Richard Parsons Smyth, more widely known as Dick Smyth very reluctantly succumbed to his recent battle with cancer. The void of his booming presence will be keenly felt by his wife, Marnie, his 3 daughters, Lann, Tracey and Dawn, his sons-in-law, Bob, Jim and Stan and his cherished grand-girls Hannah and Mira. Dick was a pioneer of the early days of Rock-n-Roll Radio, developing the reporting/broadcast news at CKLW in Windsor. Working as a news reporter across the border from the volatile condition of Detroit in the late sixties was an exciting, career building time for Dick where he earned many accolades and awards for his energetic coverage of events such as the Detroit race riots. This recognition led to his move to CHUM Toronto as News Director, where he very effectively honed the art of outrageous commentary. The popularity of his daily broadcast comments led to televised and print versions where the picture of Dick with his pipe of tobacco was well known in Toronto. Dick and Marnie retired to their beloved Muskoka where he enjoyed 21 years, never relinquishing the desire to express his vocal and written points of view. Dick will be missed driving around Bracebridge in his little red 'Dr. Doom' Mazda Miata In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Hospice Huntsville.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Muskoka Region News on Mar. 8, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Smyth

Sponsored by Reynolds Funeral Home Turner Chapel.

11 Entries

Bill Oates

September 27, 2021

I loved his radio work already mentioned but also his great voice acting in the Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion video game. I loved his work.

Eric J. Brooks

July 21, 2021

I remember Dick Smyth reading the news and giving "Here's How Things look to Dick Smyth" monologue all the way back to age seven or eight, in the mid 1970s. He was always such a rock of fact, opinion and Old School no nonsense. I never met you Dick Smyth, but I loved you from childhood onwards. Both inside and outside 1050 CHUM (and later CFTR) there was none like you. Hope to one day see you on the other side. Take Care, Great Man!

Terry Scott

March 16, 2021

Dear Marnie and family,
Please know that many others share the pain of your loss. Dick was one of a kind who constantly raised the bar of broadcast journalism and mentored many, directly and indirectly, to become better wordsmiths. We shall remember him always and be sure to raise our glasses and sing a chorus or two of The Gladboys of Radio quite often. RIP, Dick.

Frank Madison

March 14, 2021

Mornings years ago with My Smyth and Mr Henderson.
Got me going thanks.
Enjoyed the commentaries.
Heck with the dj s and their blah blah blah. Liked the news and sports.
Glad Mr Smyth had a great retirement.
Thanks and RIP.
Condolences to his family.

Steven Mosher

March 11, 2021

I extend my sincere condolences to Dick Smyth's family in this difficult time. I met him back in 1984 during one of Toronto's 150th anniversary walks and was also a regular listener of his CHUM morning newscasts during the 1980s, until I moved to Ottawa. He will be missed by many people.

Mike Cameron

March 9, 2021

Dick was truly legendary! Two of my best years in radio were spent in the CHUM newsroom in the early 80s. He was larger than life, yet so down to earth. Not sure his shoes will ever be filled! And no one will ever throw a Telex roll quite as accurately as Dick. Thanks for everything, Dick, and RIP. My thoughts are with Marnie, Dawn, Lann, and Tracy. ❤

Trinda Berger

March 8, 2021

Dick Smyth was the sound of my mornings both at home with the radio tuned to CHUM but when I’d walk up the hill and call on Lann for the walk to school. It was many years ago but I remember him as a kind man who was actually interested in what I had to say. I’m sorry you’ve lost him in your lives and I know how very hard it hits.

Frank Sabine

March 8, 2021

Oh, I will miss the voice, the delivery, the message. Dick Smyth was so wonderful to listen to. I can hear him right now in my head. I dreamed radio as a child and youngster and didn't have the nerve to follow this dream.
Dick is so right, there are not any personalities in the business, haven't been in decades.
God bless.

Brent Sleightholm

March 8, 2021

We didn't always agree, but it was a privilege and my honour to have worked for Dick at 1050 CHUM starting in 1969.
He found me in Hamilton without a job and took me under his wing. I subsequently found out I was not meant.for the big time and retreated to Hamilton in 1973 where I worked for 30 years. Dick was my mentor. I will never forget his kindness and tutelage. I am deeply sorry to hear of his passing, I will be forever thankful for his life and especially for all the younger people who benefitted from his tutelage. To his dear Marnie and family, my sincere condolences.

Brent Sleightholm

Philip Smith

March 8, 2021

I was saddened to read of the passing of this voice of my youth and beyond. Dick Smyth is a name that will always stand out as one of those broadcasters who stuck with you, whether you agreed or not, you thought about the discourse. RIP Mr. Smyth.

Karen Parsons

March 8, 2021

Dick Smyth was an unparalleled master storyteller. Incomparably incisive, bold, fearless, thoughtful and possessed with a legendary temper. Apparently typewriters flew.
He would have excelled at whatever he chose to do in life and broadcasting was elevated by Mr Smyth’s ferocious dedication to his craft. As a kid I heard countless —and riveting — Dick Smyth newscasts on CKLW.
Once I got into broadcasting I heard the stories of his larger than life personality and was honoured to eventually work at the same station as this giant of the industry and to meet my childhood hero. Great guy.
Thanks for being so damn good at what you did Dick. RIP
My sincere condolences to Marnie, their three daughters, their families and his many friends.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

Memorial Events
for Richard Smyth

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Reynolds Funeral Home Turner Chapel

1 Mary Street, Bracebridge, ON P1L 2B6

Richard Parsons "Dick" Smyth

BORN

DIED

FUNERAL HOME

Richard Smyth Obituary

Memories and Condolences for Richard Smyth

Memorial Events for Richard Smyth

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Smyth

Memorial Events
for Richard Smyth