Gore Bay’s Douglas Smith has passed away.
Smith bought a small trucking company back in 1960, which he renamed Manitoulin Transport and grew it into one of the largest and most respected freight companies in Canada.
He shared his success with the wider public, helping to fund all kinds of projects and institutions over the years, including a major supporter of the Manitoulin Health Centre and, most recently, the St. Joseph Lodge now under construction in Gore Bay.
He also established the Douglas A. Smith Family Foundation to ensure continued support to the wider community.
Most recently, in 2024, Cambrian College honoured the company’s dedication to education by establishing the Douglas A. Smith Family School of Business.
Smith was also presented with the Order of Canada in 2007 for his contributions to the economic and social development of Northern Ontario.
A Celebration of Life will be held in September.
He was 93.
Photos: Cambrian College and presentation as Order of Canada member – VISTA file photos
