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 90th 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. A sailor at heart from a young age, he joined the Royal Navy in England at 12 and served on submarines until the age of 23. He married his beloved Pamela Phillips, and together they had two daughters, Helen and Karen. In 1965, he moved his young family to Canada for a better life.

Ever curious and ambitious, Des became a top computer technician and later led the Air Canada Computer Services in Toronto. This brought many travel opportunities for his family, and they shared treasured memories of camping, boating, and globe-trotting together.

Des cherished visits with his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In retirement, he spent joyful summers on his sailboat at Toronto Island, surrounded by a loving community of friends. His second marriage to Madeleine Johnson brought him years of travel and sailing companionship.

Des will be deeply missed by his children Helen Smits (Christoffer), Karen Williamson (Dave), and Caroline Taylor (Peter); his grandchildren Emily Smits (Bikram), Daniella Smits (Brandon), Juliana Smits (Kenneth), Tori Williamson (Keith), and Graham Williamson (Jaclyn); and great-grandchildren Evindar, Destan, Warren, and Quentin. He will also be remembered with love by extended family in England.

Special thanks go to Jim and Thelma Hammond, his devoted friends and fellow sailors, whose boat was moored beside Des's C&C 30 sailboat. Their friendship continued beyond Toronto to St. Catharines, where they remained by his side as family.

Des is predeceased by his parents Ernest Smith and Ivy Gray, his sister Pamela Webster, his first wife Pamela Phillips, his second wife Madeleine Johnson, and his cousins Bob and George Smith.

At Desmond’s request, there will be no funeral. He was cremated, and his ashes will be scattered at locations 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.