It is with great sadness we announce the passing of loving dad, grampa, uncle and brother, Brent (Smitty) after a long battle and complications with diabetes and renal failure. Brent passed away peacefully in his sleep at St. Joseph's Hospital in Thunder Bay, August 19, at the age of 79.

Brent was predeceased by his dad (Bob), mom (Rose Smith-Notter), his brother Bobby, and his loving wife Carol.

He leaves to mourn his son Brent (Mary Lavigne), two granddaughters Britney and Chelsea Rose whom he loved so much; sister Bev Ducharme (Ed), nephews Corey (Jenn) and Trevor; brother Craig; sister-in-law Fern, nephew Lloyd (Joanne) and niece Kim Giancaterino (Romano); sisters-in-laws Joyce Adams, nephew Jason and niece Melanie (Robert); June Bryson (Tim), nephews Adam (Theresa) and Martti, and nieces Brandy (Evan) and Juliana; Phyllis VanDusen (Dennis), niece Sarah (Josh), and nephew Jonathan (Maggie); and many, many great nieces and nephews.

Brent was born in McKenzie Island Hospital September 23, 1945. He spent most of his adult life working at Dickenson Mine, except for a few years when he moved to Hamilton, Ontario, to work at Stelco Steel.

Brent loved playing sports – football in high school, many years of fastball, hockey, and curling.

He was a fastball pitcher in Hamilton for Stelco, and took his team from last place to a championship in one season. He was proud to have pitched a no-hitter, and was awarded MVP of the league that year. Concurrently, he pitched AAA fastball.

He played hockey for the junior Thunder Bay Hurricanes and then for the Dickinson hockey team, and later became coach.

Smitty was a musical guy. He played guitar and bass. He was the bass guitarist in the rock band the Dyna-Tones in high school. He also enjoyed DJing as Smitty's Good Time Music – one of the first in the area at the time.

Smitty kept a beautiful garden at home in Balmertown but his greatest love was for his cabin at Rahill Beach. He loved fishing, filleting and having a fish fry. He was known for his legendary corn roasts and his spaghetti (with vodka). He and Carol loved to host family and friends. Nothing made him happier than good company, some nibblies before dinner, a cigarette and a drink (smash) in hand.

Cremation has taken place and a private internment will be held at the columbarium at Woodland Cemetery, Balmertown, Ontario.

The family will hold a celebration of life at the Smith Rahill Beach cabin on Saturday, August 30, 4:30-6:30 PM.

A big thank you to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and St. Joseph's Hospital nurses and doctors for doing everything possible to keep him comfortable. Donations in memory of Smitty can be made to St. Joseph's Foundation

https://www.sjftb.net/ways-to-give?give=PYEVM6DX

We love you Smitty and will miss you everyday!