Eric Wray Smith – 75, Truro, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on Tuesday afternoon, April 7, 2015, at Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Born November 9, 1939, in Wolfville, he was a son of the late John and Elsie (Bauchman) Smith.
He attended schools in Wolfville, Acadia University and University of Maine. Eric’s passion was teaching, from elementary to high school grades, in schools throughout Kings County, Nova Scotia. He was a professor at Nova Scotia Teachers College, Intermediate Department, for over 20 years, and retired when the college closed. Eric truly enjoyed supervising students in practice teaching positions in many of the schools throughout Nova Scotia.
He was an enthusiastic gardener, gourmet cook, loved to plan long road trips and enjoyed time at the cottage in Bass River. He was a member of International Reading Association, Nova Scotia Teacher’s Union, Masonic Lodge in Canning and Brunswick Street United Church. Family and friends were at the centre of his life and Eric was never happier than when surrounded by family, fun and food.
Eric is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Catherine (Wetmore); son, Colin, Truro; daughter, Susan (Darcy) Sinclair, Fort Smith, Northwest Territories; daughter-in-law, Clarissa Smith, Nobleford, Alberta; grandchildren, Samantha and Brayden Sinclair and Charlie and Andrew Smith; sisters-in-law, Louisette Smith, Ontario; Pam Smith, St. John’s, Newfoundland; many nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Peter (2003); sister, Delores (Richard) Sawler; brothers, Lloyd, Bill. A special thank you to the staff of Cedarstone Enhanced Care, especially Garden Road wing, for the care and compassion shown to Eric while he was a resident.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro, where Eric’s family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Saturday, April 11, 2015. Funeral service will be held 2 p.m., Sunday, April 12, 2015, in Brunswick Street United Church, 250 Brunswick Street, Truro, Reverend John Parsons and Reverend Boyd Vincent officiating. Reception will follow in the dining hall. Spring interment in Watson Cemetery. For those who wish to make a donation in Eric’s memory, the family would name Brunswick Street United Church and Alzheimer Society as organizations that were important to Eric. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Eric’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com