Shocking news on Thursday, as the Bay of Quinte region loses a well known philanthropist, supporter, and former businessman.
John Smylie, former owner of Smylie’s Your Independent Grocer in Trenton, passed away Wednesday night. He was 64.
M.P.for Bay of Quinte riding and family friend Ryan Williams had this to say.
“He was an incredible businessman and community leader, Honorary Colonel, father, grandfather … what a tremendous guy and what a loss for our region.”
Smylie was generous to many local organizations, served to help bring family doctors to Quinte West and was a huge supporter of the local Military Family Resource Centre.
He was also an honourary Colonel of 8 Wing CFB Trenton.
Mayor Jim Harrison was shocked to hear the news, saying it was a “big loss to this community.”
Staff at the grocery store learned of Smylie’s passing around 11 o’clock and management said everyone was “in shock.”
