Gordon Wesley Smallwood

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Gordon Wesley Smallwood, who died peacefully at Georgetown District Hospital on Dec 8, 2025. He was 76 years old.

Born in Toronto and raised in Georgetown, Gord went on to graduate from Western University with a degree in music. He followed up with teacher’s college and began his long career, accepting a teaching position in Sarnia for his first year. He moved on to A.N. Meyer High School in Niagara Falls, starting a long and cherished position teaching music and building a very successful program. With Gord’s love of jazz being a strong influence, the school’s bands excelled under his guidance They went on to win many competitions and accolades over the years. Gord later moved to Napanee, again leading the music department at NDSS and competing in national championships. Over the years, Gord made long-lasting connections with many of his students, some of whom were still in contact with him. They were the light of his life and he was so proud to have played a small part in their successes.

After retiring from teaching, Gord pursued his love of nature photography. A safari to Kenya fanned the flames of this passion. He made many trips, both within and outside of Ontario, capturing the beauty around us and connecting with the animals he dearly loved. His beautiful photos remain a legacy to him and his life.

Gord is survived by his siblings David Smallwood and Shirley Kelman (Gerry), his niece, Krista Smallwood and his nephew, Nathan Kelman. He is pre-deceased by his parents, Clarence & Gertrude Smallwood and his sister-in-law, Joy Smallwood.

No services are planned at this time. A celebration of life will be planned in the spring of 2026.

In lieu of flowers, the family would be grateful for donations to one of the following organizations who work to help people, like Gord, afflicted with these conditions:

The Arthritis Society Canada

The AAMAC (Aplastic Anemia & Myelodysplasia Assoc of Canada)

The family would like to thank the staff of Kingston Health Sciences Centre, Providence Care and Georgetown Hospital for their dedication and care during Gord’s long hospitalization.

They also thank Sam Smith and Mark Hanley for their continuing support.

Gord, your memory lives on with your family and your students, in every instrument you played, in every photograph you took. We’ll remember Dec 8th, 2025…the day the music died.