Ronald P. Smyth (1944-1999)

Ron Smyth was a dedicated and well-respected individual in the lives of those he touched. He led a complete and full life in the short time he was alive. As an active participant in all the arenas of his life he contributed as a father, an educator, and community leader.

Ron spent the majority of his career as a teacher, but was seen as so much more in the eyes of his students. He would always go beyond the call of duty, selflessly giving of himself to his students. He was always there to provide guidance and prepared to lighten the mood with a heartfelt criticism or joke. Ron was well-respected and went to great lengths to ensure that his students were confident and well prepared as they embarked on the next chapter in their future. To enhance and enrich his students’ experience, he used the United Way Campaign to teach the application of marketing principles and practices to provide them with practical experience that would benefit them by putting what they learned in theory into practice. His laughter and voice echo in the halls of NBCC Moncton and will continue to do so for many years to come. The Department of Advanced Education and Training recognized Ron as 1 of only 6 recipients with the Excellence Award in 1998 for his community service.

An active community leader, Ron gave a great deal of time and energy to local hockey and the United Way Organization. He believed in giving back and did so with his countless efforts and hours spent volunteering and raising money. His involvement in the United Way campaign was of great benefit to the organization. For 6 years, he helped them reach their fundraising goals with the aid of his students. He lived by example, demonstrating how important it is to volunteer and get involved in your community.

In his earlier days, Ron was a successful hockey player where he was invited and attended the Toronto Maple Leaf’s tryout camp at the age of 16. He would later go on to play hockey for Dalhousie University where he received his Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Education degree.

Later in life, his interest in hockey would continue with his extensive involvement in the Southeastern New Brunswick Hockey Official’s organization. He served as the Zone 5 Chairman, supervising more than 300 officials, while building a strong development program for them. Ron took personal interest in the lives of his officials and treated them as family members. He cared what was happening in their lives and was always willing to help them. The officials will remember him fondly while keeping his memory alive with a commemorative patch to be worn on the arm of their uniforms.

Ron will be fondly remembered by the many whose lives he touched. His memory and spirit will live on in the hearts of his children, grandchildren, the halls of NBCC Moncton, and the hockey arenas of Southeastern New Brunswick.