Obituary of John Q. Smith

John Q Smith, born December 20, 1943, and died December 20 2023. John Q Smith, known as Q by many of his friends, died after a long struggle with frontotemporal dementia. He stayed with us until his 80th birthday and passed away in his home surrounded by family, with his wife (Joanne) of 58 years by his side. Thanks to Care First NY and local home aides for helping Joanne and her family to stay in his home for this special time of his life. John Q was a prolific reader and writer and loved to be outdoors. We suspect he might at this moment be writing a critique about the lack of canoeing opportunities in the afterlife. John Q grew up in Watkins Glen, NY and remained a New York resident throughout his life, passing away in his Montour Falls home. He is survived by his wife Joanne Smith, his children Steve Smith (married to Annie Marie) and Kelly Smith (married to Tony), 5 grandchildren, and his sister Pamela Overacker (married to John). He also had many cousins, nieces, and nephews in the area that will dearly miss him. John Q was an English teacher in the Elmira City School system for 3 decades before retiring to enjoy his true passions of canoeing, camping, and cross-country skiing. He was not a fan of crowds and most loved being with his friends and family on remote waterways. He loved the stories of the Canadian Voyagers and may well have paddled as far as those intrepid traders during his lifetime. John Q almost always travelled with his wife Joanne who often sat in the bow of the canoe while John Q steered them to another adventure. When the children were younger he would encourage them to keep going that last mile so that they could enjoy "Jolly Time Adventure Land". Although we usually ended up at another remote campsite, we hope he has found that ever promised place. John Q was also very musical and would often entertain his family and friends with his whistling and harmonica. If you would like to support two organizations in honor of John Q, please make donations to the CareFirst NY at carefirstny.org so that they can continue to support families and loved ones as they near their final days. John Q also loved the Montour Falls Library (montourfallslibrary.org) and volunteered there.