Gary Wayne Smith

It is with heavy hearts we wish to announce, with wife by his side, the peaceful passing of Gary Smith on October 26th in his 72nd year. Gary is survived by his wife of 23 years Susan and Orion their Australian Shepherd. 

Dear father of Angela. Survived by his brother Ken (Carol), his Nieces and nephew Christina, Joanna, Jennifer and Noah, and his Great nieces and nephews Annabelle, Carolynn, Emily, Liam, Hunter, Gabrielle, and his Cousins Chuck(Connie), Mike(Mary-Lane), and Lee(Aida) Beverley. Gary was predeceased gy his Mother Louise(nee Mathis) in 2013 and Father Duane in 2012.

Gary was the former president of the not-for-profit Friends of Meadowlily Woods Community Association that has been actively involved in protecting and preserving the environmentally significant area known as Meadowlily Woods.

 He was active in supporting the efforts of other community organizations to maintain, protect and improve the natural heritage resources of the London area.Gary was actively involved in protecting the cultural heritage resources of the area having participated in getting Meadowlily Bridge Heritage designated by the City of London, July 2012.

Gary had a Bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, a Masters degree from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, served for a number years as an Ecumenical Chaplain at St. Joseph’s Health Centre, London, Ontario. He was trained as a Pastoral Counselor with a specialty in Psychotherapy and has operated his own counseling business, Hope Consulting Service since 1992.

Gary taught Tai Chi, facilitated Artist Way groups, as well as Men’s Support groups, Breast Cancer support groups and was grateful for The Twelve Step Recovery Influences.

He was a minister of St Thomas Christian Church Disciples of Christ. Gary enjoyed playing the guitar, walking and hiking the waterfalls of Southern Ontario and Slovenia. 

 A Celebration of Gary’s life will be held on Saturday, November 16th, 2024, from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. at St Thomas Christian Church, 451 Wellington Street, St Thomas ON, N5R 5X8 

A further Celebration of Gary’s Life will be in the spring of 2025 at Meadowlily Bridge/ESA.

Gary’s wishes are, no flowers. Please make a donation to any children’s charity, the food bank, or plant a tree or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences & Guest Book at www.oneilfuneralhome.ca