He was co-founder, president and CEO of the construction giant EllisDon Corporation and is widely recognized for the landmark projects it was responsible for completing.
[3] Upon moving to North Toronto, Florence found a home and a job as a Sales Clerk at Eaton's department store.
[3] He began using it to host Charlie Chaplin movie screenings in his basement for the neighbourhood kids, charging five-cents a head per showing.
Smith's professors returned ungraded tests because they could not read his writing and as a result, he dropped out of school after his first year of university.
[1] Shortly after, he joined Foundation Company, one of the biggest construction firms in Canada at the time, where he was made Superintendent by the age of 25.
[2] On the first day of business, EllisDon also received a contract for a small three-room schoolhouse, Northdale Public School in London, Ontario.
[2] Between 1956 and 1968, EllisDon made critical business investments, which included computerizing its accounting and cost control systems, and operating a purchased tower crane – the first construction company in Canada to do both.
The project was completed in three years and on June 3, 1989, the Rogers Center officially opened its doors, making it the world's first retractable rooftop stadium.
He frequently visited job sites to find out information about the projects and teams, but also to stay updated with what is going on in his employees' personal lives.
[1] Under Smith's leadership, EllisDon has evolved into one of Canada's biggest construction names and has been responsible for many projects including the University of Western Ontario, the Metro Hall complex, and the Princess of Wales Theatre.
[3] Smith was an official supporter of Fanshawe College and Boys and Girls Club of London as well as many other charities and individuals.
Program (My Action Plan for Education) that supports youth from Grade 4 to post-secondary school to achieve their academic goals.
[3] After 42 consecutive years under conservative rule, Smith helped rebuild the Ontario Liberal Party and bring it back to prominence.
A celebration of his life was held in his memory on July 23 at the London Hunt Club, and was attended by family, friends, and employees.His legacy continues through both his business achievements and his philanthropic contributions.