SMILEY, David - Our dear friend and neighbour David Smiley passed away on November 8, 2021.
Our sorrow is with his wife Ellen Vera Allen, son Eric, sisters Linda and Donna, and the Toronto Island and Ottawa Round Lake communities he shared his life and generosity with. David loved to dance.
And although he had little rhythm, he danced to the sparkle of possibilities; the possibility of advancing social justice and building stronger communities.
As a photographer, David documented the long march of the women's movement, the struggle to build stronger unions, the dangers of Litton Industries cruise missile manufacturing, and the disruption the Billy Bishop airport make to Island and city life.
David also helped form the Toronto Island and Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations Friendship Group.
The Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation are the treaty holders of the Island.
David immersed himself in their history, ceremonies, natural medicines and worked to highlight the knowledge they have to offer us if we listen. His talents also swirled in the kitchen with fresh-baked bread, homemade jams, exceptional Chinese-inspired dishes, foraged morels, and salmon gravlax cured in a secret underground lair.
How he will be missed by Ellen and Eric, sisters Linda and Donna, niece Shannon Ieria, partner Dean, their lovely girls Sloan and Quinn, sister-in-law Joanne-Marie Alexander, niece Janet Allen Merrifield, her husband Jay, their children Troy and Zoe, and David's vast and diverse network of friends.
Although David was tired as he battled lung and liver cancer he continued to cycle sandwiches made by Toronto islanders to Portland Place for the Spadina-Fort York Community Care Program four weeks before he died.
What a dedicated and generous spirit we've had among us. David would be delighted that a good old Irish wake will be held in his memory at the Algonquin Island Association on November 27th at 2 p.m.
You'll need proof of vaccination and in case numbers force us to spill out of the club, dress as if you're indulging David in his beloved practice of ice fishing. We'll clink a toast of his favourite scotch to commemorate the husband, father, and friend who enriched all of our lives.
If you are able, please make a donation in David's memory to St. Andrew's-by-the-Lake Church which does so much diverse work to help strengthen the Island community that David loved. http://www.standrewbythelake.com/ways-to-donate.html.
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