Obituary of William Robert Kennedy Smith

Willie Smith

With heavy hearts and profound sadness, our family and friends announce the passing of our beloved William Robert Kennedy (Willie) Smith, 55, of Corner Brook, NL, on November 12, 2025.

Willie was born in Dun Laoghaire, Ireland to Robert and Patricia Smith on May 9, 1970. He graduated from St. Stephen’s High School in Stephenville, NL where he excelled in basketball and academics, serving as Student Body President in his graduating year. He was an enthusiastic and talented member of the school debate club and represented his province as a member of the 1989 Newfoundland Canada Games Basketball team.  He earned a Bachelor of Arts  in Philosophy, followed by a Master’s in Business Administration, both from the  Memorial University of Newfoundland. Willie went on to serve the community in several roles, ultimately spending the last 20 years as General Manager of the Corner Brook Civic Center. Willie was an avid golfer and passionate sports fan and loved cheering on and supporting his children in their many activities and passions. He spent countless hours making memories at his favourite place, the family cabin in Bonne Bay Pond, where he was surrounded by those he loved most. He also spent many, many hours over the years making and maintaining his backyard ice rink for his children and friends to enjoy, something he did with immense love and pride.

Willie is survived by his loving wife of 27 years, Kelly Smith (Colbourne); his children Taylor (Mark), Liam (Genessa), and Ben (Anna); siblings Mary-Beth (Corey), Lorna-Marie (Jeff), and Michael; his step-mother Ella; father and mother in-law Taylor and Carolyn; siblings in-law Sandra (Craig), Janice (Corey) and Glenn (Ashley); special aunts Cecilia and Olivia as well as his mother’s sisters Jean, Bev & Donna; a large circle of nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles; a countless number of close friends and a family of golf buddies who loved him dearly; and his precious granddaughter, Hattie, who brought great joy to his life and made him a proud “Poppy.” He is predeceased by parents Robert and Patricia, special aunt Rosemary & Marion, Grandfather William J. Smith, Grandmother Mary Kelloway- Smith (Moms), Grandfather William Christie, and Grandmother Dorothy Christie.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Corner Brook Civic Centre on Monday, November 17^th at 12:00 noon. As expressions of sympathy memorial donations may be made to Corner Brook Minor Hockey, Silver Blades Figure Skating Club, Corner Brook Rapids or a charity of one’s choice.