Obituary of John Smith

John Smith transitioned to be with the Angels early in the evening on Tuesday September the 5th, 2017.  He will be forever loved and remembered for his gentle soul and kindness. He always had a smile on his face and a song in his heart.  

David was born in Gananoque, on Sunday February 28, 1937, son of the late Howard and the late Alice (Mills) Harper. He married Mary Catherine (Beaubiah) Harper on Apr 22, 1955 in Gananoque. Dave was self employed, operating Harper Fuels in the Gananoque and surrounding area for more than 40 years.  He loved his job and the many great customers that he developed friendships with over the years.  He was a volunteer fireman, a member of the Gananoque Lions Club and an active boater on the St. Lawrence river where Catherine and Dave enjoyed many island friends.  Above all Dave was  a loving and devoted husband and the best father anyone could ask for. 

He will be affectionately  remembered and missed everyday by his wife and best friend of 62 years Catherine.  He leaves behind four daughters and his son :  Jennifer Dee (Tom), Valerie Clare (Jon), Jeffrey Harper, Kathleen Harper (Angel) and Michelle Miller (Tom).  

Dave is survived by one sister Anne McLennan (Murray) and his favourite sister in law Theresa Leeder. 

His living legacy of love continues in his 10 grandchildren, Justin Dee (Heidi - Jack, Cash), Joel Dee (Mara, Charlie), Jon Clare (Erica - Trey, Kendall), Katy Kench (Mike- Leo), Josh Clare (Lauren - Alex), Diana Drawbridge (Don - Lily, Avery), Kayla Harper (Tyler), Melissa Miller, Jenna Miller and Tommy Miller.  

Dave was predeceased by his parents Howard and Alice Harper, two brothers Bill and Ralph Harper and a sister Betty Parrish, his father and mother in law Charles and Kay Beaubiah and two children awaiting the arrival of their loving dad, a daughter Daphne and infant son Andrew.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, Sep 9 from 11:00 to 12:45 PM at Tompkins Funeral Home 63 Garden St, Gananoque
Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, Sep 9 from 1:00 PM at St. John the Evangelist Church 270 Stone St. S, Gananoque
David's Rite of Burial at St. Johns Cemetery Georgiana Street, Gananoque

Friends and family are invited to celebrate his life at the Gananoque Legion immediately following.  Come and share your stories.  

Those we love don't go away

They walk beside us everyday

Unseen, unheard but always near

Still loved, still missed