With family at his side, longtime harness racing industry participant Paul Douglas 'Paul' Smyth of Ottawa, Ont. passed peacefully on Aug. 5, 2026 after a brief battle with cancer. He was 79.
He leaves behind his devoted wife of 56 years, Lynda, his daughter Stephanie, his son Daniel, his grandson Drew (Macy) and his great grandson Weston. He also leaves his sister Sandra (John), his brother John (Alison) and his sister-in-law Bev (Bob), along with many nieces and nephews and his daughter Samantha.
Paul was pre-deceased by his daughter Cynthia, his parents John & Jean Smyth and his brother Matthew.
His faithful four-legged companions Zeus, Cooper and Gordie were patiently waiting to greet him once more for a pat and to share a slice of peanut butter toast.
Paul was born and raised in Ottawa. He met Lynda while attending Glebe Collegiate. They later married in 1969 and became parents in 1970 to their first daughter Cynthia.
In 1980, they completed building their stable in Metcalfe and then moved into their forever home at the farm in 1983.
Paul was a successful business owner and member of the Ottawa Construction Association. He and Lynda started their commercial flooring business, Paul Smyth Flooring Ltd., in Ottawa in 1977, with help of family and some longtime valuable employees it is still successful today. Paul continued to enjoy being involved with the running of the business until this past spring.
Paul had a passion for harness horses. He was an owner, trainer, breeder and driver for close to 60 years. He and Lynda raced mainly at Rideau Carleton Raceway, until his grandson took over the training and driving duties.
Paul was also an avid sports fan, from hockey, football, golf, fishing, car racing, baseball to curling he enjoyed it all. He and Lynda enjoyed years of being season ticket holders for the Senators, Redblacks (Rough Riders) and even the Lynx. They also enjoyed attending the Miami Dolphins and Florida Panthers games while at their Fort Lauderdale condo.
While Paul was known for his tough exterior, his close friends and family knew he had a big and generous heart. He rarely (if ever) said no to a worthy cause, to lending a hand, to donating to various charities or to supporting a local kids sports team.
The family expressed its heartfelt thanks to the Emergency Departments at the Winchester & District Hospital and the Civic Hospital along with the nurses, aides, doctors and caregivers of the B5 floor at the Civic for the exceptional care they gave Paul in his final days.
A celebration of life for Paul will be held on Sunday, Aug. 23 between 1 - 4 p.m. at the Metcalfe Golf Club. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Dementia Society of Ottawa would be greatly appreciated.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Paul Smyth.
In Memory of Paul Smyth
We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague, Paul Smyth. Paul was the epitome of harness horsemen in Eastern Ontario. Always looking to help his fellow horsemen out. Very giving in terms of his time and talents. I cannot recall the number of times Paul allowed us to go a measured mile with him while driving a "green" to the racetrack horse. Our deepest sympathies to Lynda and family. Rick and Nancy Henderson