A hero of the faith, a former Canadian sports star and a giant among men, Bruce Smith succumbed to health concerns since the end of November, 2012. Bruce was diagnosed with aggressive liver cancer that quickly spread throughout his body. In less than three weeks (on Christmas Day), he was admitted to Sunnybrook Hospital, where he declined and suddenly passed away in the early morning of Thursday, January 3rd of 2013.
Bruce Smith was a chaplain of Toronto’s King Bay Chaplaincy and the past pastor of the Rock and River Congregation in Mississauga, Ontario. He also was a member of; “Catch the Fire Ministries”.
A native of Gainesville, Texas, Bruce was a former co- captain of the Toronto Argonauts and coach of the all-star of the Canadian Football League. He was also a member of the 1972 Grey Cup champion team; “The Hamilton Tiger Cats”. Upon retiring from football, Bruce enjoyed a highly successful career in real estate before entering into ministry.
Bruce worked mainly through King Bay Chaplaincy working with the business people in the city through regular meetings. His heart was also with “at risk” youth in the Toronto area and was a strong youth advocate identifying the issues of the fatherless as one that must be addressed because of the adverse and sometimes devastating affects it had on the lives of young people. Bruce was the author of “Our Father”, an autobiography of his life which is now being looked at to be made into a movie.
Bruce was a motivational conference speaker and spiritual coach to many. He influenced the lives of both young and old inspiring them to develop a personal walk with God. In the early 2000, he also hosted a television show on the CTS Network and was a guest host on many of their programs. The also was a guest of CBC, CTV, CFBB Radio to name a few. Bruce also worked closely with the Toast Master’s Club, The Christian Business Men’s Association and all the major sports teams in North America.
Bruce was a loving husband to his wife, Shirley and proud father to; Courtney and Coby.
A tribute ceremony is planned in remembrance of Bruce Smith on January 26th, 2013 at;
Canada Christian College.
For more information, please contact Marlene Giuliano;
From this link.