Leslie (Les) F. Smith

SMITH, Leslie “Les” Frank ~

July 10, 1950 – April 3, 2025

With deep sorrow and love, we share the passing of Leslie “Les” Frank Smith, who left this world far too soon after a swift and courageous battle with cancer.

Born and raised in Chatham Ontario, Les spent 40 years with Union Gas, where he met his wife and soulmate Barbara (Patterson). He retired in 2012 trading his work boots for hiking shoes, motorcycle leathers, and a passport that could barely keep up.

Les was the ultimate hands-on explorer. Whether he was boating on quiet lakes, restoring furniture in his workshop, tinkering with anything that needed fixing, or riding his motorcycle across Canada, he was always on the move. 

A lifelong animal lover, green thumb, butter tart aficionado, and water-skiing enthusiast, Les brought quiet confidence and gentle wisdom to everything he did—and had an unstoppable urge to stop and pet every dog he saw.

In retirement, Les explored 45 countries across six continents with his beloved wife, Barb. Together, they camped in Antarctica, rode camels in the Sahara, snorkeled in the Caribbean, plunged into the Arctic Ocean, sailed pole to pole, crossed the equator and travelled through the Panama Canal.  He hiked trails around the globe, always with a camera in one hand and Barb’s hand in the other.

At home, Les was the gold standard of a “girl dad” to his three daughters—Karas, Devon (Matthew Clark), and Blaire (Neil Vankerkhoven)—offering quiet strength, boundless support, and dad jokes for every occasion. In recent years, he embraced his newest and favourite role as “Papa,” to his grandchildren Ramona and Arlo with pure joy and pride.

Les now reunites with his parents, Ernest (1995) and Mary (1975) Smith, father-in-law Wray(1988) and Ruth (2012) Patterson.  He is lovingly remembered by his brother, Murray (Claudia Roesch) Smith, sister Deborah Smith (Steve Charbonneau), sister-in-law Linda (Jim Taleski), brother-in-law Rick Patterson (Donna), along with many extended family members, including many nieces and nephews along with cherished friends.

Les will be remembered for his kind soul, humble spirit, and the way he made everyone feel at ease in his presence. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the adventures he inspired, and the laughter he left behind.

In honour of Les, we encourage you to fix something that’s broken, pet a dog, or share a truly terrible pun with someone you love. He would’ve liked that.

Cheers to Dad and cheers to the amazing life he lived.

Cremation has taken place. The family will honour Les with a celebration of life planned for this summer. More information to come.  Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

A tree will be planted in memory of Leslie (Les) F. Smith in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.