Karl Preston Smith

Karl’s earthly journey ended peacefully, with family by his side, on Friday, January 24, 2025 at Nipissing Serenity Hospice, North Bay.

Karl was the beloved husband of Charlene (Van Mierlo) of North Bay and much-loved father of Tammy Fergusson (the late Lance) of North Bay, Tracy Morawski (Vic) of Corbeil, Karl Smith Jr. of Barrie and Kelly Meecham (Rob) of Astorville. He will be lovingly remembered by eight grandchildren: Tyler, Kristin, Kayla, Kelsey, Tanner, Jessica, Mathew and Dawson, and 13 great-grandchildren.

Karl was born in Englehart and spent his early years in Larder Lake. Karl made North Bay his home in adulthood. He was well known locally in the world of automobile sales, having enjoyed a long career at North Bay Chrysler.  

Karl was an avid athlete who managed, coached and played fast ball for many years. He was a founding member of the North Bay Senior Men’s Fastball League.

Karl’s true passion was music. A talented musician and songwriter, over the years he won singing contests in Ontario, Quebec and New York State. He had his own band called the ‘Mavericks’ and played at local venues including the Blue Spruce Hotel, Continental, Fraser Tavern, Empire Hotel and others.

Karl was a founding member of the Nipissing Country Music Association and served on the board for many years.  He was also involved in the Northern Ontario Open Country Singing Contest.

Karl received many honours for his music involvement, including being inducted into the Great Northern Opry in Sault Ste. Marie (2006) and the Nipissing Country Music Wall of Honour (2009).

Karl was also a lifetime member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 23, North Bay.

The Smith family will receive visitors at the Paul Funeral Home, Powassan, on Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 pm and on Friday, January 31 from 10:00 to 11:00 am. The funeral service will take place on Friday at 11:00 am. 

Spring burial will take place at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Trout Creek.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Karl’s memory to Nipissing Serenity Hospice or the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, are suggested.

To share a memory or photo of Karl, or leave a message of condolence for his family, please visit paulfuneralhome.ca or call Paul Funeral Home, Powassan 705-724-2024.