John "Jack" Grant Smales

SMALES, John Grant "Jack"

Passed away peacefully on February 27, 2023 at Algonquin Grace Residential Hospice in Huntsville at the age of 92.  Jack was born on January 15, 1931 in Toronto, Ontario to parents Joseph Edward Smales and Lillian Violet (nee Parkes) Smales.  Jack married his beloved wife, Carole Mae (nee McClure) Smales on June 23, 1956, and would spend 67 years together.  Dear father of Dean (Gwen), Donald (Katie) and Cheryl (Bill).  Loving grandfather to Hilary, Chelsea (Justan), J.D., Kennedy, Zachary, Roy and Fraser.  Proud great-grandfather to Tessa, Brody, Ben, Melody, Tate and Daisy.  Dear brother of the late Don Smales.

Growing up in New Toronto, Jack loved going to the movies, cars, and thoroughbred horses. He would spend many hours at the local racetrack helping with the racehorses. He loved big band music, dancing, animals, sports, food and travel. Jack was always very bright and had a mind for business and helping others from a very young age. His combination of Business sense, work ethic, ingenuity, and kindness inspired many over the years. This is reflected in his career in the workforce with many businesses including the hardware industry that spanned 72 years. Directly after leaving Mimico High School in 1947, he started working with Canadian Tire driving delivery trucks at The Lakeshore store. His route took him downtown Toronto to the main store on Yonge St. where he soon was able to make connections and became parts Manager at the Lakeshore store, and then store Manager on The Queensway, as well as the store owner in Gravenhurst, Ontario. In the 1980’s Jack and a partner (Frank Pengelly) purchased Mary Lake Motors in Port Sydney and operated an American Motors Jeep dealership. In 1988, Jack happily came to help his oldest son Dean open a new Hardware Store in Port Sydney (Dean’s Hardware & Supply).The original plan was that Jack would help for a few months only at the Store to get it started. A few months soon stretched over 30 years with Jack ending his time at the store unfortunately and unexpectedly due to COVID. His love for people and his community helped grow the business into a well-known and popular Home Hardware store where many enjoyed seeing Jack each day. Jack’s infectious sense of humor, smile, energetic spirit and kindness touched the lives of so many throughout his life. He will be dearly missed by us all.

The funeral service will be held on Sunday, April 2, 2023 at Christ Church in Port Sydney at 11:30 a.m. The reception will follow at the Port Sydney Community Hall from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.   Mr. Smales will be laid to rest in the Spring.  As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations can be made to Hospice Huntsville.