Raymond SMITH

Mr Smith had a pride in teaching, but also in Ancaster High itself. It was clear to me that he cared about his students´ lives both during and after their years at school. He was one of the only teachers that I felt comfortable asking for a reference letter to get into `teacher´s college´, and he happily assisted.

Consequently, after over 30 years in the education field myself, it is obvious to me that Mr. Smith set the tone at A.H. & V.S.. A tone that commanded respect, and accountability. He invested so much of himself, so that we could have an athletic program that no other school could rival.

In addition to being an athletic and educational mentor to me, he and Mrs. Smith were also mentors to Ann-Marie and I in the field of antique collecting and dealing. We spent many happy weekends or evenings in their company at auction sales in the country side and at Ed and Donna Washnuk´s in Rockton and at Brian Martin´s. They later regularly visited our booth at outdoor antique shows, where Mrs. Smith might be looking to pick up a cameo depression piece or a hen on nest, or two.

We miss running into them at the shows.

Ray will be so missed and we want to send our sincerest condolences to Penny, Kim, Kelly and Kevin and their families.

Thinking of you all, Bob and Ann-Marie

Sorry to read about Mr. Smith's passing. He was my 1st high school gym teacher (left quite an impression on that 1st day of high school), my basketball coach (no baseline!) and my guidance counselor (steered me towards University and a degree in a field I'm in to this day). I worked with Kevin for a few summers too. He was a truly impactful person for myself and countless others. Thank you and rest peacefully.

So very sorry to hear of the great loss of Ray. My thoughts are with you.

It is most gratifying to watch the growing number of sincere friends and acquaintances, of one of Ancaster´s finest teaching gentlemen, Ray Smith, as they express their strong feelings of his passing!
These deeply appreciative persons have added greatly to his various Obituaries, since his death. Ray, (I would also include his equally exceptional wife, Penny) gave more to the Ancaster School System, it´s extensive community-wide educational program and his professional Teaching Colleagues , than anyone else in this community, over the last several decades.

I taught with Ray for five years and knew him as a good friend, for over sixty years. It is Ray´s students, however, who counted most in his big heart, and it is they who now direct such a large number of accolades toward him. So many memories are triggered over the many years we have collectively known him. Ray´s family, should be, must be, aware that we are all impacted by this truly great man.
Ray was absolutely the finest friend, teacher, mentor, coach, colleague, parent , grandparent , partner and person.
He was the finest kind of human being who both gave, and earned so much respect
He was simply.....the Finest!

We were saddened to hear the news about Ray. What a legacy he has left to so many lives he touched! Kim and family, our heartfelt condolences to you at this difficult time.

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

There has never been a more influential person in the history of sports at Ancaster High than Ray Smith. His passion, dedication and leadership was unrivaled. He started it all and set the standard.
He always wanted the best for student athletes and in turn wanted the best from us.
Mr. Smith initiated the first sports programs and coached many of the first teams which helped turn Ancaster High into a powerhouse of area schools in Football, Basketball and Track in the earl days. With help from so many dedicated teachers who volunteered their time to organize, supervise and coach, "Smitty" spearheaded initiatives to add more sports, more teams, acquire new equipment and expand and enhance the sports facilities. As Boys' Athletics President for two years, I worked closely with Mr. Smith and saw first hand the kind of work he would do behind the scenes to help someone or a team achieve their best. He made "Intramurals" a huge priority - making prime gym time available for those not on a school team who simply wanted competition and fun. The participation and enthusiasm for the intramurals was outstanding! Mr. Smith's guidance was a big help when I was considering a post secondary education and focusing on a career path which I'm still thankful for today. I felt privileged to get to know Mr. Smith, Ray, "Smitty" and his family and keep a friendship that's lasted 45 years. He was proud of Ancaster High and its students but his incredible dedication along with the satisfaction and joy he got from his wonderful family stood out most to me.
My thoughts are with Penny, Kim, Kelly, Kevin and your entire family.

My sincerest condolences Kevin and for your family. The peace be with your Dad and with the Smith family.

Our sincerest condolences Penny & Family.
A very big loss to the teaching profession.

Great gym teacher... lots of memories

My sincerest condolences for you-Kevin and your dear family. May his soul rest in peace.

We would like to extend our deepest condolences to Kevin and All The Family. You are blessed with such a wonderful Dad. He lived a full life and helped so many. He was loved and will be remembered by family, friends and students.

My sincerest condolences to Kevin and whole family.

Our Condolences to Penny& All The Family. May He R.I.P.

Our Sincerest condolences, Kevin and family.

My condolences to the Smith family. I have fond memories of Mr Smith's phys-ed teaching style, humour, and inclusivity.

I first met Smitty in the fall of 1998 at a basketball tryout. It was his first foray into rep basketball but he was already a local legend in the high school ranks. We had about 50 guys come out that night. After a "deconstructed scrimmage" which featured many whistles, stomping, hair pulling, a few "No! No! No!´s", and a lots of subsequent running (suicides) I knew this guy was different!!

The next day at school was our first tryout for the Midget team. It was going to be the last year of the Midget program and for Smitty his 40th year behind the bench.

9 kids showed up for the tryout!

Perhaps it was his clever way of picking out the committed players from the night before. Either way it worked and we won the 1999 City Championship in his last game for the purple and gold.

I also played two years for Coach with the Ancaster Magic which was a great experience. He was my favourite coach, but more than that a great mentor and a friend. My father and I stayed in touch with Smitty for many years after basketball. My Dad often stopped by the Smith residence for a chat on his bike rides down Powerline Road.

Smitty´s daughter Kim also taught my siblings and I for many years and served as principal when my sister started her teaching career at Dundana.

My thoughts are with his wife Penny and his family at this difficult time.

Condolences to you Kevin and your whole family. Hard to lose a parent who was such a large part of many lives.

AHVS graduate of 1983, Ray Smith was always invested in the varsity teams. He was very supportive and I have great memories of those years, even coming into grade 9 Phys-Ed where Mr. Smith set the tone of what was expected. My condolences to the entire family.

Penny and Smith family; May the Many good times bring you happy memories! I only knew Ray for the first 3 years Ancaster High opened, and a brief visit at the great 25th reunion of the school. Ray was more of a gym rat than most of the students. Always encouraging and making it easy for everyone to get involved in sports. But it was gym shoes or shocks only on the gym floor!!!
I am sure he had a good influence on so may students, as I know he did on me. Cheers

Deepest condolences to you and Family Kevin and so sorry to hear the sad news.
A dad can never be replaced, but he will always be with you in your memories as you celebrate his life, his passions and everyone he loved.
May he rest in peace and in your hearts.

Mr. Smith was my Gr. 9 home room teacher in 1959.
He holds a special place in my memory.
Condolences to his wife and family.

My sincere condolences to you Kevin and Smith family.

Ray Smith was my strict but kind football coach the first year that Ancaster High School opened. We had no showers and practiced in a cow pasture so we stepped
gingerly but Ray loved it all. Rest in peace Ray and save me the seat next to you on the ride home on the bus. Herb Danks, St Albert, Alberta

As a colleague and long-time friend, I am profoundly saddened by Ray´s passing. As he did throughout his life, Ray fought the good fight, persisted in the face of adversity, and never lost his sense of humour. Much of what is good about Ancaster High School can be traced to Ray´s very early involvement -it´s excellence in athletics, Its tradition of the scholar athlete, its colours, and its teams´ name, the Royals. As the Head of History throughout the 60s I was always delighted when Ray volunteered to teach a history class or two because I knew the kids would get a quality education. My late wife and I always enjoyed our long gabfests with Penny and Ray at Fortinos or other meeting spots. I was particularly appreciative of their support when Ramona succumbed to cancer. To Penny and Ray´s kids and grand kids, please know that he was respected and indeed revered by generations of students, fellow teachers, and colleagues in other schools and school boards across the province. Rest in peace old friend. Maybe there is a basketball court in heaven where we can once again resume our one-on-one battles when it becomes my turn. As I remember, I think we were tied at 100 games each.

Dean Fink, Ancaster High School staff 1960-1970

Ray was a firm and fair influence on my educational experience during my troublesome teen years. Always remembered him fondly and will continue to do so. My very best regards to the family, L. Gotham

Kevin, so sorry to hear that and your father's soul rest in peace. You should be proud to have a father who contributed so much to his society. My condolences to you and Smith family.

Dear Penny and family

My sincere condolences on learning of Ray's passing (through Ralf's post). He definitely was a pillar of Ancaster High as you yourself were Penny. That is such an ugly cancer. My brother had it too. Thanks for the encouraging message in Ray's obit. I hope your health is good Penny. Remembering many years for working together at Ancaster High. When the appropriate time comes I hope many will attend the celebration of Ray's life and take to heart his philosophy and his life-long lived example. Sincerely Ina Wrigley, Calgary, Ab.

Ray was a significant part of the lives of students and teachers at AH&VS for many years. His leadership in sports at the school provided many students with the opportunity to participate and excel. He was a professional colleague. Ray was a fine person with a friendly smile and a good sense of humour. I enjoyed working with him as a fellow teacher and a coach.

The McLennan family remembers Ray Smith as a great teacher for all 5 McLennan boys and a great colleague of our Dad (Gordon), as well as a friend of both Dad and Mom (Maude McLennan)

My sincere sympathy to the Smith Family.

I knew Ray from working with him at Ancaster High. He was a true gentleman.

Ray was our neighbour, our friend , our travel companion. We will miss our laughter, our shared stories and the good times we had in his backyard with Penny and him. He truly loved his family and they continued that love in the final days of his life as they supported one another.

Whenever anyone asks "What educator had the greatest impact on your growth?", there was only one answer for me...Ray Smith. Even after teaching both older brothers, he never once made any comparisons. He was always straight with people...some understood, some didn't...I was fortunate enough to see his point, and as such, learn so much from him.
He instilled confidence, and provided me with an opportunity to assist him in coaching the '83/'84 Midget basketball team...I gained so much.
I count myself lucky to have had the opportunity to tell him how grateful I was for his influence when last we met in 2009.
Rest in peace Ray, and thank you for everything.
Condolences to the entire Smith clan...a wonderful and unforgettable gentleman.

So sorry to hear this sad news. Your Mom and Dad were such a nice couple who always had a big friendly hello when they saw you. your Dad was a special teacher who was liked by all. We had the privilege of babysitting for your family many years ago.

Uncle Ray was my favourite uncle as a child. My memories of him are all filled with his smiling face, his joking ways and his friendliness. He always knew how to make someone feel welcome. May he rest in peace and my his kindness live on in our memories of him.

Our deepest condolences to the Smith Family.

A great man who leaves a very, very strong legacy from his work as an Educator! A lot of what I learned from him I have used in my life. Be well friend until we meet again.....

Smitty was such a great teacher, a tough taskmaster who got the best out of every student. As a coach I grew to see the kind and caring side of this Ancaster Giant. Rename AH&VS in his honour. Warmest regards to Penny and the kids.

My condolences to Ray´s family and friends from a former AH&VS student (1967-71). I have fond memories of Ray even though he was not one my teachers. His presence in the school was full of positive energy. He was a lovely man and a well respected teacher.

Offering my sincere condolences at this difficult time. Sounds like Ray had a strong influence throughout his life and his loss will be profound for all who knew and loved him.

Our deepest sympathies to your entire family. Ray was a great roll model, a good teacher and coach and the kind of person that left a permanent impression. RIP.

A beautiful tribute. Our condolences to Kim, my brother Don, Penny and the Smith family. Sincerely Linda and Doug