Obituary for David Smith
David Smith
January 23, 1933 - September 4, 2020
Beloved philanthropist and entrepreneur extraordinaire, David Smith, 87, passed away peacefully at his home in the presence of his beloved wife of 35 years, Darlene (nee McLaren).
Born in Ottawa to Russian immigrants, Louis and Annie Smith, Dave was predeceased by 11 siblings: Morris, Cecil, Fanny, Sol, Sam, Scotty, Nathan, Freda, Molly, Lily, and Jack. He is survived by his 99-year-old big brother, Hyman and sisters-in-law Isabel and Linda.
Predeceased by his first wife, Joan, he will be lovingly remembered by their daughter, Sharron Anne Burgess, and granddaughter, Kristy.
David took all that he learned from his parents - strong family values and a determined work ethic - and built a restaurant and catering business that stretched from Ottawa to California.
Equally important to Dave were his charitable pursuits. He helped to raise more than $150 million for dozens of organizations in Canada and around the world. The youth treatment centre that bears his name was the source of special pride and passion for more than a quarter century. To date, the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre has supported more than 17,000 youth and family members with life-saving addiction, mental health treatment and counselling services.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the wonderful teams of medical professionals who cared for and comforted David through his final days.
There will be a private funeral. When larger gatherings are permitted, the family plans to host a proper public tribute to celebrate David's life and legacy.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to the David and Darlene Smith Foundation at the Ottawa Community Centre would be appreciated.
David Smith's Memorial Service - September 7th, 2020
David Smith honoured in the Ontario Legislature by MPP Fraser:
January 23, 1933 - September 4, 2020
Beloved philanthropist and entrepreneur extraordinaire, David Smith, 87, passed away peacefully at his home in the presence of his beloved wife of 35 years, Darlene (nee McLaren).
Born in Ottawa to Russian immigrants, Louis and Annie Smith, Dave was predeceased by 11 siblings: Morris, Cecil, Fanny, Sol, Sam, Scotty, Nathan, Freda, Molly, Lily, and Jack. He is survived by his 99-year-old big brother, Hyman and sisters-in-law Isabel and Linda.
Predeceased by his first wife, Joan, he will be lovingly remembered by their daughter, Sharron Anne Burgess, and granddaughter, Kristy.
David took all that he learned from his parents - strong family values and a determined work ethic - and built a restaurant and catering business that stretched from Ottawa to California.
Equally important to Dave were his charitable pursuits. He helped to raise more than $150 million for dozens of organizations in Canada and around the world. The youth treatment centre that bears his name was the source of special pride and passion for more than a quarter century. To date, the Dave Smith Youth Treatment Centre has supported more than 17,000 youth and family members with life-saving addiction, mental health treatment and counselling services.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the wonderful teams of medical professionals who cared for and comforted David through his final days.
There will be a private funeral. When larger gatherings are permitted, the family plans to host a proper public tribute to celebrate David's life and legacy.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to the David and Darlene Smith Foundation at the Ottawa Community Centre would be appreciated.
David Smith's Memorial Service - September 7th, 2020
David Smith honoured in the Ontario Legislature by MPP Fraser: