RIP Dave Smyth

RIP Dave Smyth

Postby Jack Bennest » Sat May 01, 2010 11:32 am

SMYTH, David Ian March 9, 1947 - April 23, 2010


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It is with sadness that we announce the death of David Ian Smyth on April 23, 2010. Regarded as a humble and well-respected person by all, David was still sitting as a Provincial Court judge in Vancouver at the time of his death. Appointed to the bench at the age of 34, David was a fair, compassionate and highly-regarded Judge. He first sat in Terrace, then Smithers, and in 1993 returned to Vancouver where he sat first in Surrey before moving to 222 Main Street. David was born in Vancouver, the only child of Dave and Marion Smyth. Graduating from Vancouver College in 1964, he studied Arts at UBC with a major in English. Away from class he enjoyed the UBC Radio Society, including 2 terms as President. His CBC-like voice and his experience in the radio club provided opportunities to work as an announcer in Prince Rupert and Terrace during summers and for a year's sabbatical in 1965-66. Selecting law as a career over radio, he graduated from UBC Law School In 1973. After articling with Hope Heinrich and Hanson in Prince George, David started a practice with Bob Metzger, now a Supreme Court Judge, in Prince Rupert. He went on to Smithers where be became a Crown counsel and was later appointed to the bench. While on the bench, he also believed in education and willingly gave of his time for students who visited the court house. His love of the north and in particular fly fishing was well-served living in Smithers. He had many happy times fishing the beautiful Stikine and Bulkley rivers. After returning to Vancouver, he continued his hobby by going to his favourite river, the Thompson, most often accompanied by his good fishing buddies Bob and D'Arcy. Much anticipation and planning preceded each outing. David was a person with a keen mind and many interests. He was widely read and widely traveled. He was also gifted with an ear for languages, studying Spanish, Italian and Mandarin prior to traveling to Chile, Italy and China. His Spanish and Italian accents were particularly accurate. Latterly he continued Italian classes enjoying the challenge of learning that musical language and having the opportunity to use it on 3 more visits to Italy. His reading for pleasure involved an eclectic choice; always choosing books of substance. Not long after returning to Vancouver David was reacquainted with Peggy Browne, a contemporary from UBC Radio. They enjoyed their friendship and in 1997, Peggy returned from her career In Australia to marry him. It was without doubt the happiest of marriages full of love, laughter and activity. With her smile and energy, Peggy had him embrace going to the gym, initially to become fit for his trip around the Bowron Lakes with his good friend, Boyd, and Boyd's daughter, Zoe, one of David's many young admirers as a role model for adulthood. The friends they made at the Radio Club formed an integral and happy part of his social life in Vancouver. Each 1st January they would gather to trade stories and reminisce about their good times at and since university. Dave will be missed greatly by all these long standing friends. Travel became part of their life together, not only to Italy and China, but also Australia, France, England, Ireland and Malaysia. However, favourite times together were the many road trips in beautiful BC, frequently taking back roads to enjoy its many charming aspects. David never spoke without carefully considering what he would say and then spoke clearly and concisely. A respectful listener and a deeply thoughtful participant he enjoyed friendly conversation and serious debates,

http://www.legacy.com/can-vancouver/Obi ... =142378341

Will post some relevant info to his radio life following

thanks to gord lansdell and the Vancouver Sun
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Jack Bennest
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Re: RIP Dave Smyth

Postby RationalKeith » Mon May 24, 2010 2:16 pm

Sad, we are however mortal.

Seemed like a class competent person.
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