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HUGH SMYTHE Obituary

HUGH ARTHUR SMYTHE, M.D. Passed away peacefully at his home in Toronto on Sunday, October 14, 2012 at the age of 85 years. He will be sadly missed by his beloved wife of 62 years, Bernice, his children Richard (Barb), Anne (Bob) and Conn (Christine) and his grandchildren Michael, Mary, Andrew, Laura, Philippe and Daniel. Predeceased by his parents Conn and Irene Smythe and siblings Stafford, Miriam and Patricia. Upon graduating with a medical degree from the University of Toronto in 1950, Dr. Smythe undertook specialized training in rheumatic disease. As the longest serving director of The Arthritis Society (1961-99), Dr. Smythe was a major contributor to the education and awareness of the society and to the development of arthritis self-management programs throughout Canada. He was a professor of Medicine at University of Toronto, helping build the foundation of hundreds of doctors. He was the Chief of the Rheumatology unit at Wellesley Hospital then at Toronto Western. He was a founder and served as co-editor of the Journal of Rheumatology. Hugh's work in medicine afforded him many opportunities to travel. He and his constant companion, Bernice saw most of the world together. During his travels his love of the arts, culture and pursuit of understanding the nature of rheumatic disease combined to make him an avid collector of headrests. Hockey and the Toronto Maple Leafs were so important to Hugh's early life. A terrific player as a boy and young man. He loved the game, the players and was very proud to be the team doctor for Toronto Maple Leafs from 1949-1969, during which time they won four Stanley Cups. Hugh helped forward the legacy of his father's philanthropic work by taking on the role of Chairman of the Conn Smythe Foundation. This role he had passed on to future generations. An avid and competitive sportsman, he and Bernice loved to ski, play golf, tennis and sail Cook's Bay. Hugh and Bernice treasured the close friendships and lasting relationships that grew through sharing their passion for sports and the arts in Toronto, the cottage on Lake Simcoe and, later, the farm in Caledon. Hugh said that one of the wonderful things about his life was the fun he and Bernice had together. To quote Scott Young "to be quite plain about it, Dr. Smythe is one of those fairly rare human beings who do not deserve one moment's doubt from anyone." The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES CHAPEL LIMITED, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17 and from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 18. Stories and memories can be shared at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.
Published by Toronto Star on Oct. 16, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for HUGH SMYTHE

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11 Entries

October 22, 2012

October 21, 2012

Connie MacEachern

October 20, 2012

Anne I am sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Take care, Connie

October 19, 2012

October 19, 2012

Hugh was a gentle man, and a true gentleman! He will be sadly missed by all his neighbours in Bennington Heights.

Our condolences to Bernice, she has lost her pillar of strength.

Our thoughts are with you Bernice,

Hugh Grant
Bennington Heights Residents' Association

Sudip Chakraborty

October 18, 2012

Anne & Family,
So sorry to hear about the sad demise of your father.
My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family.
- Sudip Chakraborty (The Hive)

October 17, 2012

Dear Richard and Barb
Please accept my deepest condolences.....your dad/father in law sounded like those rarest of men-gentle, intelligent, loving, and devoted! I hope that you will find peace and support from friends and family during this difficult time. God bless you.
Denise Galashan

Karen Ryder

October 17, 2012

Dear Smythe family, No doubt you will hear from many people Dr. Smythe assisted. He was very knowledgeable, kind and supportive of my health journey many years ago. I will not forget what a positive impact he made on my life. My thoughts are with your family during this time. Sincerely, Karen P. Ryder

Bob Brown

October 16, 2012

Richard & Family
We heard about your father's passing and can only imagine how sad a time this is for you. We send our love and we want you to know that you are in our thoughts.
Bob & Judi

Heather Jack

October 16, 2012

Anne and Family,
So very sorry to hear of your Dad's passing.
I'm thinking of you and sending my love.
Heather

Edith George

October 16, 2012

Dr. Smythe took the time a few years ago to help me research the history of a family in Toronto.

I so appreciated that he gave of his time and knowledge.

May he rest in peace.

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Memorial Events
for HUGH SMYTHE

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Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles - Newbigging Chapel Limited

1403 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4G 3A8