Obituary of Malcolm Gordon Smith
January 10, 1946 – September 5, 2024
With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Malcolm G. Smith of Saint John, on September 5, 2024, at Loch Lomond Village. He was 78. Born in Point de Bute, New Brunswick, he was the beloved son of the late Austin N. Smith and Margaret (Read) Smith. Known to many as Mac, he lived a full life, anchored in love and kindness, making lasting memories along the way.
Malcolm is survived by the love of his life Nancy (Liddell) Smith, whom he met at Teacher’s College in Fredericton. In addition to obtaining his degree in physical education, he and Nancy began a lifelong journey in which they became best friends and partners. They were married for 54 years. Together, they raised two daughters, Christy (Chad) English of Midland, Michigan, and Mindy (Scott) Steen of Rothesay, and have four grandchildren: Shawn, Austin, Taylor, and Cory. He also is survived by his sister Marilyn (Dana) Estabrooks, and several nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Malcolm was a beloved son, husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, teacher, coach and friend. Along with his family, he leaves behind thousands of students that he taught or coached at Saint John High School, New Albert, St. Patrick’s West Side and Princess Elizabeth schools. Everywhere the family traveled, Malcolm ran into former students who always had a big hug and a fond memory to share.
He was known for his generous, caring heart, and warm smile, and he had a passion for sports and music. He was an avid reader and history buff, and World War II enthusiast. Many benefitted from his garden, where family and friends picked fresh peas and beans, and his grandsons dug through the earth in search of red potatoes.
Malcolm was well-recognized in the Saint John sporting community. He coached high school boys’ and girls’ volleyball (winning provincial titles), and boys’ hockey. He coached his daughter Mindy throughout high school and instilled a love of the game in both of his daughters, who continued to play well into adulthood. He also played men’s softball with the Saint John Royals. After retirement, Malcolm was active with the Saint John Flames (AHL) and Sea Dogs (QMJHL), serving as an off-ice official for 22 years. He kept a journal for most of his life and documented many experiences from his time with the Saint John hockey dynasties, including interactions with future hockey heroes. He was also an Honorary Chair of the East Coast Games in 2017.
Music was a big part of Malcolm’s life. The family sang to every song on the radio. He and Nancy supported the girls in music from piano to violin to choir. Although he never learned how to read music, he joined the Carleton Choristers and performed in community events with his daughter Christy while she was in high school and university. He also sang with Trinity’s choir. He had a beautiful voice and always sat with strong tenors that helped him follow the notes.
Even through the clouds of dementia, music reached him on a deep level. He could sing the lyrics to beloved songs better than anyone. Mindy, Christy and Nancy sang to him till the end: “I believe in angels; Something in everything I see; I believe in angels; When I know the time is right for me; I’ll cross the stream, I Have a Dream.” ~ABBA
The family is grateful to the staff at Loch Lomond Village, who wrapped him in love, friendship and tender care during the latter stages of dementia, as well as all the professionals along his 10-year journey with the disease, including his doctors and the staff at St. Joseph’s Hospital.
He had his family and his faith. The family is comforted knowing that he rests in His Eternal Grace. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of hard work and unconditional love will live on in our hearts.
Arrangements are entrusted to Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (506-634-7424). The family will receive visitors at Trinity Anglican Church, 115 Charlotte Street, on Tuesday, September 10, from 10:30 a.m. until noon. A celebration of life service will take place at 1:00 p.m., followed by a reception in the Bennett Room. Words of comfort may be shared at www.brenansfh.com. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to Trinity Anglican Church or the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick.
