Obituary of D. Leslie Smith

Surrounded by family, Douglas Leslie Smith peacefully passed away at home on February 12, 2026, a few months before his 60^th wedding anniversary. He was Moncton’s New Year’s Baby in 1941 and the son of Douglas Campbell and Clauda (Calhoun) Smith. He started school in Dorchester but returned and graduated from Moncton High.

After participating in cub scouts and cadets in high school, Leslie started at UNB, at 16 years of age, taking electrical engineering, in the ROTP program. He then spent 3 years at CFB Gagetown as a lieutenant. During that time, he met his sister’s best friend, and future wife, Rose Carolyn Cameron, at a UNB Hockey game.

After finishing his time with the Armed Forces, Leslie returned to UNB to study law. Upon graduation, he received the Lt. Governor’s silver medal for the highest standing in final year Law. He then went on to the University of Michigan for further study. He began his career in 1969 with the Ryan and Graser Law Firm, and finished with McInnes Cooper in 2016. He was named a Queen’s Counsel in 1987. He studied independently and was granted admission to the Nova Scotia Bar in 1988. He also lectured at UNB, including a course in Construction Law for Engineers.

His law work was his pride and joy. He was included in the 1996 edition of Canada’s Who’s Who. Leslie was also named to the 2013 edition of Best Lawyers. He was nominated as the Fredericton Corporate and Commercial Litigation Lawyer of the Year.

Leslie was on the Executive of the NB Law Society; starting in 1983, and finishing as President in 1986. This position included belonging to the Canadian Bar Society and resulted in a trip to the Dominican Republic, and another to British Columbia.

He enjoyed travelling and trips included a cruise to Alaska, Expo 67, 1976 Summer Olympics, 2010 Winter Olympics, Bus tour of Europe and Oberammergau, and several driving trips across Canada. For his 65^th birthday, Leslie got the trip of his Michigan Dream, a trip to the Rose Bowl with his three sons.

He was always supportive of his children’s endeavours. Leslie was an Executive of the Fredericton Aquanaut Swim Team from 1980 until 1986, followed by being the Treasurer of Swim NB in 1987. He enjoyed his work as a volunteer official but officiating at the Olympic Trials in Montreal made it all worthwhile.

He was involved with Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, volunteering as Secretary of the Board, and as their legal counsel. He was their Boy Scouts Cub leader for 17 years.

He enjoyed reading, gardening, bicycling with the children at the lake, and just being at Grand Lake. He had his pilot’s Licence and enjoyed skydiving until a faulty parachute led to a concussion and a broken ankle.

Square Dancing was a passion with both Leslie and Rose Carolyn. They took classes in 1974 and he continued to dance until it was no longer possible. They were Club Presidents during their third year of dancing and were devoted to the shared hobby. Club Treasurer was a favourite volunteer task in later years. They enjoyed the Maritime and National Conventions. It was especially fun and interesting, dancing in London, England, while on a trip. In 2018, Les and Rose Carolyn Smith were presented with the Distinguished Service Award from the Federation of Dance Clubs of NB.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister Sally Allen (Edson, Alberta), and niece Nancy Allen. He is survived by his wife Rose Carolyn; children Derek (Kathryn) and grandson Oliver of Richmond, BC; Graeme (Jennifer) and granddaughters Amelia and Alexa of Edmonton, AB; Leanna of Harvey; and Galen (Carisa) of Nasonworth; as well as nieces, nephews, and special sister-in-law, Alice Cameron.

Visitation will be held at McAdam's Funeral Home on Sunday, February 22, from 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm. A memorial service will be held at Saint Andrew’s Presbyterian Church at 512 Charlotte Street, on Monday, February 23, 2026 at 2:00 pm with The Reverend Michelle Armstrong officiating. A livestream of the service qwill be available for those unable to attend aty the following Zoom Meeting link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87030294162?pwd=mgvnfAcFmKqd6DLWqOjUMb2qE2pnx7.1 Interment will take place at a later date in the Pleasant Valley Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Salvation Army or their own favourite charity.