SMITH, Richard Donald Age 54 of Sherbrooke, Guysborough County, passed away Thursday, February 29, 2024, in St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital, Sherbrooke. He was the son of Katie (Langille) and the late Graham Smith. Richard graduated from St. Mary’s Rural High School, and then attended NSCC Pictou Campus where he studied Electrical Construction. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, and was stationed in Gander, NFLD and Alert, Canadian Forces Base, Top of the World. Upon leaving the Air Force he became a Commissioner working at Sable Gas Plant, Goldboro and Tangier Gold Mine. He worked at the Rec Plex in Sherbrooke. Richard, in his day, was an amazing hockey player which he carried over to coaching the St. Mary’s Coyotes. He loved children and was always so encouraging even when they scored on their own net, he would tell them "it was the best game they ever played!"  He was an avid fisherman and loved going with his buddies; he also loved ice-fishing and spent many hours on The Arm.  Richard’s greatest loves were his children, Megan and Matthew. There was also a special place in Richard’s heart for his nephew, John Tyler and niece, Emily as well as their partners Emily and Josh and great-nephews, Alex, Lucas, Jayden and Owen and only great-niece, Charlotte. Richard leaves behind his mother, Katie Smith; sister, Elizabeth (Jay); daughter, Megan (Ben); son, Matthew; nephew, John Tyler (Emily) Langille; niece, Emily (Josh) Robinson; great-nephews, Alex, Lucas, Jayden, Owen; and great-niece, Charlotte. Richard also leaves behind a long list of childhood friends who will miss him dearly. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. in St. James Presbyterian Church, Historic Sherbrooke Village with a short funeral service to follow at 8 p.m. with Rev. Derek Elsworth officiating. Interment at a later date in Riverside Cemetery, Sherbrooke. Family flowers only please. Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary’s Rec Plex House League Hockey Program, St. Mary's Municipal Office, 8296 Hwy 7, Sherbrooke, NS, B0J 3C0 or St. Mary’s Education Center Extra-Curricular Sports, St. Mary's Education Centre/Academy, 121 Old Road Hill, Sherbrooke, NS, B0J 3C0. A special thanks to the St. Mary’s Hospital nurses and doctors for their compassion and kindness to Richard during his final days. Funeral arrangements are under the dignified and compassionate care of G.W. Giffin Funeral Home, St. Mary’s Chapel, 34 Main St. Sherbrooke. On-line condolences may be made at www.gwgiffin.com.