Passing of Bobby Smith (Mark's Father)
March 19, 2008
Halifax, NS
Hi Al...I know everyone who came into contact with Bobby will remember him as a well respected umpire and trailblazer but he was an equally great player in his younger days. He will be sadly missed but fondly remembered in Halifax and well beyond.
Cecil Wright
SMITH, Robert Marshall "Bobby" - 75, Halifax, went home peacefully to be with God on Monday, March 17, 2008, following a 19 year battle with emphysema, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Halifax on July 25, 1932, he was a son of the late Arnold and Gertrude (Clayton) Smith. Bobby is survived by his loving wife of 49 and a half years, Muriel (Borden); sons, Mark (Ann), Falmouth; Craig (Lisa), Yarmouth; Thane (Denise), Wade (Sherry) and daughter, Lezlie (Brian) States, all of Halifax; grandchildren, Chad, Tamara, Michiko, Bethaine, Ryan, Denzel, Jasmine, Chanel, Malik, Jaydan, and Jaxon. He was predeceased by brothers, Gerald (Jahalia) and Charlie (Amy), and sisters, Lalia (J.T. Grant) and Bernice (Len Powell). Bobby was the last surviving member of his immediate family. In his early years Bobby excelled at sports, playing hockey, softball and bowling. During the 1940s and 50s he was a constant figure and star on the Nova Scotia softball scene, playing for Texaco, Halifax Shamrocks and Keith's. In the late 60s, after suffering a foot injury, Bobby switched to umpiring and in 1969, umpired at the Canada Games which were held in Halifax. Over the next 21 years, Bobby umpired across Canada and in 1979, he attained the rank of level 5, which allowed him to umpire internationally. Bobby was the first African Canadian to achieve this honour and in 2002, he was inducted into the Softball Canada Hall of Fame in Summerside, P.E.I. In 1979, Bobby umpired at the Canadian National Senior Men's Championships in Newfoundland while his son, Mark, was a participant. This was the first time a father and son had participated in this fashion. Bobby also umpired in the North American Senior Ladies Women's in 1980, and the World Championships in Sun City Arizona and World Youth Games in Edmonton in 1981. Bobby was a letter carrier with Canada Post for 36 and a half years, with 26 of those years delivering to the Connaught Avenue area and the Halifax Shopping Centre, retiring in 1990. He was also a well-known bartender who worked at the Arrows Club and the Firefighters Club on North Park Street. Following in a family tradition of social participation Bobby has served as secretary of the Letter Carriers Union, secretary of the George Washington Carver Credit Union, secretary and Master of the Masonic Lodge, Equity 106, president of the Postal Employees Bowling League and president of the Central Region Umpires Association. Bobby was known to many as a father figure, uncle and friend. Later in his life when his illness would not allow him to drive long distances it was through the efforts and kindness of his best friend, Jake Connolly, that he was able to continue to follow his son Mark's softball career around the country. The family would like to thank the staff of the VG Site, QEII, Intensive Care Unit 3A, for their kindness and a special thank you to family physician and friend Dr. Jack Sommers. Visitation will take place in Atlantic Funeral Home, 6552 Bayers Rd., Halifax on Wednesday, March 19, 2- 4, 7-9 p.m. Funeral Thursday, March 20, at 11 a.m. in Cornwallis Street Baptist Church, Cornwallis Street, Halifax, Rev. Rhonda Britten officiating. Burial in Oakridge Memory Gardens, Lower Sackville. Family flowers only. Donations may be made to the Community YMCA Basketball Program, please specify. On-line condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com
Ain't no mountain high enough ...
