Age 89 of Chatham, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 25, 2025 at his residence. Beloved husband of the late Elizabeth Smart (2023). Loving father of Anthony Smart, and Tina Smart. Cherished grandfather of Dale Smart, Celina Smart, Joel Codeco, Abigail, and Isabella McFadden, and Quinton Rudderham. He was the youngest of 10 siblings, and is survived by his brother Dudley, and sister Dolly. Missed by all of his family in the USA, England, Jamaica. By his cousins, Tony Kahleel, and Sonia Ellis. His brother Dudley, sister Dolly, and Predeceased by his parents Joseph, and Marian (Balmer) Smart, as well as his step-son, Shawn Colvin. Ansel had a passion for photography that was an unpaid second career. He is remembered through the people he touched with his pictures, and new friends through passions he held. He took the later years in life learning the guitar, pushing through Arthritis. He was a huge musical influence for his son Tony, who hopes to pass this passion on. He was involved in Reggae music, travelling Jamaica at an early age. An immigrant first to the United States, then to Canada. A true testament to willpower, and perseverance. Through the many people he connected with in his life, is a story of a man who was passionate about what he loved. As an artist, he will live on through his works, and the memories of the people he has touched.
Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Sympathy may be expressed through donations to Ronald McDonald House (www.rmhc-swo.ca) or Sick Kids (www.sickkids.ca).
