Jeffery Jonathan Smith, age 56, of Beech Hill, Antigonish County, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital after a long battle with COPD. Jeff was known to many as Jeffy, 4-Fingers, and the Silver Fox.
A devoted outdoorsman, Jeff was happiest when he was in nature. An avid hunter and fisherman, he spent countless hours exploring lakes and rivers. His passion for the outdoors carried him to Banff, where some of his best years were spent guiding fishing trips on Lake Minnewanka, sharing his expertise and love of nature and fishing with guests and friends alike.
Jeff later returned home to Antigonish, where he worked for 23 years as an apprentice plumber with C.A. Smith Mechanical. No matter what the job, Jeff always brought laughter to the worksite. Getting to know his customers was important to him and came naturally.
Jeff also had a deep love for cooking and baking. Cookies, cupcakes, chocolate lasagna, chicken noodle soup, and his five-star gravy were among his specialties.
Jeff cherished the time he spent with family and friends, but especially the time with his extra-special little girl, Jayah.
He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, including his mother, Bernadette "Bunny" Smith (MacKenzie); his siblings, Cindy (Derf), Glen (Valerie), Greg (Lisa), Chris (Sandie), and Michelle (Wayne); as well as his special friend of over 20 years Kathy Pitts. He is also survived by his nieces, Lori, Jessica, Korin, Kayla, and Mya; nephews, Angus "Guse", Thane, Ryan, Adam; as well as grandnieces, Eva and Amelia; and grandnephews, Lucas, Henderson, Lincoln, Felix, Clayton, and Xander; and great-grandnephew, Elliott. He will also be deeply missed by all of his Digby family, and the many, many lives he touched with his acceptance, generosity, and kindness.
Jeff was predeceased by his father, Glendon W. Smith, and by both sets of grandparents.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 1–3 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. in C.L. Curry Funeral Home, 135 College Street, Antigonish. Funeral Mass will be held in St. Ninian’s Cathedral on Thursday, March 19th at 11:00 a.m., with Reverend Danny MacLennan presiding.
Jeff’s family invites all who knew him to share memories and stories at a reception to take place at St. Ninian’s Place following the funeral.
Family flowers only, please.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Antigonish Community Food Bank or to the food bank in your area.
Online condolences: www.clcurry.com