Obituary of Donaldson Jeffrey Smith

Donaldson Jeffrey Smith

“Donnie”

Our beloved Dad, Grandfather, Unkie, G.G., 93, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2025, surrounded by loving family.  Born in 1932, he was the son of the late Jeffrey Smith and Marion (Richardson).

He was predeceased by his loving wife, Joyce (Hill), niece, Kathy Kelly, sister, Ruth, half-siblings, Francis, Butch, Wayne and Gary (Wilson), and daughters-in-law, Deborah (Byrnes) and Cathy (Toole).

He is survived by sister, Nancy Kelly, children, Wayne (Brenda), Nancy Wreschner (Charles) Jeffrey, and Kellie McLean (Bob), grandchildren, Jeff Wreschner (Janet), Heather Lane (Craig), Kellie Hix (Ben), Anna, Colin, Haley Marion (McLean), great-grandchildren, Caleb, Micah, Justin, Isla, and Elle, and a nephew, Greg Kelly (Sylvia).

Donnie joined the Longshoreman’s Union in 1955 where he dedicated the next 42 years as a stevedore and made many life long friends.  He received a humanitarian award for saving lives in the 1950 fire of Kay’s Department Store, among them, his future wife, Joyce Hill, with whom he shared 63 loving years.  A lover of music and song, singing was a constant throughout his life. He’d often be belting out a Tony Bennett tune or a favourite, Wolverton Mountain, by Claude King.  Reading was a life long love of his.  In later years, he surrounded himself with books and explored his love of literature.  He had a passion for fishing, the great outdoors, cryptoquotes, crosswords, the Blue Jays, and story telling, but above all his family.  He will be greatly missed and forever remembered for his sharp wit and unwavering love for his family. 

As per Donnie's wishes, cremation has taken place under the care of J. Albert Walker Funeral Home.  A celebration of Donnie’s life will take place on Friday, December 5, 2025 from 1-3 pm at J. Albert Walker Funeral Home, 149 Herring Cove Road, Halifax, NS.  To send condolences, please visit www.walkerfh.com