Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Don Smyth on August 25, 2025, at Northumberland Hills Hospital in Cobourg, Ontario.
Don was predeceased by his parents, Marion and Harry, and his brothers, Bill and Larry. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Pat; his four sons, Robert, Jeff, Todd, and Kent; ten grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren, including his special new great-granddaughter.
Don’s life unfolded in two very full chapters. Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, he proudly served with the Royal Canadian Air Force as a meteorologist in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, and Exeter, Ontario. After working with Dunn & Bradstreet in Toronto and 3M in Alberta, he returned to Winnipeg in 1970 to start his own business as a camper trailer dealer. That venture eventually led him to open The Hockey Hutch on Pembina Highway, a store that became a beloved gathering place for the hockey community.
With the support of his family, Don built more than just a business—he built a community. Customers came to “The Hutch” for skates, equipment, sticks, and sharpening, but stayed for coffee, donuts, conversation, and the warmth of friendship.
Don loved the prairies, the big sky, and summer nights at Pelican Lake, where he could sit on his boat, watch the storms roll in, and count satellites in the night sky.
After surviving a serious car accident in 1981, Don began a new chapter in Ontario, where he found both renewed purpose and lasting love with Pat. Don and Pat were married in 1993 and had 32 beautiful years together. In Cobourg, he opened a pro shop at the local arena, where “Skate Man Don” became a fixture for more than twenty years. He sharpened countless pairs of skates, often with the playful promise, “I put a hat trick in there for you.”
Don never let a young player go without—Canadian Tire money was happily accepted, and eventually even bought a family vacuum. His dedication made him part of the Cobourg hockey family, with team photos covering his shop wall, each one including Don himself.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to Don’s customers and friends in both Winnipeg and Cobourg.
In later years, Don and Pat enjoyed travelling, they saw much of the world by cruise ship. While at home they enjoyed spending quiet afternoons at Cobourg Beach, where Don loved to watch the birds. Pat remained his devoted wife throughout his life.
Don had a special relationship with his grandchildren in Brandon. They had the privilege of knowing Don, as Dubby. Dubby drove to Brandon regularly. When the trip became too long, he started taking the train. His time in Brandon was marked by endless fair rides, Fathers Day celebrations, storm watching, and time on the farm. He found joy in joining in with whatever the grandchildren had going on.
His grandchildren recall endless laughter every time they were with their “Dubby”, from backyard waterfights that ended in the kitchen to watching him ride the slingshot at the fair. They knew him to be a rule bender. Disregarding a no parking sign to get the best views at the end of the runway, or confidently walking his dog Lily right past a ‘Pets must remain in carrier” sign. Dubby lived life to the fullest, his grandchildren admire how he lived life for those he loved without fear of judgement from others.
After retirement his love for the great game of hockey never faded. He was quick to throw on a jersey when the World Juniors were on. When he got older and it was too hard to see the puck his solution was simple, all he needed was a bigger TV (against Pat, who they know as “Mumma’s” wishes). Even his grandkids admit his last tv was well… large.
When Don’s health started to decline his granddaughter spent a few months with him. It was during this time that they bonded over their love of planes, time near the water, and of course multiple milkshakes a day. She enjoyed watching Dubby and Mumma find joy in the little things. She would watch as they laughed together. They loved the life that they had created.
Don will be lovingly remembered by his friends and family.
At Don’s request, there will be no memorial service.
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