Peacefully, and with family by his side, Jack Smith passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 with great anticipation of reuniting with his beloved and dearly missed wife, Charlene (Robelli) (2007)
Born in 1931 to the late Hugh and Etta (Vance) Smith, John Fraser “JACK” Smith fell short of his 94th birthday by a mere 11 days. Anyone who knew Jack, knows how extraordinary this was given the fact that medical professionals didn’t see him living past the age of 39, due to his history of heart attacks and severe pulmonary disease. But, like his weekly hymn numbers that he played at the horse races (thanks Pastor Irving) or his favourite numbers that he played on the lotto, Jack proved them all wrong! He beat the odds!
Left to remember his full life and to grieve his passing are his loving sons and daughters-in-law, Randy & Janice Smith (Wallaceburg, ON) and John and Cathy Smith (Canmore, AB), along with he and Charlene’s pride and joy, their grandchildren; Jessica Smith (Dan Baerg), Shaun Smith (Melissa Giamou), Daniel Smith and Chelsea Knox (Terry). Sadly missed by 7 great-grandchildren: Jessica and Dan’s children – Findley, Teddy, Violet and William as well as Chelsea and Terry’s children – Zoey, Evelyn and Lachlan.
Jack was born and raised in the Hickson/Tavistock area and at the age of 16, packed up and headed West in search of work. Turning from farm work to retail brought him to Wallaceburg where he set up shop as “Fraser’s”. There, the local community who enjoyed a great bargain in a no-frills kind of store, could buy everything from shoes to guns to confectionary … and even a couple of donkeys! His first store along the River (currently housing The Black Goose) saw him helping many US boaters who would hook up to his store for hydro. Some who befriended him, encouraged Jack to cross the border, where he found and married the love of his life, Charlene. A few years later, “Fraser’s” moved to the Nelson Street location. Jack and Char enjoyed many great years in their store. They supported their sons’ passion of hockey and refereeing, carting team kids far and wide, hosting fundraisers and feeding hungry skaters by the dozens. Known by many around the arena and local hockey world as “Ticket Jack”, he was honoured by the Wallaceburg Sports Hall of Fame as Official in 2003.
Friends and family are welcome to join in and share their stories at Jack’s Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 5th, 2025 at the Haycock-Cavanagh Funeral Home, 409 Nelson Street, Wallaceburg (519.627.3231). Visiting will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, April 4 and in the hour prior to the service on Saturday. Interment in Riverview Cemetery at a later date.
Donations in Jack’s memory may be made to Maple Grove Christian Retreat Centre mgcampoffice@gmail.com or to Wallaceburg Minor Hockey Association.
Cherished stories and tributes may be left for the family at www.CavanaghFuneralHome.ca.
