Last Post - Obituaries

Major (Retired) Kenneth Smith

Suddenly, at Kingston General Hospital, on April 3rd, at the age of 77, Major Ken Smith OMM CD, companion of Lois McTaggart, loving father of Louise Stevenson (Carsten) of Kingston, Christine Erickson of Kingston, Bumpy to Justin Moon (Heather) of Ottawa, Patricia Stevenson (Todd) of Kingston, Candis (Jordon) and Chandra Erickson of Kingston, passed quietly due to complications of illness. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Gudrun, his sister Elinor (in infancy) and his sister in law Elona. He is survived by his brothers Wayne (Renate) of Ottawa, Gordon (Gloria) of Kentville NS, brother in law Gerhardt Tomaschewski of Kingston, sister in law Gislinde Carneil (Hans) of Germany, 3 great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

Ken was born in Harlem NS, the son of Maj KE Smith Sr and Viola Smith. He attended school in Weymouth and in Wolfville, where after graduation he attended Acadia University. After his freshmen year he enlisted in the Royal Canadian Signal Corps and proudly served his country for 38 years. Over this time he rose from the rank of Signalman to that of Major. During his time with the Armed Forces he served in Germany with the Royal Canadian Dragoons (1951-1953, the Congo (1960-1961), Gaza (1966-1967), Egypt (1973) and in Syria (1982-1983). He served with the 1st Canadian Signal Regiment in the capacity of Adjutant, Troop Commander and 2IC. Additionally, Ken was stationed in many parts of Canada. In 1984 he was invested into the Order of Military Merit (OMM).

As per his wishes there will be no funeral services and a cremation has taken place. A memorial service will take place on Sunday April 5, 2009, between 1400-1600 hrs at the Military Communications and Electronics Museum (95 Craftsman Blvd, CFB Kingston, ON). Internment will be held at the Cataraqui Cemetery at a later date.

Donations can be made to the Canadian Military Communication and Electronics Museum, the Canadian Cancer Society or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.