New Tecumseth deputy mayor Jamie Smith has died
Politician renowned for sense of humour
A stalwart supporter of the community who was renowned for his leadership skills, wit and love of sharing stories is no longer with us.
Deputy Mayor Jamie Smith died Aug. 1 at home after suffering a heart-related complication, according to his wife.
“He’s going to be missed by all of us on council,” said Mayor Rick Milne, who knew Smith for over four decades. “His leadership role was a little different than mine but he did a great job. He was also a great county councillor.”
Prior to becoming deputy mayor, Smith, 68, served as a councillor for the Town of New Tecumseth from 2003 until 2014.
Smith, a retired lawyer, was married to Kathy Smith for 39 years, and the couple has four children.
He moved to Alliston about 40 years ago after accepting a job at the Darling, Smith, McLean law practice.
“As someone who is fairly new to public office, I often went to Jamie for advice and council,” wrote Coun. Chris Ross in an email to Simcoe.com. “He was always happy to oblige and I will be forever grateful for his mentorship and will miss him dearly.”
Smith served on the Alliston Chamber of Commerce, the Economic Development Advisory Committee, the G.A. Wright Athletic Field Committee, the Alliston Memorial Arena and the South Simcoe Economic Alliance committees.
“Jamie had a story he could tell you that linked to literally anything and everything – and it almost always ended in laughs,” wrote Coun. Michael Beattie. “We shared many things, including the same birthday and the same dry sense of humour.”
Coun. J.J. Paul Whiteside was a close friend.
“He was a clever man and a deep thinker with a dry sense of humour,” Whiteside wrote. “Jamie was very family oriented and I extend my deepest sympathy to his wife Kathy and their four children.”
Smith’s life as a public servant mirrored that of his father Heber Smith, who was also a lawyer and served as the Mayor of Barrie in the 1950s and as a member of parliament for the former riding of Simcoe North.
All town flags were lowered to half-staff in celebration of Smith’s life.
The funeral will take place Tuesday, Aug. 8 at 11 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, 125 Wellington St. W., Alliston.
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