Douglas Gordon Smith

I want to express to you my heartfelt condolences. Doug and I were close friends throughout high school and remained friends during our university years although we went to different schools. We both became lawyers and unfortunately lost contact as we both pursued our careers. I only learned about Doug’s death today. During this pandemic I have been searching for old friends and trying to connect. I was so saddened when I saw Doug’s obituary. I lost my husband to pancreatic cancer nearly 6 years ago so I understand at least a little about what you have gone through. I remember Doug as an extremely funny, creative, kind, empathetic and loving person. I remember how much he loved and appreciated his family. He was a very special person. I am so sorry for your loss and wish you strength during this difficult time. The world has lost one of the good ones.

I think of Doug often and miss my friend. Doug was there for me in difficult times and helped me feel happiness alongside my grief. I hope memories of Doug bring his family comfort and peace.

My sincerest condolences! I remember Doug from our days in Hong Kong when I practiced at Goodmans. Doug was a great guy with a big heart. He was always open for a beer after work and was well know in the “small” circle of Canadians working in Hong Kong in the early 2000’s. He could always be counted on for sound advice, be it legal or personal and I will always remember him for that.

Reba, I am deeply sorry to hear about the loss of your son. Sending you hugs and my deepest condolences. Love Cindy ??

Dear Reba and Ann, It was very sad news that Doug passed away. He was larger than life and a great friend. Mostly we had a lot of fun when he lived in Hong Kong. Eating and of course drinking red wine on the balcony of the China Beach Club in Mui Wo on Lantau Island. He was always genuine, true to himself, fun and a lovely generous man. We will miss him! Love to you both and your family. Cindy Lee & David Ralph

We miss Doug dearly in the office in Dubai and think of him often. Sincerest condolence's to Doug's family.

So sorry to hear of Doug's passing. I worked with Doug in Hong Kong at Goodmans. He was a kind and wonderful person, and a great lawyer. He will certainly be missed.

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation

Dear Reba & Ann, I was very sad and upset to hear that Doug has lost his brave fight against cancer. He was a great friend to me, and practically a brother. My sincere condolences and sympathy to both of you. I will miss Doug terribly in the days and years ahead. We talked often about our respective plans for the future, even though I am currently caring for my mother in England, and hoped that we could one day somehow both retire to the same city or country. Doug's legacy to me is the many nice friends to whom he has introduced me (Rizwan, Mark Denton, Ajay and Rick, to name just a few). Doug was a great connector of people, as well as a talented lawyer, and it was a privilege to have met both of you, through Doug, on your visits to Dubai. Although not married and without children (as far as he told me), Doug's life, in the years I knew him, was full of love and happiness. He had a job which he loved and many friends and colleagues around the world who loved and respected him, for good reason. He was kind, considerate, patient and funny, while also being a leader and a mentor. The tragedy of what has happened to Doug will be felt keenly by many around the world and my thoughts are with both of you, in Canada and Chiang Mai, at this very sad time. With sympathy, Michael Barker

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation

So sorry for your loss. He was such an amazing friend. I will miss him dearly also. I think of him all the time. If you need anything please do not hesitate to contact me.

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation

To my dear friend Doug, I’m so grateful for the times we shared. I’ll miss your humor, our long conversations, your mentorship on life and living and work. I’ll always look back with appreciation for the times we spent and the care and happiness you brought to myself and all those around you. May the road rise to meet you my friend and may we meet again one day.

I am so sorry to hear about Doug. I will never forget the remarkable times we spent together when our paths crossed in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Dubai. An impressive, intelligent and generous soul indeed. My condolences to the family. RIP Doug.

I had spent many memorable moments with Doug as our paths crossed across Asia, his thirst for life and adventure was boundless, and his intelligence and wit sparkled bright. you will be sorely missed Doug, your spirit continues to brighten this world, and whatever lies next. Rest In Peace my friend

The world is short of one more wonderful person. The ever smiling Doug Rest in peace Doug.

It’s with great sorrow to lose a great friend. 22yrs of friendship is irreplaceable. A gentle compassionate man will be deeply missed.

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation

A valued colleague, and a good friend. You will be missed, Doug.

I was shocked and saddened to hear the news from Mark that Doug had passed away. I was in touch with him a week earlier talking about Xmas and New Year in Canada. I have known Doug from the days he was working in HK travelling to Thailand. Over the years whether in Bangkok, Hong Kong, Dubai, Jakarta, Singapore we would always find time for nice meal and a bottle of red then end up partying. Doug will always be remembered as a man who was intelligent, humorous, kind, considerate and enjoyed life to the full. He will be sadly missed .. RIP Clay

It saddens me to have just heard of Doug's passing. Doug was always a shining light wherever he went. I will always remember that infectious smile. He will clearly be missed by all who knew him. I offer sincere condolences to his mother and sister. May flights of angel's sing him to rest.

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation

I've known Doug when he was working in Indonesia at our Firm, SSEK Indonesian Legal Consultants. He is a very good person and kind. May he rest in peace and love. I am sorry for Doug's family loss.

My condolences to Doug's family. Reba I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Doug from the Woodlawn and he was always such a kind and generous man.

Very saddened to have lost a great and brave soul who simply made life more effervescent for those that were privileged enough to count Doug as a friend. He possessed that rare ability to make people feel comfortable and relaxed whatever their background and make an immediate connection. He was blessed with a fierce and wide ranging intellect, used for good and without intimidation but would not hesitate to ask others for advice or an opinion. Douglas lived life to the full on his terms and with an enormous sense of fun and curiosity,  leaving behind so many friendships that he kindled and will endure. Mark & Sheila Denton

One week already. I miss you Doug. It is a "I see you again my friend". What an amazing soul Doug was. We met in 2006 in Dubai thanks to Mark D. Doug and I shared the same witty sarcasm, a taste for laughter, opera, good wine and food. Doug is one of these rare people that crosses one's path. And yes, I do think the good ones always leave first. I hope it is for a good reason. :-) Doug was always so positive, open to new adventures, a great story teller and he always gave the full attention to his interlocutor. I am not surprised he was a good lawyer :-) Doug, I will remember our opera nights and great diners around Dubai. We had plans for weekends in RAK in March, so Doug, we will make up for these ones one day wherever I meet you again. I hope I brought you attention, kindness, entertainment and comfort when you needed it. Sincere condolences to your family. You spoke so nicely about your mum and sister. The love, admiration and respect were undeniable. Your mother's new car and road trips. Your sister's animal refuge. Etc. It comforts me to know your mother was by your side. Have a safe journey and see you again friend. I will try to not be sad and have a nice glass of wine for you. Shall we go for a Bordeaux? Sincere condolences Doug's family. Thanks to the medical team in Ontario. Please feel free to reach out for any remembrance ceremony in Dubai.

I was very sorry to hear from my colleague, Rick Emmerson, of Doug's passing. I knew Doug only for a brief time, for four or so years, when we worked together at SSEK in Jakarta, Indonesia. While his irrepressible spirit and his joie de vivre were always present, what impressed me most was this: Doug was a nice man. In the end, what better can one say about a human being. I wish I had had more time time with him. I am sure this is a very difficult time for his mother and sister family and my wife Barbara and I send our sincere condolences to his family.

I was fortunate to know Doug during his time with SSEK family. Words cannot describe your loss and our loss. Rest in peace, Doug. For Reba and Ann, he will be forever missed.

Rest in peace, Doug. Thank you for the fond memories when we worked together at SSEK, Jakarta. My sincere condolences to all family members.

Deepest sympathies from the Draper family. I reminisced while looking at pictures of Doug’s 4th birthday party.

Dear Reba and family, I am saddened to hear of Doug's passing. His passion for life and his craft was so vibrant. Doug & I shared many stories whilst he was here in Dubai particularly when we got together at one of the Canadian Business Council events. Doug would always be seen with a glass in hand of his favourite red! He will be greatly missed, however his legacy continues. RIP Al Hinton (Dubai)

So sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Kathi Gardiner also sends her condolences. We are glad he was with you at that time. Words are not enough. We are thinking of you and feel free to call Kathi or myself if you wish to talk or would like some company when that is possible. Our thoughts are with you. Lynne Taylor

Dear Reba, I met Douglas through the Canadian Business Council in Dubai. He is a wonderful man and one that I am greatly fond of as he has a great sense of all that is fair, reasonable and just. He did all his with vast amount of care. Most of all I will miss his roguish twinkly sarcasm which made us all laugh. All Love to you and the family from Lisa my wife and I Phil Jones (Toronto)

My deepest condolences to Reba and Ann, the Smith family, and to all those many people around the world who loved Doug. Words are not enough to express my affection for Doug or to grasp our shared loss. He was just one of those rare amazing people, an old and wonderful soul, that I will remember always. Doug and I attended Queen's Law together and remained friends from our days on Bay Street in Toronto in the 1980s, to his years in Hong Kong and Malaysia when I was in Korea and Indonesia. And I was overjoyed when Doug joined our law firm SSEK in Indonesia for several years before returning to Dubai. I visited Doug in Dubai at the beginning of his treatment and he was so calm, brave, upbeat as always and reassuring. And, he maintained that genuinely positive outlook throughout.... that was his only state of being: intelligent, thoughtful, caring and full of life. I know that Doug is at peace wrapped in the arms of God, and he has left this world a better place. Rick Emmerson (Ottawa)

Doug always brought his smile and treats to the office. We all miss him already. May he rest in peace.

Dear Reba; We were so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. I had a lovely conversation with him on the phone a few weeks ago. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and we felt badly that Ann could not travel because of Covid. Thinking of you often and hoping you will call if you just want some phone company. Love, Art and Nancy

I was terribly sad this weekend to learn that Doug was taken away so quickly. I will always remember Doug as the office 'feeder', always bringing in lovely chocolate treats. He certainly brightened up the office with his energy, charm and happiness. I was very lucky to have worked with him for 6 years, and I will certainly miss him.

A dear friend, Doug will be greatly missed. Truly charming, intelligent, warm and most of all fun with an endless appetite and energy for life. Even his last interactions were filled with humour and plans for future adventures. I feel incredibly lucky to have had such a special person in my life, so many happy times & memories that he helped create. Till we meet again, rest well Dougie, much love xx

Sincere and deepest condolences to all of Doug’s family and friends. It was my absolute pleasure to know Doug and work with him at SPB. He was incredibly supportive and leaves me with so many fond memories. I remember receiving an unexpected call from him announcing that he was in Leeds (UK), so we met up for a coffee – a wonderful surprise. On another occasion it was Manchester! Treasured times. Rest easy my friend. You will be sorely missed. Jeremy

My condolences. Doug was a very fine man. I knew him in Hong Kong. He will be remembered well.

A great man has gone - every minute in Doug’s company was filled with fun. I will miss him terribly and life in Dubai won’t be the same without him. Give someone you love a hug for Doug. RIP

Doug was a good friend whilst living in Jakarta, will always have good memories being at loweys with you, hope you rest well my friend

I am so sad to hear about Doug’s passing and wanted to give my sincere condolences to the family. I first met Doug five years ago in Dubai. He was introduced to me as a professional contact and quickly became a mentor. I recall his warmth, wit, and generosity. His presence was felt in every room he entered. He brought me into the Dubai office of Squire Patton Boggs and showed me the ropes during my first year as an associate. He had wonderful anecdotes from his travels and livened up the halls of our office. Doug lived an inspiring and colorful life and I’m grateful I had the chance to know him. I regret not being able to give a proper goodbye. Doug, thank you for everything. I’m sorry I missed your last day here. I was expecting you to return quickly and with chocolates in tow (as you do). Thank you for teaching me and believing in me. You are missed dearly. Rest well.

I didn’t know Doug for a very long time, he was a good friend of my fathers, but I did get to spend some great times with him many I know I’ll never forget. He will always be remembered to me as One of the kindest people with the best sense of humour. I always did look up to you Doug almost like a grandfather at times. Rest easy Douglas until we meet again one day. Chris

I said goodbye six months ago when I left Dubai and SPB. I wish I had known it would be our last. You will be so missed by so many people, your stories and jokes were priceless! The constant flow of sweets and cakes, our very own Willy Wonka. Our singing at reception and ‘watch out Doug is about.... ‘ Missing you! Rest well xoxo

You will be sorely missed but not forgotten my friend. We had some laughs in the last 12 years: from the very first day when we started together at Habib Al Mulla - only a few weeks ago I was talking you through how to change a puncture on your bike ... take it to the bike shop!!!! Rest well, Doug. We miss you. Scott, Emma, Cooper and Harrison.

My Friend Doug. I Will miss you dearly. I will especially miss your absolutely brilliant sense of humor, our engaging conversations and your devoted friendship. Until we meet again one day my friend. Grant.

I will miss you buddy. You showed me so much kindness and warmth of friendship which was sincere and genuine. I have but few friends on earth and definitely you were one of my closest. It hurts me to know we can’t meet on earth again but hope in whatever shape or form in the next life we do meet again. I will miss you buddy.

Dear Reba, I am so sorry for the loss of your son, Doug. We met once at The Oasis when you and he were enjoying lunch. He will be in your heart forever. Love Gina

I met Doug on our first day at Queen's in 1975. We became instant friends. Though distance at times made our contacts fewer than either of us wished (my 3 trips to Hong Kong, however, created many shared moments of good food, wine and some adventure) we never lost touch often because of Doug's out-of-the-blue late night calls. Ever looking forward, he told me in our last chat on the 16th that he planned to return to Dubai in late winter to wind up things there and then come home. I will miss him so; many will.

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation

Dear Reba and Ann, I'm a high school friend of Doug ‘s. I have fond memories of visiting your home on Cassandra Blvd, playing chess, Risk, and listening to music. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, and at such a young age. I'm glad to hear he was able to make it back to Canada. Recently I was looking at the write up Doug and Ian England composed in my school year book. Such funny and clever guys. I'm sure he's left behind a world wide community of friends. My condolences. PS. I plan to attend a service of remembrance, when our world returns to normal.

Very sad to hear the news about Doug. Excellent lawyer and just all round wonderful guy. I worked with Doug at Goodmans, Stikeman and Troutman (though I was back in Canada). I would see Doug on my visits to Hong Kong and sometimes stayed at his apartment. Funny, warm and generous person. I had not seen him since giving up practicing law in 2008 but we did keep in contact. We were planning to get together in Toronto last year. I will miss Doug and remember our times together in Hong Kong.

Reba, I was so sorry to hear about Doug. I only knew him through your stories but your love for him was always evident. Please take care of yourself and know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers. Noel xoxo

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation

I was so sad to learn from one of our Queen's Law classmates of Doug's passing. While I knew Doug at school, I regret having lost touch with him afterwards. Doug was a favourite of us all, handsome, intelligent and with such a quick sense of humour. He will be truly missed-Doug would light up a room with his presence. My condolences. Brian Levett

I am sharing in the sadness that you must feel with Doug's passing. Doug was truly remarkable - certainly one of the funniest people I have ever met, brilliant beyond compare and truly a stand-up guy. What a loss. Though I did not see much of him these last few years due to distance I am nonetheless gutted by this news and will truly miss him.

A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:

Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation

Reba, we are so sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. I did get to ‘meet’ him during a phone call and he was upbeat and displayed quite the sense of humour. He was very engaging. If we can be of any help let us know. All our sympathy to you and Ann at this sad time. Love, Art and Nancy