JOHN RICHARD (DICK) M. SMITH

Condolences & Memories (9 entries)

• Doctor Smith - to me he remained a pro, and I could not call him "dick". He was very patient with me...ironic, in a way! taught me many things in one breath...whisperings like a gentle muse on your shoulder and so much understanding. I am well 22 years after he put me on a successeur cocktail, the first AZT remains a bad memory, but I have now survived this thing for nearly 40 years - turning 70 next year! Thank you 'Dick" Hello Doug - gee whiz, we miss him one year on, don't we? - Posted by: Charles Reesink (Patient) on: Oct 22, 2024

• Richard Smith was my doctor and friend. He helped me through to my coming out. I loved his gentle humility and dedication to support everyone who entered his life. He became the doctor against whom all my subsequent doctors were measured. - Posted by: Bill Fehr (Patient ) on: May 02, 2024

• He was my physician for 10 years was sad to see him retire. He was an excellent man who cared greatly about his patients health. - Posted by: Dalton Whelan (Paitent ) on: Jan 25, 2024

• My partner Lz and I were fortunate enough to know both Dick and Doug. I worked with Dick for a number of years at Nine Circles, and came to admire greatly his kindness and compassion and utter dedication to the people he served. The love and special bond shared between Dick and Doug was evident and uplifting to witness. We can only imagine how much Doug will miss him. I treasure the time I worked with Dick. His light shone so brightly, and lit the way for so many. I know that luminous light is still shining somewhere….,. Love, blessings, and thank you. Patricia and Liz - Posted by: Patricia Frain (Friend and colleague) on: Nov 13, 2023

• Dick became my family physician in the late 1970's when he had his clinic on Corydon Avenue. He was an extraordinary doctor and human being. His approach to his practice was unlike anything I had experienced. My first visit to him took three lengthy appointmets, allowing him, in his words, to establish a baseline. One appointment was for the usual physical - height, weight, blood pressure, etc., including tests - EKG and lung X-ray - in his office. The third was a psycho-social-emotional session, wherein he asked me to tell him about family history and my own emotional/mental health. The final visit involved him going over the results of the first visits and discussing plans for my health care going forward. I'd never felt so secure in knowing that should any issues with my health arise, I was in good hands. As the HIV/AIDS epidemic took hold, Dick took his extraordinary practice to focus on the population who needed him the most. I lost him as a doctor but he became a friend as he treated many of the friends I lost in the early days. Dr. Smith, you were, are, a true hero, a brave and extraordinary man, stepping up when so many were stepping away. Even in your time of death, you took the time to educate the world with your clear sense of justice. Rest in power, my friend. My condolences to Doug, his family and inner circle. - Posted by: Mallory Neuman (Past patient/friend) on: Nov 13, 2023

• I just wanted to say thank you to Dr. Smith for his pioneering care for members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. He is the reason that my family members have safe, supportive medical care at OOHC. Your work continues to make a difference to 2SLGBTQ+ people and youth every day. Thank you to Doug, for being the husband that supported Dr. Smith's work. I am sure that it was hard to see your husband be so public and a trailblazer during a time when the stigma was high and violence always a concern. I wish you peace and comfort in your loss. - Posted by: Colleen (Community member) on: Nov 13, 2023

• Dr. Smith had been my physician for decades ..... Till the day he retired .. I was so very fortunate to find this wonderful caregiver ... His duty of care for his patients was exceptional . A dignified medical professional, full of empathy with a natural courtesy that put his patience at ease ... Thank you Doctor Smith for your superb care. - Posted by: Robert (Friend) on: Nov 12, 2023

• Dick Smith was my doctor for more than four decades. When he announced his much postponed retirement to me, I understood, that he had undertaken a careful and thoughtful plan for the welfare of his patients. That commitment to service and to the quality of healthcare for his clientele impressed me, although I was not surprised. For most of my adult life I was fortunate to have a physician who viewed his patients in a holistic manner and who took the time to listen, observe and reflect on what he learned before proposing a course of action or dispensing wise counsel. The leadership and commitment he displayed in his practice was impressive. He was persistent in the pursuit of services and recognition of the needs of the GLBTQ+ community as they related to health and wellness. His contributions are too numerous to be listed here, but are of seminal importance to the history of healthcare in Manitoba. My memories of Dick's humility, humanity and sense of humour will remain with me as the most precious legacy I received from his remarkable life. I feel fortunate to have met him as a friend as well as a patient. - Posted by: Donald Teel (Patient) on: Nov 11, 2023

• My knowledge of Dick Smith is mostly that he was the partner of Doug Arrell. Doug was for many years a colleague and friend in the U of Winnipeg Department of Theatre and Film. It was apparent that their relationship was an extraordinarily good and affectionate one. Doug had a sense of humour about Dick's uniqueness and had the same kindness, decency and courage for which Dick is well known. As Chair of the Department Doug was steadfastly fair and considerate. Both men are champions of everything that is good in people and with intelligence and resoluteness stand up for what is right. - Posted by: Blake taylor (Colleague and friend of Doug Arrell) on: Nov 10, 2023