Obituary of Keith Charles Smith

Keith Charles Smith 55, ended his valiant battle with pancreatic cancer on September 14, 2009, surrounded by his adoring and adored wife and daughters. Keith was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Charles Smith. Keith is survived by his wife, Christine Swenson-Smith, and their beloved daughter, Sophia Rose Smith, and by his lovely and loving daughters, Brittany Smith, Alison (John) Barber, and Rachel Smith, all of Toronto, Ontario, Canada; by his "Dear Mum," Iris Smith of Windsor, Ontario, Canada; by his brother, Peter Smith; his sister, Cheryl Cowl and nephews, Zachary, Jacob and Matthew Cowl, all of Toronto. Keith was also the beloved "Pop" of stepdaughters, Courtney Lugo and Alexandra Lugo of Tucson. He leaves behind many friends, aunts, uncles and cousins in Canada and England and brothers-in-law, Charles Swenson of Pasadena, California and Michael Swenson of Suzhou, China. Keith was born in Hemel Hempstead, Great Britain, on August 28, 1954. He emigrated with his parents to Ontario, Canada, as a small boy, and lived most of his life in Windsor. Keith received bachelor's and master's degrees in social work from the University of Windsor. His career in child welfare spanned two countries and four agencies. He was most recently a Family Connections Supervisor for the Arizona Department of Economic Security. He recently developed an interest in television production through Access Tucson, and won national WAVE awards for his work two years in a row. He was passionate about community support for families in recovery from substance abuse or domestic violence, and found a way to blend social work with film production by engaging families in recovery into his public access television projects. Keith was a vital and active man who was still hiking and playing ice hockey less than one year ago, and was a masters swimmer and skilled golfer. He and Chris coached Sophia's softball team together. He played the trumpet and the guitar, loved to sing karaoke, and was happiest when his beautiful back yard and pool were full of friends and family. He loved telling everyone he was the father of six amazing daughters, and struggled bravely not to leave them. He died peacefully and we immediately felt his spirit, free and healthy and near to us. See you on the other side, Keith. This is not all there is. A celebration of Keith's life will be held at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 7575 N. Paseo del Norte, on Friday, September 18, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. with a reception immediately following at the church. Arrangements are by DESERT SUNSET FUNERAL HOME, 3081 W. Orange Grove Road, Tucson, AZ 85741, 520-297-9007. Donations can be made in Keith's name to Access Tucson, In My Shoes or Casa de los Ninos.