Passed away Saturday October 10th at May Court Hospice in his 74th year. Beloved husband of Elizabeth Smith (nee O’Neill), loving brother of Jack Smith (Elaine) and Rebecca LeBlanc (Doug), brother-in-law to Jean Kirley (Joe), John (Bud) O’Neill (Dianne), Paul O’Neill (Shirley), Donald O’Neill (Jean), Cornelius (Connie) O’Neill (Diane), Martha Creally (Joe), Peter O’Neill (deceased) and Patrick O’Neill (Bonnie); dear son of Eric and Anah Smith and cherished Uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.
A native of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, Lieutenant Colonel Smith enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1964 and was Commissioned into the Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps in 1965. Lieutenant-Colonel Smith initially served in London, Ontario at 27 Central Ordnance Depot.
He served at Canadian Forces Base Trenton from 1968-1973 as an Air Transportation Officer at 2 Air Movements Unit and as Cabin Crew Leader at 437 (T) Squadron. Following a tour at CFHQ in Ottawa as the Capital Projects Accounts Officer he was posted on exchange duties to Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford Massachusetts to the Regional Operational Control centre Acquisition Project.
On promotion to Major in 1979, he was posted to Canadian Forces Base Summerside as the Base Supply Officer. In 1983 he returned to Ottawa as a member of the New Fighter Aircraft Acquisition Officer responsible for the acquisition of aircraft maintenance support equipment.
In 1986 Lieutenant-Colonel Smith attended the Royal Norwegian Air Force Staff College in Oslo, Norway, followed by three years at the Allied Forces Northern Europe (AFNORTH) Headquarters. There he became involved with the planning and support of Allied Forces assigned for deployment to Denmark and Norway as reinforcements.
He returned to Canada in 1990 as Base Supply Officer at Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake, Alberta followed by a year of language training in Victoria British Columbia. In 1993 he was posted to NDHQ/J4 Logistics in Ottawa, responsible for the development of Air Logistics Doctrine.
For all of his numerous professional accomplishments, Hugh will be fondly remembered by both friends and family for his quiet strength and his kind and generous nature. In memory of Hugh, donations to Hospice at May Court Ottawa, Carefor Home Care Services or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. A private service will be held at a later date.
Digital Guestbook
Sandra d’Entremont
Borden and Claire (Smith) Newell
So sorry to hear of Buddy’s passing.Our Sincere Sympathies to Jack,Becky,Elizabeth and families.
Ruth Lyons
Fond memories I have of times spent at the Kirley home with Bethy and Hugh. My condolences.
Linda and Joss Blanchette
Beth Becky and Jack we send you our sincere condolences. My heart goes out to all of you. Sending hugs and prayers.
Bill and Dale Durkin
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Beth. Although we didn't know Hugh for a long time, we were blessed to meet him and feel his warmth.
Don and Glenda Evans
We are saddened to learn of Hughie's passing. We have such fond memories of our dear neighbours in Orleans so many years ago. Both Beth and Hugh were so kind to our children, and Danielle especially remembers the wheelbarrow rides with Hughie. Our love goes out to Beth and family.
Glenn Pitman
Remember Hugh from High School in Yarmouth; including our times in Army Cadets together; Hugh was the Major of the Corp and I was the Sargent Major; between the two of us we had control. Most memorable was Hugh being my Best Man at Mary Ann and my wedding. Lost track of Hugh over the years and glad he made a career of the military. Our sympathy to Hugh's family.
Ron and Lindy Cousineau
We are so sad to hear that our good friend and neighbour, Hugh, has passed. He was our neighbour for so many years. Hugh always had a friendly smile and great conversations with us. Our dog Chloe loved him too. Our deepest sympathies to Beth and family.
Deborah and Peter Reesor
Hello Beth; We have fond memories of Hugh on the few occasions we were able to attend O'Neill family gatherings. He had a lovely smile that he generously bestowed on others. My mother, Barbara Shea would be saddened to hear of his passing.
Karen Scarfone
My heart goes out to you Beth and family on the loss of a wonderful man. I'll always remember chatting with Hugh on the front step since I was a little girl and will miss those days dearly. My deepest sympathies are with you Beth ❤
Beth , Becky and Jack my sincere condolences are being passed on to you . Praying you have strength from God at this difficult time .
Sandy