Rev. John Frederick Smith

Smith, Rev. John Frederick RCAF, RES, RET, L/Col, CD2 of Dartmouth, passed away peacefully at home on September 24th, 2018.
Born in Dartmouth, he was the son of the late Ernest and Ada Smith.
John received his flying training as an Air Cadet. He owned and flew several airplanes over the years, the last one he built himself.
He was Commanding Officer of 18 Wing Dartmouth Air Cadets at Shearwater, then attached to Winnipeg as officer in charge of planning and mobilization. He received a certificate and pin from COPA for 50 year membership.
He was a member of the Dartmouth Chamber of Commerce and the Offshore Trade Association of NS.
He taught Cub Scouts for 10 years. He was a founding member of Stanley Sport Aviation Club at Stanley Airport and organized the first annual Labour Day Fly In, which continues, this was the 47th year.
During his career, he worked for the major oil companies and owned and operated his own business, Genco. After that, he went to Acadia Divinity College and was ordained in the Baptist Faith. He served in several churches on the South Shore, Tancook Island, and Upper Vaughn. Then Debert, where he was also Padre for the Legion, played guitar and sang gospel music in the surrounding churches at Saturday Night Coffee Houses. He was Padre for the Air Cadet summer flying training camp at Debert for 7 years.
John retired from his last churches in New Harbour, Guysborough County, in 2013 due to poor health. Returning to Dartmouth, he joined Bethel United Baptist Church where he served as deacon and associate pastor.
He is survived by his devoted wife Marie of 58 years, and 3 sons Peter Allan (Debra), John Steven (fiancée Leslie), and Christopher Robert (Lois), sisters; Doris, Christina, and Victoria, grandchildren; Abbey, Kyle, Ryan, Lauryn, Nicole, Rebecca, Andrew, and Aimee, and great-granddaughter, Niveah
He was predeceased by brother Raymond, and Boy in infancy, sisters; Constance, Jean, and Gerine.
Family flowers only. Memorial donations may be made to Bethel United Baptist Church.
Service will be at Bethel United Baptist Church, 316 Windmill Rd., Dartmouth, Thursday September 27th at 11:00am, reception to follow in the church hall. Officiated by Rev. Dr. Vance Arbeau. Interment to follow in Dartmouth Memorial Gardens, 767 Main St.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.atlanticfuneralhomes.com (Dartmouth Chapel)