Obituary of Leslie (Les) Oliver Smith

SMITH, Leslie Oliver  “Smitty” of Hamilton

October 12, 1926 - September 22, 2018

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our always adored, ever-loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle at the age of 91 in the early morning of September 22, 2018.

He is survived by his cherished wife and soul mate, for over 34 years, Marjorie Smith, sister, Margaret Bonnell, step-son Russ Prosje, step-daughters, Diane Sawchuk and Patty Prosje, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Les was focused on living a full life by continuing to be engaged in things that mattered to him. He was an extremely kind-hearted, considerate, conscientious, hardworking, and generous man.  President of LSB Transport and Scobey Float Services of Stoney Creek, he hauled heavy structural steel throughout the United States and Canada for over 40 years. 

Empowered by any challenge, which he managed to master, he became extremely well known throughout the trucking industry in The United States and Canada for his stellar reputation.

Smitty’s greatest achievement was delivering Woodbridge Foam manufactured car seats to GM.  Other notable projects were for Dominion Bridge, the Skyway Bridge, the Rogers Center (formerly, the Sky Dome), the CN Tower, Franco Steel projects, International Metal and Iron projects, and his active involvement with his good friend Ron Wallman’s company, Tiger Town Leasing.

Typically, the loads Les hauled were products with a GCVW (Gross Combined Vehicle Weight) of 250,000 to 300,000 pounds, and combined truck float length of 200 to 400 feet for many years - which was no simple task.

There wasn’t a load around that Les couldn’t handle.  It certainly wasn’t easy trucking mammoth steel beams and girders to a construction site on time and without any hitches – however he managed to flawlessly execute and deliver.

Les determined a need for more efficient and effective hauling equipment. With his extraordinary talent, he designed and assisted in the build of a creative, custom built rear-steering dolly used to carry girders almost 10.5 feet high, and yet still clearing bridges along Highway 401.  This dolly helped hydraulically steer and maneuver floats ever so effortlessly around corners.  

Family and friends were important to Les, where he generously shared his big heart.  Les was an avid football fan and season ticket holder to the Hamilton Tiger Cats for over 50 years.  He enjoyed many great NFL Super Bowls – traveling to whatever hosting city with his good friends Bud Beach and Doug Fraser.

Whether boating with family in Florida or on Lake Ontario, spending time with his great friends Joe Hogan, Laurence Marshall, or Ron Wallman, he always showed up in a cheerful mood.  His actions were always kind.  He will always be adored and remembered for his zest for life, that vibrant smile, authentic personality, and stogie in hand. There will never be another Les.  He now walks with us and lives within in our hearts forever more.  We love you Les!

Friends will be received at Donald V. Brown Funeral Home, 36 Lake Avenue Drive, Stoney Creek on Thursday, September 27, 2018 from 11 a.m. until the Celebration of Life at 1 p.m. in the Funeral Home Chapel.  Cremation to follow.  In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation would be appreciated. 

Notes of sympathy and condolences may be made at www.donaldvbrown.ca