The mother of 29-year-old Justin Smith, who passed away while working at a Hamilton industrial site last month, shares that he was a dedicated dad to two young boys and a leader in his job.
Barbara Smith recalls that even as a child, her son Justin was always full of energy.
“From when he was a little boy, he never sat still,” said Barbara. “He was always on the go, doing something, always dirty, always working on cars.”
She mentions that this energetic nature has been inherited by his two sons: 5-year-old Jaxson and 3-year-old Jacob.
“He was a very hands-on father,” said Barbara. “He took care of them a lot growing up, so the shock now of not having him there – he didn’t miss a thing.”
Last Monday marked the day after the historic snowstorm in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area when Smith tragically lost his life at work, just weeks shy of his 30th birthday.
While clearing snow around Hamilton’s Pier 14, he fell into the water.
The Ministry of Labour is currently investigating the incident and stated they cannot comment while it’s ongoing.
: Worker dead after falling into Hamilton Harbour, police say
Smith had been employed at Ontario Shipyards, formerly known as Heddle Shipyards, since he was 21 years old and climbed up to become a supervisor.
“He loved welding,” said Barbara. “He got into welding in high school; he had a really fabulous teacher who put him on the path for his welding career. He just excelled in it.”
Barbara expressed how moved she felt seeing so many colleagues from his team attend the funeral earlier this week.
“At 29 years old, I couldn’t even grasp that he had impacted so many people,” said Barbara. “We had one of his workers say that he literally changed his life – that he gave him a shot when no one else would.”
This leadership included supporting and mentoring women on his team in an industry dominated by men.
Although welding meant everything to him, Barbara emphasizes that all of Smith’s hard work aimed to provide for his two sons.
“I am so so proud of my son,” said Barbara. “It’s incredible to see how many memories he’s created in just a short five years.”
A Go Fund Me page has been set up to create a trust for both boys and has already raised over $42,000.
“All of us together as a family will be there for them,” said Barbara.
Anyone interested in donating to the Go Fund Me page can find it here.
WATCH MORE: Go Fund Me raises over $200K for family of girl struck, killed by SUV in Oakville
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