Longtime harness racing industry participant David Blair Smith of Surrey, B.C. passed away peacefully on March 6, 2021 at the age of 84.

David was born into the prominent Cyril Smith racing family of Prince Edward Island. In 1955 he moved to Alberta where he worked in the trucking industry. In the early 1970s he returned to his harness racing roots and spent the next 45 years racing in Alberta and B.C.

Smith raced his stable at Stampede Park, Northlands Park, Fraser Downs and Sandown Park. During this time he made many life-long friends and generated many happy memories. Some of his favourite horses included Mistaken Colors, Jodana, Jolly Jo Irish and Brian Almahurst.

By his side for 43 years and left to mourn his passing is Diane Fuller who continues to race a horse at Fraser Downs. Also left to mourn are his sons Blair and Todd, daughters Shelley and Tanya, 11 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers Elmer (Joan), Clark, Neville (Helen) Grant, sister Marjorie Ann and sister-in-law Betty as well as many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by parents, sister Eleanor ,brother Wendell (a fellow horseman at Fraser Downs), sisters-in-law Dottie and Claire.

David’s ashes will be returned to P.E.I. for burial at a later date. No matter where he lived P.E.I. was always called home.

Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of David Smith.