Mr. Speaker, I rise to mark the passing of Mr. Bill Smith, who was born in Kingston, Ontario on May 2, 1943 and passed away on April 9 in his 65th year. He had nine brothers and sisters.
Mr. Smith started his career as a commercial painter before working with Defence Construction Canada as a civilian contracts inspector. In his 33 years there, he completed over $200 million in capital projects.
That is not all. He was also a scout in the Ontario Hockey League and sent over 100 of his draft choices to the NHL.
His abundant community spirit was always on display in various areas, such as Pine River Days in Angus, in Essa Township, and he was instrumental in the campaign to save the Banting homestead. He worked tirelessly on numerous community initiatives. His leadership was inspirational.
Mr. Smith was a great personal friend of and adviser to the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
Not only was Bill Smith a great father and friend, he was a great Canadian. He will be sincerely missed.