Obituary of Arend Smid

I myself will see Him with my own eyes. How my heart yearns within me! - Job 19.

On March 15, 2026, the Lord took unto Himself into eternal glory our beloved husband, father and grandfather Arend Smid at the age of 85.

Loving husband for 54 years of Willa Dale Smid (Meeks), dear dad of Charles (Rhonda), John (Nadia), William (Christa), and Matthew.

Loving Opa of Noah, Nathan, Ocean, Jacob, Jaida, and Jasmine.

Dearly missed by his brothers Maynard (Susan) and Peter (Grace), sister Theressa (the late Bert Lanting) and late sister Florence (the late John Dykstra) as well as many nieces and nephews.

Born in the Netherlands to the late John and Jandine Smid (Buurma), Arend immigrated to Canada with his family when he was 11 years old.

He graduated from Ridgetown and Forest District High Schools and went on to obtain his Undergraduate and Masters Degrees from the University of Guelph, followed by his PhD from the University of Kentucky.

In 1975, Arend became a Professor at the now Ridgetown Campus of the University of Guelph, where he worked the remainder of his career — 31 years. Students were dear to him.

Arend loved God’s Creation and professed that it was designed to support all of Earth’s people.

He produced many wheat and oat varieties for Ontario farmers and was awarded Professor Emeritus status by the University of Guelph. He was also an avid gardener, and found joy in sharing its produce with family and friends.

A long-time member of the Canadian Reformed Church and Eben-Ezer Christian School,

Arend’s joy in Jesus was richer than any earthly happiness and deeper than his deepest sorrow.

Praise God for our time with him! We are truly blessed to have had him in our lives.

Visitation will be held at the Eben-Ezer Canadian Reformed Church, 483 McNaughton Ave. E., Chatham, Ontario on Thursday, March 19 at 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Funeral service is scheduled for Friday, March 20 at 11:00 a.m. in the Eben-Ezer Canadian

Reformed Church, 483 McNaughton Ave. E., Chatham, Ontario, Rev. Vreugdenhil officiating.

https://chatham-ebenezer.com/live-stream

Click the link above to view the livestream from Eben-Ezer Canadian Reformed Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Eben-Ezer Christian School.

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home

76 Main Street East, Ridgetown

519-674-3141