SMITH, William Van Allen

1953-2024

It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, and grandfather Van Smith. He was a kind and generous man who simply loved playing in one of his construction machines like the Caterpillar-312, digging foundations for the family company – Applevale Properties. Put him in a bobcat, backhoe or excavator and he was one happy man.

Van had a long association with various groups in Thornbury, mainly the Beaver Valley Kinsmen and the Royal Canadian Legion Beaver Valley 281. Ever the life of the party, he will be sorely missed by a great many friends in the area. Van was also known as the guy who would give you a helping hand when needed, he never asked for anything in return but if you offered him a nice cold beer “Labatt’s Blue” that would do.

Predeceased by his younger brother Thom, Van leaves behind a wife of 25 years – Lesley Ross-Sykes, his mother-in-law Elizabeth Ross and his Saturday morning errand buddy, his dog Digby. He also leaves his parents Ray and Wyn Smith, brother George (Nancy), sister Heather (Ian), ex-wife Rosi (Milan), daughters Natalie (Jeff), Ashley (Shaun), grandchildren to whom he was “Grumpa” - Sadie, Brecken, Avery and newly born Emilia, and several nieces and nephews.

At this time, Lesley and his family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the Brightshores (Meaford) and Stratford Hospitals, as well as their family doctor Dr. Recoskie, and Dr. Kaal. They would also like to send a big thank you to George Smith, Joe Macdonald and Scott Buchanan for all they did for Van. Thank you so very much.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life for Van in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to Diabetes Canada in Van’s name. Friends may visit Van's online Book of Memories at www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com