It is with heavy hearts and an appreciation for a life well lived that the family of Eric Wayne Smith of Bathurst announces his death on Friday, December 1, 2017, which occurred at home in Pictou, NS at the age of 60, following a brief illness.
Born in Harvey Station, NB, Eric was the son of the late Ralph and Kathleen (Scott) Smith of McAdam, NB.
Eric held a Bachelor of Arts, Honours and Bachelor of Education from Mount Allison University and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of New Brunswick. He also held a NB Principal’s Certificate and advanced training in English as Another Language instruction, Threat Assessment, Guidance, and Autism and Non-Violent Intervention Training.
From the time he was a young boy, the only thing Eric ever wanted to be was a teacher. Over his 35-year career in education, Eric taught in New Brunswick public schools in McAdam, Belledune, Bathurst, and Dalhousie and worked as a Learning Specialist in Student Services in Anglophone School District North. Eric completed his career working in international education as a Superintendent of Off-Shore Schools and a Consultant for Off-Shore Project Development with Atlantic Education International, supporting schools in China, Bangladesh, Turkey and Brazil.
Eric performed in concerts and theatrical productions for over three decades and pursued advanced studies in voice at the Banff School of Fine Arts and the Boston Conservatory of Music. He actively contributed to the arts community in Bathurst by planning, producing and performing in thirteen annual Christmas Concerts, from which all proceeds went to charities such as the Canadian Cancer Society, the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick, Diabetes Canada and First United Church, of which he was a member. As well, with North Shore Players, he directed and produced several Broadway musicals, which included cast members from 5 to 75 years of age. Eric was also a lifelong member of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternity.
Eric was compassionate and generous in his relationships and was dedicated and meticulous in his work and artistic endeavours. He will be sadly missed by his wife of 34 years, Heather (MacLaggan) Smith, and his three children, Joshua Smith (Tiara Folkes) of Ottawa, Erika Smith (Jordan Wilson) of New Glasgow, NS and Torey Smith of Fredericton.
Eric is also survived by his siblings, Harold Smith (Shirley) of Peel, NB, Tammy Smith (Frank Lofstrom) of Upper Kingsclear, NB, Kelly Smith Lunn (Troy Lunn) and Andrea Smith of McAdam, as well as many close nieces and nephews and a large extended family in Canada and the New England states.
Visitation will be Wednesday, December 6, 2017 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Elhatton’s Funeral Home (www.elhatton.com). Funeral service will be held at First United Church on Thursday, December 7, 2017 at 4pm followed by committal. Internment will be at the West Bathurst Cemetery. Information about a recording of Eric’s funeral will be found on the First United Church website.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Eric’s memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Alzheimer Society of New Brunswick, First United Church or a charity of the donor’s choice.
The family also wishes to express gratitude to the palliative doctors and staff at Aberdeen Hospital, New Glasgow, NS and the many VON nurses and family members whose care and attention allowed Eric to stay in their summer home with a view of the Northumberland Strait.
