03/23/2026
SMITH: Gary -
Gary Smith, beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend, died on March 19th, leaving behind a life defined by love, laughter, craftsmanship, and a fearless appetite for adventure.
Gary is survived by his wife of 35 years, Polly Smith, and his cherished son, Stephen Gary. He is also survived by his brother Steve Smith; his nephew Stephen Patrick (Leanne) and their children, Zak and Sienna; his mother-in-law Stella Van den Spiegel and his best friend, Jim Vidler, cousins and many friends and acquaintances.
Gary was predeceased by his parents, Gladys Smith, Steve and Muriel Smith, his father-in-law Gilbert Van den Spiegel, his sister-in-law Breda, and his nephew Arran who he missed every day.
Born and raised in Manchester, Gary grew up with a big personality and deep curiosity. A family trip to Canada in his teens sparked something in him - an unshakable certainty that Canada would one day be home. In his late twenties, he made that dream real. He embraced Canada wholeheartedly, yet he held his English roots close, treasuring his family, friends, and memories across the ocean.
Gary poured his energy and passion into everything he did. He loved his work as a scuba shop owner, training countless divers over the years with a steady hand and a deep commitment to safety. An avid and lifelong Manchester United Fan, he named his shop after the team also known as the Red Devils. His joy for the underwater world was infectious, and many people took their first breath underwater because Gary believed in them. He and the Red Devil divers raised over $100,000 to help the families of seriously ill children, and to purchase the Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue some of their first night vision cameras.
As a skilled carpenter, Gary ran Gary Smith Construction for many years in Canada. His craftsmanship, reliability, and easy humour earned him the trust of clients who often became friends. In recent years, Gary dedicated himself to improving social housing and other municipal buildings, work he took great pride in. He made many friends in the field and was respected for his integrity, his work ethic, sometimes doing little extras for the tenants he met.
Gary loved his entire family fiercely. He also loved dogs, the open road, the water, and travels with Polly and friends. He was an avid diver, motorcyclist, and traveller, always seeking the next horizon. He built friendships everywhere he went and will be deeply missed by his circle of friends, his diving and motorcycling communities, and the many people he connected with at the gym, the local pubs, the Kent Club, and in Erieau.
One of the greatest joys of his life was celebrating his son Stephen’s wedding last year and helping to prepare his new home, a time that filled him with pride, gratitude, and joy.
Gary died as he lived with courage, curiosity, and unrelenting determination. Though his passing is tragic, it came in the midst of the adventurous life he insisted on living right to the end.
His legacy is one of love, laughter, craftsmanship, and bold living. Those who knew him will carry his stories, his hugs, his humour, and his fearless spirit with them always.
Visitation will be held at McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street Chatham on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 from 6:00 - 8:00pm and on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 from 2:00 - 5:00pm followed by a private family service. Cremation has taken place.
Donations can be made in Gary’s name to PAWR or CK Animal Rescue.
Online condolences can be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com
McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street, Chatham
519-351-2040
