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Obituary for Jack Smith
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The following obituary will appear in the Mar/Apr Issue of White Triangle News:
Jack Smith 1929-2005
By Mary I. Hestness with special thanks to George Keyes
John (Jack) David Smith passed away peacefully on October 27, 2005. He was predeceased by his parents and loving wife, Barbara Jean. His parents, Etta and John Smith, lived in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, where Jack attended school.
One of Jack's first jobs in Winnipeg was working at a factory making boxes in which to pack fish. That didn't seem to be his life's calling, so the next stop was trade school for mechanics. He secured a job at Jefferson Avenue Service in Winnipeg and was on his way to a lifetime passion for the automobile.
As Lloyd Nelson, a good friend, recalls: It was February, 1952. Jack and I pushed into a west wind, snowing at 40 below; his 1929 Hudson, pulling the trailer, easily made it to Killarney. Jack had bought the garage in Lena from Bill Bryan, Sr., but there was no way we could get near it on that night.
The Leland Hotel was full as was every other place, so the owner called the Mounties to lodge us in the jail for the night. We plugged the Hudson in at the hotel and mushed our way over to the old city hall. The cells were downstairs but it was at least warm, so Jack took one cell and I took the other (The "Strangler'"). Turning out the lights on his way out, the Mountie said, "Welcome to Killarney, boys" to which Jack replied, "Golly gee, it can't get a heckofa lot better". The adventure began!
On November 12, 1954, Jack married Barbara Jean Forrest. He brought his bride home to Lena were they lived in a one room house; they later built a new home.
For over 50 years his business, Smith's Service, which was later known as Smith's Cylinder Head & Engine Rebuilding, became well known for their excellent service in engine rebuilding as well as all other mechanical needs. Jack loved his vocation, especially the antique and classic cars he was able to restore over the years.
In the early 70's Jack rebuilt his first 1929 Hudson, and he never turned back. Over time, he added more 1929 Hudsons to his collection including a coupe, a Briggs bodied sedan, a short wheel base Biddle & Smart Landau sedan and a Hudson Jet. He joined the North Central Chapter of the Hudson-Essex-Terraplane Club in the mid 70's and attended over 30 National Hudson meets from California to Baltimore, down to Florida, and many places in between, never missing one.
The 1929 Hudson Landau by the name of "Bertha" carried Jack across many miles over the years, making many friends along the way.
At the Hudson Nationals Jack could usually be found in the parking lot by the cars socializing with other members well into the night. Anyone who knew him knows he was a gifted story teller - he could really hold your attention. His last National was spent in Reno, Nevada, with his friend and companion, Lorraine. Jack was also the National Hudson Club's 1927-1929 technical advisor, generously sharing his knowledge and experience with others to help keep vintage Hudsons rolling.
Jack was a very dedicated member of the North Central Chapter. He usually attended at least one of the Chapter's two annual shows, driving one of his beautiful Hudsons about 1,000 miles round trip each time. Jack invited our North Central Chapter to his home for a weekend social and tech session. A highlight of the weekend was a parade into the local town with him leading the way. Jack even provided collector cars for the parade to members who had not brought vintage cars that weekend. His hospitality was superb! He really rolled out the red carpet for us. Jack had planned to invite us again in 2006.
His other passion was the Elks; he joined in 1959 and became the Exalted Ruler in 1965, holding that position for two years and again 30 years later in 2004. He spent another two years as District Deputy of District #4. Some years ago a group of ten members, including Jack, put up the downpayment to acquire the Elks Hall. They worked together to get it in working order (bathrooms and kitchen cupboards) for the Ladies of the Royal Purple. He enjoyed many curling adventures with club friends and the making of the parade floats. His favorite was the Beverly Hillbillies, which they showed in many local parades. Jack especially liked to help out with Santa Claus Day with the children and was Santa a number of times. Because of the children, Jack made arrangements with the Rugby Hotel for weekend stays for some of them and their families. There always were treats provided for the kids. Jack was a dedicated Elk at all times.
Jack is survived by his companion, Lorraine LaFontaine and her family, a sister and sister-in-law, nieces and nephews, and long time employee George Keyes. Jack will be missed by all his friends in the Hudson Club and the community.
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Posted by SamJ Monday, February 27, 2006 (23:53:06)
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