Bernard John Smith, Jr.
October 25, 2017
Bernard John Smith Jr. 92, was born June 5, 1925 in Baltimore Maryland to Bernard John Smith Sr. and Edna Katherine Simonaire Smith, and died peacefully in his daughter’s home in Alachua Florida, surrounded by his family on Wednesday October 25, 2017. Bernard was the captian of his Forest Park High School Football as well as receiving letters in football and Lacrosse. bernard served his country as a pilot in the United States Air Force in 1943. Bernard married the love of his life Margaret Cavanaugh on July 1, 1944 at the Base Chapel, Maxwell Field, Alabama. They celebrated 60 years of marriage. He began his career after completing a Institute for Steam Fitters in Baltimore, Maryland in 1952. Bernard began working for the Poole and Kent Co. Mechanical Contractors in 1949. After moving to Key West, Florida in 1955, B.J. became an expert as a project supervisor. He received a personal letter from Mr. E. Robert Kent complimenting him on an outstanding performance on the Aerojet project located southwest of Homestead, Florida in July 31, 1964. He retired in 1974 after 41 years with the Poole & Kent Company. Bernard and Margaret built their dream home in Port Antiqua, Lower Matecumbe Key, Florida, where they enjoyed many years together with family, friends and B.J. developed a love for fishing the backcountry, diving for treasure. Even finding a real Spanish Cannon! Bernard is preceded by his wife, Margaret, his grandson, Brian Dennis Faust. He is survived by his three daughters, Margaret Dale Smith, Joan Smith Creasman (Alan), Elizabeth Faust (Dennis), and two grandchildren, Joseph Alan Creasman ( Candra), Jennifer Creasman Gaff (Bradly),and three great-grandchildren Katherine Grace Gaff, Samuel Larkin Gaff and Parker Bryce Creasman.
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I miss our Sunday phone calls: Dad would say "I knew it was you "
That was a wonderful rendition of a one of a kind gentleman, Mr Bernie Smith. He lived to the fullest, provided generously for his family, worked hard and lovingly cared for his Margaret. He was a “man of the sea” as the photo so clearly depicts… happiest surrounded by ocean. We are inspired and blessed to have kniwn him and will ever cherish the laughter he burst forth in us all through his sense of humor. We can most assuredly say.,, this is the end of an era. His legacy, however, lives on.
Bernie was a friend and a fishing mentor, a funny and fun person to be around, always had a story to tell, ("Did I ever tell you about…?). He always looked at life with a positive attitude. We will miss him in the Keys, in the back country, at sunset on the beach in front of the fire with martini in hand, trips to Home Depot and Publix which took most of a morning. We were either looking for him or patiently waiting for him as he made conversation with anyone he encountered. We know he is now with his Margaret and we are happy for that. Peace Be Bern.
Bernard J. Smith Jr. (Uncle Bern) was only second to my father as most influential men in my life growing up. He was a role model during my teens and he took me saltwater fishing, snorkeling, spearfishing, and bottle hunting in the mangroves. He always enjoyed teaching us in whatever we would be doing with him and he loved the adventure of being on the water and in the water which inspired me to pursue those same outdoor hobbies. After high school I wanted to get into construction like my father and him and was accepted into the Pipefitters Local in Miami. I was able to work under him as an apprentice pipefitter for The Poole & Kent Co. much of my apprenticeship duration and again he took me under his wing and taught the mechanical piping trade. I wouldn’t be where I am today without having had Uncle Bern as a mentor in my life. My last visit with him was when I went down to the Keys to see him on his 90th birthday. I cherish the memories I have had with him and his family throughout my lifetime and know he lived a great life and was loved by all those that knew him. Thank You for being a part of my life. Our hearts and prays are with his family now and the Trone family mourns in the loss of another great man.