Alexander Charles SMART

ALEXANDER CHARLES
(SANDY) SMART
November 7, 1920 – May 6, 2013
Sandy died quickly and painlessly of natural causes at the Rideau and Perley Veterans' Health Centre in Ottawa on Monday evening, after a cheerful day of getting settled into his new home there. He was predeceased by his beloved and loving wife of 52 years, Shirley Bannerman Smart, and by his three sons, John, Richard (Alice) and Alan. Left to mourn are his daughters Rosemary and Sandra, and his grandchildren Daniel (Abby), Kristin, Kelly and Anna. He cherished a wide circle of very special family and friends who will also miss him. Born in Kingston to Charles Adamson Smart and Annie Ritchie Smart, late of Forfar, Scotland, Sandy grew up with brothers George (Norma) and Don (Charlotte), and the late Doug (Teresa). He graduated at the top of his class from RMC before taking his commission and serving overseas in World War II. After the War he graduated from Queens University with top honours as an electrical engineer, then continued his career in the Royal Signals Corps. In the course of his service he developed, and held the patent for, a 1950s tank guidance system called Navaid, which Canada shared with all its allies in NATO until more modern electronics put it out of business. But Sandy's proudest and happiest times were focused on family, friends and community. He was one of the first hundred 'pioneers' in Manor Park, buying the family home in 1948. He contributed significantly to getting both Little League and kids' hockey started in the community and later delighted in playing 'honorary grandpa' to the kids on the block. Sandy lived a full, happy life during which he enriched everyone he met. We will miss him dearly. At his request he will be cremated with the bare minimum of fuss, and we will arrange a farewell party for him at a later date.