Colonel (Retired) Arthur Harcourt Carington “Harky” Smith, MMM, SBStJ, CD, D.ScMil

On Monday, April 24, 2017, Harky slipped away while holding hands with Mary Lee, his wife of 55 years. He was also with his son, Christopher and sister, Eve. In addition to Mary Lee (Lovee), he leaves his daughter in-law Wendy, son Christopher (Lydia Bugden), grandchildren Tyler, William, Sydney and Maggie and his sister Eve. He was sadly pre-deceased by his elder son Gordon in 2015 and also by his parents Lt Col Gordon Carington Smith and Jacqueline (Dumaresq) Smith.
He was born in England in 1934 and as the son of a military officer grew up in interesting places in Canada and the United States. At the suggestion of his father, Harky commenced his military career as an officer cadet in 1952 and thus began a relationship with the Department of National Defence that spanned over 60 years. He enjoyed many adventures in the navy and artillery before finding his true calling as an administrative officer in 1974.
He particularly enjoyed his time as the Director of Administration of the Royal Military College of Canada from 1983-1986. He proudly and joyfully followed the careers of every single cadet who attended RMC during those years and affectionately referred to them as his babies. His final act in active duty was as Commandant of the Canadian Forces School of Administration and Logistics and he reveled in the opportunity to be in command.
He retired from active duty in 1989 and subsequently joined the public service with DND’s Policy Group and served as Chief of Staff until his retirement in 2013.
In his spare time Harky served on numerous Boards such as the Ashbury College Foundation, the Canadian Core of Commissionaires, the ICCS Viet Nam Association and as a Warden with Christ Church Cathedral. He and Mary Lee enjoyed their summers with family and friends at their cottage at Chaffey’s Lock and numerous trips of a lifetime around the world.
Harky was an “outstanding” husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. He was a trusted confidant and advisor who loved to help people and took great joy in knowing that he was able to make a difference in many lives. We all have wonderful memories of a life well lived to hold in our hearts forever.
A ceremony to celebrate Harky’s life will be held on May 13, 2017 at 1100hrs at Christ Church Cathedral, 414 Sparks Street, Ottawa, Ontario. If desired, donations in Harky’s memory to the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada or to Christ Church Cathedral are very much appreciated.