Carole Anne Margaret Smith, born in St. Catharines, Ont., 54, passed away in Ottawa, June 7, 2024. Beloved wife of Bill Young, devoted daughter of Noreen Smith, sister and best friend to Joyce and Helen (Adrian). Adored Auntie Carolee to Angus, Kate and Freya. Predeceased by father Brian Smith. She is also survived by family in Ireland and England.
Focusing on Environmental Science, she was a graduate of Beamsville District Secondary School and the University of Toronto as well as the University of Edinburgh, where she received a master’s degree while a Rotary International Ambassadorial Fellow.
“Service above self” was a guiding principle in Carole’s life. Immediately on graduating with her B.Sc., she held several positions with the federal government, beginning with Public Works in Toronto and followed by Indian and Northern Affairs in Thunder Bay. In Ottawa, she worked for the National Search and Rescue Secretariat, Public Safety, and the International Joint Commission. She had just returned to Public Safety before becoming ill. Always eager to create positive, tangible change in the world, she pursued every project with her trademark dedication and attention to detail.
Carole’s love of aviation and adventure was evident from a very young age. She trained at the Brampton Flying Club, where she graduated as the top female private pilot of 1996. This love, combined with her characteristic care for others, led to a long history with the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association. In 1999, while with the Northwestern Ontario Air Search & Rescue Association in Thunder Bay, Carole was part of a team given an OPP Commissioner's Citation for Lifesaving after rescuing a pilot from a crash site. She spent many hours working and training with ground and air search and rescue groups in Thunder Bay and at Rockcliffe in Ottawa, including as a director and safety officer.
Carole was generous to a fault, possessing the quickest of wits and kindest of souls. She loved music, literature, and travel, with a keen eye for natural beauty that often resulted in stunning photographs. A multi-talented artist and pianist, Carole shared her beautiful voice in choirs for many years. A constant reader and ‘80s TV series aficionado, she always enjoyed exchanging ideas, whether around the campfire, the boardroom table, or during Trivia Night. There was nothing Carole wouldn’t do for her family or her friends.
She was happiest camping, paddling her cherished canoe, walking through the woods or flying a plane with her loved ones. Fighting aggressive leukemia in the last eight months took her away from the outdoors, but memories of many trips across Canada and the world helped to sustain her. Carole and her family were deeply grateful for the excellent care she received at Ottawa General and St. Vincent’s hospitals and from the palliative care team. A celebration of life will be held in the future, but in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ottawa General Hospital or an environmental charity of your choice.
Digital Guestbook
Red Sutton and Jane Sterling
France Bergeron
Rest in peace Carole. I fondly remember you from the NSS. Your dedication and passion for SAR was an example to all. Thanks for giving us so much!
Mark Gerlich
I met Carole in 2006 during a CASARA SAR winter exercise and was immensely impressed by her enthusiasm, professionalism and fun nature. She is also one of the best pilots that I have flown with as she is so skillful and conscientious. What I will treasure the most are all the fabulous canoe trips taken as part of our group CIBBA (Company of Intrepid Backcountry Bards and Artisans). Carole always went above and beyond in planning and preparing for the trips through Algonquin and North Frontenac Parks. The fun and adventures our group shared was immeasurable and unforgettable. Carole, and her sister Helen, regaled us in the canoes or around the campfire with songs and stories. Carole’s intelligence and breadth of knowledge was in full display on the many post trip trivia nights over a pint of Guinness or Strongbow. Carole was such a special person who I will always be remembered.
Geoff Lowe
We worked together at the National SAR Secretariat. Carole was a lovely young woman, smart yet modest and always able to think at a strategic level. An ardent supporter of Canada's Search and Rescue SAR program, her enthusiasm towards her professional work was further magnified by her devotion to Canada's volunteer Civil Air SAR Association. The Canadian SAR program, her friends & colleagues will miss her.
Alan Thomas
For those who volunteer, know that occasionally you get the honour and great privilege to work with people of greatness. To post their passing before their time, comes with great sadness. Carol Smith was one of those people. Anyone who worked around her was infected with her dedication. She will be missed by all our SAR Community. Sincerest Condolences to her family!
Bill Bauer
Sincere condolences to Bill and family members who will miss Carole greatly. I am unable to attend the celebration of life but you will be in my thoughts.
Mike O'Neil and Michele Heaney
We met Carole only a couple of years ago through Bill and were immediately taken by her calm, gentle demeanor and willingness to help out at Young / O'Neil family gatherings. Her love of the three grandchildren was evident as she conversed and played games with them! Truly a person that her family and friends will miss in their lives! Our sincere condolences to Bill and the Smith / Young families
Flora Benoit
My sincere condolences to Bill and family in the loss of your dear Carole. I feel fortunate to have met Carole through CASARA. I was always very happy to be in her crew. She was a superb pilot, and navigator, and she made me (a spotter) feel totally safe. She was a supportive leader…whenever I had a question or concern she always answered me respectfully and if she didn’t have the answer (which she usually did) she would get back to me. Carole had a way of making a person feel special, valued. She always praised my work as a spotter and encouraged me. Carole was an excellent presenter as well…as Security Officer, her gentle and knowledgeable manner of presenting kept our attention. I admired her not only for her knowledge and skills, but also, and especially, for her kindness and her great sense of humour. Carole is an inspiration on how to live a good and full life - doing what you love (with gusto!) and being a kind and generous person. I miss her. My deepest sympathy to you, Bill, and to the Smith and Young families.
Rachelle Page
I first met Carole in 2012 when we become colleagues. She was welcoming and helped me navigate the security environment. While she was a very private person, I slowly learned about her amazing life and accomplishments and I truly enjoyed her sarcastic sense of humour. Unknowingly, Carole pushed me to be my best self and I think she did that for many other colleagues and staff.
She is one of a kind.
My condolences to her family and friends.
Sonya Kim
Carole became a dear friend in our university years. Her kind-heartedness, wonderful sense of humour, her grace and strength of spirit and unwavering kindness are just a few of her countless admirable qualities. She has and will continue to be a beacon of love and light to all those who had the privilege and blessing to know her. My sincere and heartfelt condolences to her husband, Bill, and all her family.
Rest in peace Carole. We'll keep remembering you with great fondness.