Contributions to the tribute of Dr. John Abe Smith

I

Iris Leona Marie Cross posted a condolence

Monday, July 21, 2025

I am numb; in total disbelief. Today (July 20, 2025), I Googled “John Abe Smith” and read the shocking news of John's death. My Google search followed a trip down memory lane with a friend who celebrated her 70th birthday. Last weekend, she and I recalled our childhood days, our teenage angst, and the decisions we made as young adults that shaped our later lives. I spoke about John Abraham Smith because John played a significant role in my coming of age in 1970s Winnipeg. Being older, more settled, and having greater life experience, John provided the stability needed in my life when freedom from parental restrictions threatened to derail my studies at university. John was steady and serious, yet sometimes humorous. His animated rendition of Otis Redding’s Try A Little Tenderness while ‘picking his fro’ in front of the bathroom mirror would have gone viral had TikTok or YouTube Shorts existed back then. Kevin's description of 1970s John is spot on. John and I met at a West Indian Students Association (WISA) party and when he asked me to dance, I couldn't refuse. To me, John was the total package: a swanky dresser, polite, well-spoken, educated, and handsome (a James Ingram lookalike) with well-kempt sideburns, beard, and mustache. Above all, he had his own wheels (a Toyota Corolla which he later upgraded to a Trans Am, then a sleek, coffee-brown Corvette, my favourite sports car at the time). We parted in 1981 only to reconnect in 1997 when I returned to Trinidad from the UK temporarily and discovered John had enrolled in UWI’s dental programme in Trinidad. As far back as the 70s, John wanted to pursue dentistry. Because of his determination and resilience, he achieved his lifelong goal. He can now rest from his labours. I shared many first-time experiences with John and will cherish the memories we made together for as long as I live. Iris Leona Marie Cross

L

Lucinda E.Gordon posted a symbolic gesture

Saturday, February 22, 2025

John will be dearly missed by his sisters (Lucinda Gordon, Joyce Rosemay, Carol Grant), brother (Herbert Smith), special friend (Laverne Mullings), nieces (Marlene Harris, Lisa A. Gordon, Maria Harris), nephews (Kevin Gordon, Paul Harris, Ayo Smith), cousins (Monica Morgan, Marcia Morrison, Nadia Grant, Kamielle Grant. Kedron Millen, Raymond Stanley, Andrae Morrison, Bruce Morgan) and other relatives and friends including (Nyron Dwyer, Debbie Douglas, Claudine Thomas). Gone too soon. Only wish we had a chance to say goodbye.

I

Iris Leona Marie Cross Posted Jul 21, 2025 at 9:47 AM

Lucinda, Condolences to you and the entire family. I have fond memories of you all. Iris LM Cross

Report

K

Kevin Gordon posted a symbolic gesture

Friday, February 21, 2025

I remember and celebrate the life of my beloved Uncle John, a man whose vibrant spirit and unwavering kindness touched all our lives. One of my earliest memories was the day Uncle John came to the rescue when my across-the-street neighbor Lori Osesky and I decided to embark on an unsupervised adventure to 7-Eleven as preschoolers. After confidently finding our way about a kilometer away from home to the 7-Eleven, we equally confidently started the wrong way back home. Tracking us down--his quick thinking and gentle guidance that day were a testament to his protective nature and love for family. I greatly admired Uncle John for being the epitome of cool, especially in the 70s. With his sweet brown Corvette, impressive afro, stylish sideburns, and sweet platform shoes, he embodied an era of boldness and self-expression. His sense of style wasn't just about looks; it reflected his confident, free-spirited approach to life. Uncle John was a generous, giving person. I cherish the memory of him traveling to our vacation resort in Jamaica, just to take us out for a day of adventure. It was moments like these that showed how much he valued family connections and creating lasting memories. Perhaps most admirable was Uncle John's unwavering determination to pursue his dream of becoming a dentist. Despite facing numerous bureaucratic challenges, he persevered with remarkable diligence and effort. His continuous journey to try to secure the ability to practice dentistry was a true inspiration. He exemplified resilience and dedication. Uncle John, your legacy of love, style, and perseverance will forever live on in our hearts. Thank you for the laughter, the lessons, and the love you shared with us all. We will miss you dearly.

l

lisa a gordon Posted Feb 22, 2025 at 8:03 AM

Amen! (BIG smile)

Report

M

Marcia M posted a symbolic gesture

Friday, February 21, 2025

John was one of a kind—effortlessly cool, quietly generous, and always giving. He had a sharp mind, a kind heart, and a smile that never faded. He left his mark without needing to say much, simply by being himself. Your kindness, your presence, your smile—forever missed. Rest easy, cousin John.

L

Laurna Millen posted a symbolic gesture

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

John, you will be greatly missed. Rest in peace, Cousin John, from the Millen family.

Y

YOUR Favorite Niece! -> lisa andrea gordon posted a symbolic gesture

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Dearest Uncle John, We LOVE you! Romans 8:38-39 (New King James Version) For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Love, Us’n (YOUR Favourite Niece (smile!)).

S

The family of Dr. John Abe Smith uploaded a photo

Sunday, February 16, 2025

Dr. John Abe Smith

1948 - 2025

Visitation

Funeral Service

HOME | ABOUT US | FUNERAL PLANNING | PRE-PLANNING | RESOURCES | OBITUARIES & TRIBUTES

7025 Legion Rd (at Derry Rd.) | Mississauga, Ontario | L4T 1A8

Local: 905-678-8922 | Fax: 905-678-1723 | Email: info@thenewhavenfuneralcentre.ca

Funeral Establishment Operator – Class 1