Desmond Ernest Hayden Smith

Desmond Ernest Hayden Smith November 9, 1933 – April 15, 2025 Desmond (Des) passed peacefully in his sleep at the age of 91. Family and friends had previously celebrated Dad’s 90 th birthday at a surprise party with many coming from far away and some attending virtually. Dad was thrilled. Des was born in Bournemouth England, by the sea, to Ernest Smith and Ivy Gray. Des was a sailor at heart from a young age, joining the Royal Navy in England at 12 and sailing on submarines until he was 23. He married his beloved Pamela Phillips, and they had two daughters, Helen and Karen. He moved his young family to Canada for a better life in 1965. He kept learning and became a top computer technician, eventually becoming the head of the Air Canada Computer Services in Toronto. This gave his family airline passes so they could then visit family in England regularly, as well as travel extensively. The family often enjoyed camping and boating together - treasured memories. Des enjoyed visits with his daughters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and in retirement we would find him on his sailboat in the summer months on Toronto Island. He enjoyed his community of friends there. His second marriage to Madeleine Johnson gave him many happy years travelling and sailing together. Des will be missed by his beloved children, Helen Smits (Christoffer), Karen Williamson (Dave) and Caroline Taylor (Peter). Also, by his grandchildren Emily Smits (Bikram), Daniella Smits (Brandon), Juliana Smits (Kenneth), Tori Williamson (Keith) and Graham Williamson (Jaclyn) . His great grandchildren Evindar, Destan, Warren and Quentin shall hear some of some of great grandad's adventures. He will also be missed by his extended family in England who have many fond memories. He especially will be missed by his dear best friends, Jim and Thelma Hammond, fellow sailors. They became close to Des, as their boat was beside his C&C 30 sailboat on the Island. Many years were shared in Toronto and they stayed together for the move to St. Catharines. Jim and Thelma helped Des enjoy daily life and were devoted friends for many years; he became part of their extended family. We consider them part of ours too. Des will be missed by family and friends. He is predeceased by his father Ernest Smith, his mother Ivy Gray, his sister Pamela Webster, his first wife Pamela Phillips, his second wife Madeleine Johnson and his closest cousins Bob Houghton and George Smith. At Desmond’s request there will not be a funeral. Des was cremated and his ashes will be scattered at Des’s request at places meaningful to him. Close family and friends will gather in his memory, at a later date. Condolences and memories may be shared online here. We will dearly miss Dad (Grandad) but wish him happy sailing in heaven. Until we meet again.