David Westwood SMITH

David passed away peacefully, at home, surrounded by family he cherished. A loving husband, father, and grandfather, his life was centred around his wife, Sandy; his children, Peter, Andrea (Scott), and Stephen (Alison); and his grandchildren, Moïra, Sascha, Liam, Ella, Evan, and Colby. David was very proud of all their accomplishments. Son of William Westwood and Evelyn Margaret (Evans) Smith, David was born in Toronto, where he spent his early years, then experienced the mountains and the prairies when the family moved to Calgary and Winnipeg. David is survived by his brother, Donald (Carolyn); sister, Nancy (Brian); and five nieces and nephews. Following high school at Upper Canada College and a BA at the University of Manitoba, David attended University of Toronto Law School, where he earned the Angus MacMurchy Gold Medal. David joined Davies, Ward and Beck in 1970, where he practiced until he retired in 2010. Recognized internationally as a tax lawyer, David mentored, wrote and lectured on taxation for many organizations. He served terms as Chair of the Board of Governors of the Canadian Tax Foundation, and Chair of the National Taxation Section of the Canadian Bar Association. David was also pleased to contribute to the community as a member of the Board of the Foundation of the University Health Network (UHN) for many years, several as Chair. He was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. Family time was always a priority for David. His love of cottage life began on Lake of the Woods, and continued on Lake Muskoka, where he was given the title of 'King of the Raft' by the youngsters who gathered at our waterfront for swimming and laughter. In winter, he donned skis at Devil's Glen for the thrill of the slopes, with members of our extended family. Retiring with Sandy to Bloomfield, Prince Edward County, in 2010, David relished his time curling, paddling, gardening (with results like jam) and walking the Millennium Trail, especially with his faithful dog, Ginger. Like many who retire to the County, he contributed to the community as a volunteer – at Hospice Prince Edward, the Prince Edward Family Health team (PEFHT), the Jazz Festival, and the Baxter Arts Centre, in each case as treasurer. David's last five years were a long, slow journey with IPF (idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis), during which his attitude had been "I'm so glad to be alive, and I will always try to remain positive." We are very grateful for the medical support of Dr. Helene Baldwin of the PEFHT, and Dr. Matthew Binnie at the UHN in Toronto. It is with sadness, love and appreciation that we remember David, a man who was well-liked and dearly loved. A Memorial Service will be held at Eglinton St. George's United Church, 35 Lytton Blvd., Toronto, on May 3, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Baxter Arts Centre, 3 Stanley St., Bloomfield, on May 11, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. Donations in David's memory may be made to Hospice Prince Edward, the UHN Foundation, or the U of T Faculty of Law.