David Nelson Smith

Passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving wife, Darlene of 65 years and their three children, David (Rosie), Dan (Tania), and Linda (Lee) Sage, after a brief battle with cancer at Hospice Peterborough.

Proud grandfather to Geoff (Tetyana), Mark (Melissa), Andrew (Kassie), Danielle (Pete), Justin (Taite), Brittany (Sean), Luke (Sheila), and Nicole (Helder). Loving great-grandfather to Harrison, Nathan, Amelia, Reed, Lucas, Chloe, Daisy, Maddison, Jaxon, Taylor, Weslee, and Lyla. Beloved son of the late Nelson and Rachel Smith. Dear brother of Diane (Peter) Kraus and the late Janet. He will be dearly missed by his sister-in-law Deanna (Bill) Rowan — with whom Dave proudly shared many laughs and a memorable bet that the Toronto Blue Jays would make the World Series.

Dave began his career as a rising young star in the world of finance but soon discovered his passion for entrepreneurship. He became a car dealer in the late 1960s, owning Trenton Dodge Chrysler and later Holiday Ford — ventures that brought him and his family permanently to Peterborough. In 1983, Dave transitioned into real estate, where he went on to enjoy a highly successful career as a real estate broker for over 40 years.

A true champion of Peterborough’s downtown, Dave was deeply respected not only in business but throughout the community for his tireless dedication and trademark enthusiasm for “working on the next deal.” As founder of DNS Real Estate Brokerage, he was recognized as one of Peterborough’s most influential businesspeople and remained active in the business until his retirement at the age of 83.

A devoted community leader, Dave played a key role in raising funds to bring the first Heart Catheterization Lab to the Peterborough Regional Health Centre, working alongside Dr. Bill Hughes and lawyer Linda Whetung. In recognition of his many contributions to local organizations, he was proudly inducted into the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame on May 23, 2019.

Dave will forever be remembered for his remarkable sense of humour, sharp wit, gentle spirit, and unwavering integrity. Even in his final days at Hospice Peterborough, he continued to charm the healthcare team and volunteers with his warmth and optimistic outlook on life.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff and volunteers at Hospice Peterborough, whose exceptional care provided comfort, dignity, and respect in Dave’s final days.

A Service in honour of Dave will be held at Highland Park Funeral Centre, 2510 Bensfort Road, Peterborough, ON, on November 4, 2025 at 2:00pm. A celebration of life will follow, with a light lunch and beverages being served.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Hospice Peterborough in Dave’s memory.

Dave will be fondly missed and forever loved.

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