Woodstock-Hartland MLA presents King’s Coronation Medal to retired businessman and volunteer
Woodstock-Carleton MLA Bill Hogan visited retired businessman Wilmot Smith at his Woodstock home on Nov. 18 to present him with the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal.
Hogan said the medal recognizes the many things Smith has done over his life to give back to his community.
“He’s done a lot of volunteering during his short time on our planet here,” he said.
Smith called it an honour to be recognized but said he enjoyed his many activities.
Born in Plaster Rock in 1941, Smith became well known in the Hartland and Woodstock area for his political activities, volunteer efforts and as a businessman, including 38 years running Connell Chrysler.
His decades of service include volunteer efforts for his church and service clubs, including the Woodstock and Florenceville Rotary Clubs.
Smith spent 20 years, from 1970 to 1990, as director of the St. John Bible Camp and served on the Woodstock Old Home Week board, including a term as president, from 1991 to 1999.
As a lifetime member of the New Brunswick Progressive Conservative party, Smith had close relationships with two premiers from the Hartland and Woodstock areas.
He worked closely with former New Brunswick Premier Richard Hatfield, including serving as president of Central Carleton riding between 1983 and 1988. He held the same position in former Premier David Alward’s Woodstock riding from 2008 to 2012.
Smith married Stella Walton in 1059. They settled in the Hartland and Somerville area, where they raised their two children, Sandra and Kevin.
The biography accompanying the medal presentation described Smith’s extensive work background and connection to the community.
“Wilmot’s occupations over the years include that of farming, labourer, truck driver, and entrepreneur businessman, all of which he thoroughly enjoyed and was a true beacon of positivity, pride, generosity, and hope to all of his community colleagues, partners, and friends,” it says.
Smith’s hobbies, including snowmobiling, horses, horse showmanship, and numerous competition successes, displayed his zest for life.
“Wilmot’s consistent work ethic, admiration, and resourceful knowledge throughout the years led him successfully into roles of service for his community,” his biography noted.
