Smith: Eric ‘Smitty’
2 December 1939 – 15 December 2024
Smitty was born in Toronto and grew up in Cabbagetown. At the age of 17, he met the love of his life, Karen Robertson. They were married in October of 1961. He joined the Reserves at age 16, serving in the Queen’s York Rangers at Base Borden with special training at CFB Petawawa. His specialty was tanks and he qualified as a tank mechanic. Remembered by his sister Patricia Robertson. Preceded in death by his brother Thomas.
His love for big machines translated into a career as a long haul trucker. He spent many years hauling steel to Montreal and Winnipeg. He even had a short stint as an ice road trucker, hauling equipment to Pickle Lake.
After more than 20 years on the road, he parked his truck and opened a mechanic shop in his backyard. His specialty was tractor trailers and diesel engines.
In 1991, he joined the South Simcoe Railway as the Master Mechanic, responsible for all the equipment. After a few years, he was elected to the Board of Directors and was ultimately made president. For over 20 years, he served the railway in this capacity. His work with the volunteers has made the South Simcoe Railway a success. He will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Smitty’s life will take place on Saturday May 31, 2025 from 2:00pm – 3:00pm at South Simcoe Railway, Tottenham Ontario, L0G1W0. Arrangements entrusted to Rod Abrams Funeral Home, Tottenham. Online condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com
Service
Celebration of Life
South Simcoe Railway Station
Mill Street West, Tottenham Ontario L0G1W0
Saturday May 31, 2025
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Marv Mooney says
As Past President of the Ontario Rail Foundation (1980s) I was truly saddened to hear of Smitty’s passing. The success of the South Simcoe Railway is largely due to Smitty’s efforts, his dedication and love of the railway.
Mark Hayhoe says
Ride the rails into the sky Smitty. It was a privilege to have known you. Thank you for your large part in preserving ssr cpr 136.
Margot Jones says
Karen – Smitty was so good to myself and my children when they were growing up. He treated my children like family and he will be missed by all. Margot Jones and kids
Linda Turnbull says
My condolences to you Karen on the passing of your husband.
Jennifer Carter says
I’m so sorry for your loss Karen. Smitty was a wonderful soul! He was a delight to deal with here at McGoeys Insurance. I had the pleasure of being his broker for the last 10 years. He was a wonderful man. My condolences on your loss and South Simcoe Railway’s loss. Rest easy Smitty.
pat boland says
Sorry for your loss Karen, he will be missed by many.
Teri Mason says
Sorry for your loss Aunt Karen , Uncle Smitty will be missed by so many ,he was a great cartoon artist went we were kids ,always getting him to draw a cartoon character,and his love of trains .
Tom Kelly says
Karen, I had the privilege of meeting Smitty after I first experienced seeing the train one Sunday afternoon back in 2002. I was able to become a member of the railway shortly after that, which was my first experience ever volunteering on a tourist railway. Smitty was a wealth of knowledge, and I still have my manuals from when he would teach railway instruction during the off season.
I’m from the States, South Carolina, and I was working at Pickering at that time. When I came back after being away for a few months and came to visit the railway again, Smitty spotted me on the platform after leaving Tottenham Station and immediately stopped the train and told me to climb aboard the engine for the trip to Beeton.
He was very kind to me as he sent me railway calendars each year, and he even called to check on me back this past August when he knew we were very close to where hurricane Helene had struck which devastated many towns in western North Carolina near us.
I was very honored to know him and felt even more honored how he cared from one of his many volunteers who have come and gone from Tottenham.
My sincere condolences to you Karen, but I am thankful for the special family you have with those great folks who are the heart and sole of the railway … as Smitty was.
May the many happy memories of your life with him help ease your pain at this time of his passing. May God bless you.
Tom Kelly
Dylan Lunenburg says
What a massive loss to the community, South Simcoe Railway and to everyone who had the pleasure and privilege of knowing Smitty. I have known him for about 20 years, and the amount I’ve learned from him alone could cover a mountain. Not just about railway stuff, but about anything and everything. His stories, compassion and humour will be immensely missed. It’s just not the same without him. The opportunities that he gave me and helped me obtain gave me some great stories and helped lead to my continuing career of 17 years with CN Rail. There’s nobody out there like him. Truly one of a kind.
Lianne Austen says
Karen, I have not enough words to express what that “Grumpy Old Trucker” meant to me. 13 years working with him in the office. His words of wisdom and his sarcastic wit will be forever cherished. The world lost a gem, and heaven has gained so much more. Rest in peace you grumpy old trucker! I love ya!
Lianne
Terry Meginnis says
I had the pleasure of serving Smitty for a year at Cedar kitchen. Always appreciate the opportunities in life to connect with people. Grateful for the memories and thankful he was part of the community.
Phil Apperly says
On behalf of all the Santas who have served on the train, he was considered as much a part of the train as the boiler. Always considerate and flexible as well as knowledgeable about the oily bits. He will certainly be missed.
Bill & Sandy Clark says
Dear Karen,
Smitty will be remembered as a very knowledgeable man with various hobbies. We have lost a long time friend and neighbour. We will miss our dear friend Smitty but we will never forget him. Sending our heartfelt condolences.
Bill & Sandy Clark & Family
Maureen Bayliss says
You were the best, Smitty
with love, a “Robby kid”
Clare Gilbert says
RIP Smitty. I remember chatting with you every time I visited the South Simcoe. Had some great conversations. You will be missed.
Lorne Ireland says
Mr Smith made me the mechanic I have become. He left me with some of his knowledge and perhaps even more of his humor. My fondest memories as a teen had been days working with him at his shop having lunch with Karen and the cats. He will be missed.
Nancy Larkin says
Karen, I was so deeply saddened to read of Smitty’s passing. Sending along heartfelt condolences to you. I’m sure he and Geoff are hanging out and swapping stories *grin*
Jess Prothero says
My condolences to the family, my prayers are with you
Tottenham has lost a good man .
Jess Prothero