Obituary of Hugh Smythe

Hugh Arthur Smythe, M.D. Passed away peacefully at his home in Toronto on Sunday, October 14, 2012 at the age of 85 years. He will be sadly missed by his beloved wife of 62 years, Bernice, his children Richard (Barb), Anne (Bob) and Conn (Christine) and his grandchildren Michael, Mary, Andrew, Laura, Philippe and Daniel. Predeceased by his parents Conn and Irene Smythe and siblings Stafford, Miriam and Patricia. Upon graduating with a medical degree from the University of Toronto in 1950, Dr. Smythe undertook specialized training in rheumatic disease. As the longest serving director of The Arthritis Society (1961-99), Dr. Smythe was a major contributor to the education and awareness of the society and to the development of arthritis self-management programs throughout Canada. He was a professor of Medicine at University of Toronto, helping build the foundation of hundreds of doctors. He was the Chief of the Rheumatology unit at Wellesley Hospital then at Toronto Western. He was a founder and served as co-editor of the Journal of Rheumatology. Hugh's work in medicine afforded him many opportunities to travel. He and his constant companion, Bernice saw most of the world together. During his travels his love of the arts, culture and pursuit of understanding the nature of rheumatic disease combined to make him an avid collector of headrests. Hockey and the Toronto Maple Leafs were so important to Hugh's early life. A terrific player as a boy and young man. He loved the game, the players and was very proud to be the team doctor for Toronto Maple Leafs from 1949-1969, during which time they won four Stanley Cups. Hugh helped forward the legacy of his father's philanthropic work by taking on the role of Chairman of the Conn Smythe Foundation. This role he had passed on to future generations. An avid and competitive sportsman, he and Bernice loved to ski, play golf, tennis and sail Cook's Bay. Hugh and Bernice treasured the close friendships and lasting relationships that grew through sharing their passion for sports and the arts in Toronto, the cottage on Lake Simcoe and, later, the farm in Caledon. Hugh said that one of the wonderful things about his life was the fun he and Bernice had together. To quote Scott Young "to be quite plain about it, Dr. Smythe is one of those fairly rare human beings who do not deserve one moment's doubt from anyone." The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME A.W. MILES CHAPEL LIMITED, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17 and from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 18. Stories and memories can be shared at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.