SMITH

After completing a full life, where genuine love and passionate service naturally flowed to his family and community, Benjamin (Ben) Conrad Smith, 90, of Lunenburg, passed peacefully at home on Tuesday October 20, 2026.

Born in Glace Bay to Owen and Isobel (Jackson) Smith, Ben graduated from Morrison High School in 1953 where he made top marks and was voted best all-round student. He was a Major in the Army Cadet Corps, a member of the rifle team, editor of the school yearbook, and played on the basketball team.

After high school Ben entered the University of King's College with the Stephenson Scholarship and Canadian Mathematical Congress Scholarship. Ben played basketball for King's, was awarded a Gold K for his contributions to university life and won the Bisset Medal for best all-round athlete. He graduated in 1957 with a BSc (cum laude) from King’s and a Diploma in Engineering from Dalhousie University. He went on to the Nova Scotia Technical College, where he played on the basketball team and won the Alumni Medal for best all-around student. In 1959 he graduated first in his class in Mechanical Engineering and was awarded an Athlone Fellowship. As an Athlone Fellow he completed a Master’s degree in Thermodynamics at the University of Birmingham and also played on their basketball team, helping them win the Universities Athletic Union (UAU) championship and earning a “Blue”.

In 1964 he joined National Sea Products (now High Liner Foods) in Lunenburg as Plant Engineer, and ultimately became VP of Engineering, working on plant designs and equipment installations at the company's plants throughout the world. Ben retired in November 1999 while remaining a consultant to the company.

After his retirement, when St. John's Anglican Church burned on October 31st, 2001, Ben helped to lead the restoration as Chair of the Construction Committee.

Ben contributed significantly to many community organizations including the Boy Scouts, Bluenose Golf Club, Lunenburg Curling Club, Lunenburg Swimming Pool, Nova Scotia Fisheries Exhibition, Lunenburg Board of Trade and Blockhouse Hill Campground, Lunenburg Marine Museum Society, Lunenburg Academy Foundation and numerous fundraising committees for Lunenburg charities. He served on the Lunenburg School Board, the Board of Governors of the University of King’s College, the University of King’s College Foundation, and as a member of the Bishop’s Men of the Anglican Diocese of Nova Scotia. In 2012 he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in recognition of his contributions to the community.

Ben always said the best thing he did in his life was to marry Roxanna (Roxie). He and Roxie were chosen as provincial Volunteers of the Year in 2018.

“Big Granddad” found the most pride and joy in his five grandchildren. He loved watching them jump off the wharf at the family cottage on Herman’s Island during the summer, followed their academic and sporting accomplishments with avid interest and always enjoyed their company, as they did his.

Ben is survived by his wife of 60 years, Roxanna (Lohnes); daughter, Heather (Corey) Langille, Halifax and Ottawa, sons, Robert (Amy), California, and Kevin (Heather) Smith, Halifax; grandchildren, Natasha, Katherine, Grace, Owen and Kellan. He was predeceased by his sister, Antoinette Alexander. The family would like to thank Dr. Tarah Millen and team at Pelham Medical Centre, and Carla Tanner, Emily Tanner, Robin Philp, and the team at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital for their excellent care. We are also deeply grateful to Ernestina Afriyie and all of Dad's caregivers, and remember with love the late Dianna Crouse.

Arrangements are under the care of the Dana L. Sweeny Funeral Home, 11213 Hwy 3, Lunenburg. A service to celebrate Ben’s life will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 1:00 pm from St. John’s Anglican Church, Lunenburg, with Rev. Dr. Dawna Wall officiating. Interment will be held in Hillcrest Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital, Lunenburg; St. John’s Heritage Foundation, Lunenburg; the Smith-Jackson Scholarship at the University of King’s College; the Lunenburg Academy Foundation or the Lunenburg Swimming Pool.