James Christopher Smith (Chris) aka Slug

With great sadness and heavy hearts, Chris passed away suddenly in his sleep at home in the early morning of his birthday.  

He is survived by his wife Debbie (Fontaine), son Scott Christopher, daughter Tamara (Eric Ings).  Grand children:  Jade (Cassie Hradowy), Ezry (Greydon Pangman), William, Ethan, and Anika.  Great grand children Evelynne and Emerson. His mother Pearl Marshall, sisters Lynn, Vanessa (Russell Ratz), and Patricia.  He was pre-deceased by his father William Eddley, and brother William Eddley Jr.

Chris was born in Barrie, Ontario. Later his family settled in Rivers, Manitoba. At 18 he left home to work in Flin Flon for a year, then returned home.  He then met Debbie in 1974. They were engaged by Christmas, so he accepted a job with Inco Limited in Thompson  Jan 1975.  They were married Jan 31,1976 and settled in Thompson for 34 years.

He was involved with St. Johns Ambulance, Boy Scouts and had interests in locksmithing and small motor repair. He loved his Honda Gold Wing motorcycle.  He loved to make children happy, he took on the role of Santa Claus.  It became a lifetime passion that lasted over 40 yrs until his last Christmas in 2023.

While at Inco, he worked underground until he obtained his industrial Mechanic ticket in 1991.  He retired in 2004 and they relocated to his last residence at  Seddons Corner in 2008.  Just after retiring he took up playing the Bagpipes.

He was involved with the Masonic Lodge, both in Thompson and Beausejour.

He will be greatly missed.   He has touched many hearts.

Donations may be made in Chris’s memory to Mastocytosis Society Canada at: https://mastocytosis.ca/en/get-involved/make-a-donation

Celebration of life date to be determined for later in the summer.