly missed and forever in hearts. Love always Lisa,Avery,Scott and Michael.

  • 06/25/2021

    I had the privilege of meeting Francis when I was around 10 years old, he always looked out for me and my family and was so much fun to be around. He had the biggest heart and was always there when I needed him. Francis throughout our friendship took me to hockey games and when I got a bit older we lifted weights together. Breaks my heart to hear this news but I will forever cherish our memories. Rest In Peace ❤️

  • 06/24/2021

    Francis was such a wonderful and kind person, who won the hearts of all our family and friends. Francis was more than the Best Friend of our son Cory, more like a brother. We will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Sincerely, June and Grant Hunter.

  • 06/23/2021

    I was shocked and saddened to hear of Francis passing. Francis was very much a part of our family for several years. Although Francis moved away we never forgot him and always wished him the best in life. Rest in Peace Francis.

  • 06/23/2021

    I'm at a loss for words during this sorrowful time. Know that Fred & I are thinking of you all. We are grateful for the good times celebrating together. We send you all our love and offer prayers for peace, strength and comfort. RIP Francis

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