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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
SMITH, Kenneth Russell (Ken) - age 94, of Halifax, passed away on October 16th, 2017 in Camp Hill Veterans’ Memorial Building, QEII. Born in Tantallon, he was the sixth of seven children of the late Hiram and Grace Smith. Like many Nova Scotians of his generation, he volunteered at 17 to leave behind the quiet and peace of our country for service in the Second World War. Ken served overseas with the Royal Canadian Volunteer Reserve, 'Wavy Navy' seeing action overseas while involved in convoy escort and submarine hunting. After the war, he returned to Nova Scotia and attended the Nova Scotia Institute of Technology and completed training for marine engineering. Born a stone’s throw from the ocean, he would spend the next 35 years on the water working on a variety of DND auxiliary vessels, most notably the St. Charles. Despite travelling extensively throughout North America and the Caribbean, his heart and soul were firmly planted in Nova Scotia. Finding and marrying the love of his life, Mary Anna Kenty in 1948, they would enjoy a rich and loving relationship for close to 70 years. Ken built by hand the family home at 31 Piers Avenue in Halifax a home that would see four children, five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren come and go along with countless friends and neighbours dropping by over the course of 58 years. Dad was a caring and loving father to Kenny, Judy, Sherry and Kerry. He was most comfortable and happy in the company of family at home and in particular, spending time with his beloved wife Mary. Despite being a country boy and marrying a city girl, Ken and Mary were inseparable throughout their life enjoying a passionate loving marriage, evidenced by their affection and devotion to each other. Ken excelled as a carpenter and put those skills to use throughout his retirement devoting himself to projects for his wife and family. Always willing to tackle any project well into his 80’s, Ken showed tireless energy caring for Mary in her later years as she fought her battles with cancer and dementia. Always calm, thoughtful and determined, he looked after the family with a steady devotion that left a lasting impression on his children. All members of our family are saddened by the passing of Dad, and so very thankful for all the wisdom, care, and love he gave to us. Ken is survived by his children, Kenneth of Nigeria; Judith Arthur of Dartmouth; Sherry Gouthro of Dartmouth, and Kerry of Nanaimo, B.C.; grandchildren, Sean, Ryan (Tara), Laura, Holly and Carson; greatgrandchildren, Harrison, Frankie, Avery, Charlie, and Griffin; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Mary Anna in 2015; and all of his siblings. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life reception will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Friday, October 20th, in Atlantic Funeral Home, Ocean View Reception Room, 771 Main St., Dartmouth. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia.
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