Obituary of Brian Verge Smith

Age 72, of Sheet Harbour, passed away August 7, 2019 after lengthy battles with cancer and congestive heart failure. A lifelong entrepreneur and community volunteer, Brian is survived by his wife of 50 years, Beverley (Cleveland) Smith; daughters, Kelley (Robert) Mason, Middleboro, Mass.; Kimberley, Sheet Harbour and son, Kent, Musquodoboit Harbour. Also surviving are grandsons, Ryan and Gregory Mason; granddaughter, Maia Smith; brother-in-law, Peter Cleveland; sisters-in-law, Judy Cleveland and Beverly Smith; nieces, Nadine Smith (Jason, Matthew and Hailee), Michelle Harrington (Kyle and Emma) and Jocelyn Jackson (Steve and Owen); and nephews, Matthew (Chelsea) and Adam Cleveland. He was predeceased by his parents, Victor and Vera Smith and brothers, Blois and Milton Smith. Beginning in the oil delivery business in 1967, Brian was a career entrepreneur in the construction, trucking, ready-mix concrete, waste removal, snow plowing and septic pumping industries. He was extremely hard-working and passionate toward his work. He employed dozens of local workers over the years and drew a great deal of pride from that fact. Brian was an active and engaged community volunteer for decades. He contributed greatly to the success and growth of: the Sheet Harbour Lions Club, holding positions of President and Deputy District Governor, and also received a Life Membership from Lions International; the Sheet Harbour Volunteer Fire Department, serving as Fire Chief for several years; the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 58), holding multiple directorship positions - including President; and the Sheet Harbour Board of Trade, where he served as President. Brian also held the position of Harbourmaster of Sheet Harbour. Additionally, he served on industry and professional boards, maintaining long tenures on the executives of the Truckers Association of Nova Scotia and the Nova Scotia Trucking Safety Association, and as a Director with the East Coast Credit Union. A very social person, Brian loved meeting new people and hosting gatherings for friends and family, especially during his time wintering in Florida. Through those years, he and Bev built many enduring friendships and fond memories. Brian's passion for boating, which began in Sheet Harbour with many evenings at "Supper Cove", carried over to Fort Myers and he enjoyed every opportunity to show his passengers the sights along the Caloosahatchee River. Visitation has been scheduled for Monday, August 12th from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. with a legion service at 7:30 p.m. and prayers at 8 p.m. in D.S. Crowell & Son Funeral Home, Sheet Harbour. A Celebration of Brian's Life will take place in Sheet Harbour Legion on Tuesday, August 13th at 11 a.m., with Rev. Lorraine Otto officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Brian's memory to the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 58), Sheet Harbour; Eastern Shore Lifestyles Centre Fund, supported by the Sheet Harbour Lions Club and Chamber of Commerce and Civic Affairs, or St. Andrews Anglican Church in Watt Section. Online condolences may be sent to: www.crowellsfuneralhome.ca