Obituary of David Smith

Surrounded by love and the family he loved so much, David left this world gently and peacefully, much as he lived his life, on April 16, 2025 at the Hospice of Windsor and Essex County at the age of 88 years. Son of the late Annie and Sears Smith of Hampton, New Brunswick, and predeceased by brother Trevor and sisters Daisy, Vesta and Vilma, he is survived by his cherished wife of 67 years, Margaret (McMillan), and by both of his sons, Dr. Andrew Smith (Michael) and Mr. Kevin Smith, P.Eng (Lesley) and many nieces and nephews. David’s career started in Trois Rivieres with Westinghouse. Moving to Toronto, he accepted a job with Molson’s Breweries, eventually becoming Vice President of their International Division. He then spent a number of years as Director of Market Research with Canada Post in Ottawa. David was an innovator in the field of market research in Canada, and was passionate about pursing that independent vision. He founded and was President of the successful firm, Kendric, Smith and Partners. These positions took him around the world, frequently accompanied by Margaret. His work was recognized and honoured by his peers when he was elected as one of the first Fellows of the Market Research and Intelligence Association, the highest professional designation in the field. In his younger years, David served as an Officer in the Canadian Reserve Army, first with Le Regiment de Trois-Rivieres, and later in Toronto with the Governor General’s Horse Guards (Armoured Corps). Taught to sail as a youngster by his brother on the Kennebecasis River in New Brunswick, he continued his love of being on the water throughout his life both at the Beaconsfield Yacht Club in Montreal, as a crew on various boats around the world, and especially at his beloved summer home in Stanhope, PEI. Winter found him with his boys on the ski hills of Canada, the US and Europe. His was a life very well lived. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Covenant House, a charity for homeless youth, which David supported for many years. https://covenanthousetoronto.ca/.