Smith, George
Smith, George
June 9, 1933 – November 13, 2025It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of George Smith, at the age of 92, on November 13, 2025. Born on June 9, 1933, in Eden Mills, Ontario, George lived a long and meaningful life devoted to faith, family, and humble service.
George was known for his gentle spirit, quiet strength, and steadfast kindness. Patient, grounded, and deeply thoughtful, he taught by example—showing what it means to love unconditionally, to persevere with grace, and to find joy in the everyday blessings that God provides.
On February 14, 1975, George married the love of his life, Shirley J. (Upsdell) Smith, in a beautiful ceremony at Knox Presbyterian Church in Guelph. Their 40-year marriage was a true testament to devotion, partnership, and enduring faith. George carried Shirley’s memory tenderly after her passing and remained devoted to her until his final day.
Throughout his life, George embodied a strong work ethic and a willingness to serve. He worked for many years as a quarry miner before joining the University of Guelph as a Security officer. In retirement, he dedicated his time volunteering at the Evergreen Senior Centre as the Delivery Coordinator, and in his younger years served proudly as a volunteer fireman. A faithful and long-standing member of Bethany Baptist Church, he cherished his church family deeply and considered them a blessing in his life. His humility, gratitude, and respect for the land were lifelong traits shaped by his upbringing as a farm boy.
Family & Genealogy
In George’s lifetime, he was blessed with 1 beloved wife, 5 siblings, 12 siblings-in-law, 26 nieces and nephews, 2 step-daughters, 7 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.
George was born to Neil Campbell Smith and Maggie E. J. (Simpson) Smith and was 1 of 6 siblings: Margaret, Archie, Frances, Eswill, Lloyd, and George.
He is survived by his brother Lloyd Smith, and was predeceased by Margaret, Archie, Frances, and Eswill. He is also survived by his dear brother-in-law and longtime friend, George Angst.
George is lovingly remembered by 10 nieces and nephews: Wayne, Terry, Sharon, Karen, Marilyn, Wendy, Susan, Linda, Sandy, and Lambke.
He is further remembered by 14 in-law nieces and nephews from the Angst, Entwistle, and Heming/Farrar families: Bill, Pam, George, Greg, June, Lesley, Susan, Eddie, Esther, David, Mike, Natalie, Peggy, and Steven; as well as predeceased by 2, Barry and John Paul.
He is also survived by many great-nieces and great-nephews, whom he held dear and often reminisced about with warmth and gratitude.
George leaves behind his 2 step-daughters, Sharon L. Bauer-MacLeod and Cindie Garland, whom he loved as dearly as his own children.
He will be deeply missed by his granddaughter Shirley Oramas Castillo (MacLeod), her husband Omar, and their children Naomi, Selena, and Myles; and remembered by his grandson Kevin MacLeod, his wife Courtney, and their daughter Penny.
George is further survived by Cindie Garland, her husband Stephen Garland, and their children: Erron, Nathan, Stevie, Stephanie, and Cindie.
George was supported in his later years by caring extended family and friends whose love, time, and dedication meant so much to him.
Health & Passing
George faced many significant health challenges over the years—including epilepsy, Type 2 diabetes, strokes, dysphasia, dementia, minor heart attacks, pneumonia, and even COVID-Pneumonia—yet he met each one with remarkable resilience and quiet courage. Time and again, he surprised his medical teams by returning to a level of strength that defied expectations.
He had only recently moved into Forest Heights Long-Term Care—just two and a half weeks before falling ill—when he contracted the Rhinovirus (a common cold). The resulting complications led to uncontrolled seizures and ultimately congestive heart failure. George received compassionate, dignified support from the Palliative Care team at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kitchener, Ontario, where he passed peacefully whilst surrounded by love.
Service
A memorial service will be held on November 29, 2025, with visitation beginning at 1:00 PM, followed by the service at 1:30 PM, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at 190 Marksam Rd., Guelph.
Flowers and additional refreshments may be donated and dropped off ahead of time with his granddaughter, Shirley Oramas Castillo, or brought to the chapel between 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM the day of the service.
Burial information will be announced and updated as soon as possible.
Including both in-person and online attendance, please kindly RSVP as this will greatly assist the family in preparing for the service. The ZOOM Broadcasting information is available for those who cannot attend in-person and will be disclosed ASAP.
Alternatively, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to “Remembering George: Funeral & Transition Support.”
George’s life was a reflection of Christlike love, humility, and service.
He leaves behind a legacy of faith, compassion, and quiet strength.
His spirit will continue to shine through the lives he touched and the lessons he so gently imparted.
