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On Tuesday, January 15th, 2019 at his home in Houston, Texas, Gavin McNab Smith, 50 years old, passed away of natural causes. Born in Guelph Ontario to Rolland (d. 1988) and Joan Smith and brother to Morag (Dave) Nieuwold and Neil (Connie) Smith, Gavin leaves behind his greatest accomplishments, his two sons, Kingston and Keegan Smith. Gavin will be dearly missed by his 6 nephews and nieces, Matthew, Samantha, Hailey, Benjamin, Sandy and Logan.

A Professional Poker Player for over 20 years, Gavin loved the game of Poker. He played poker all over the world and was fortunate to place in many tournaments. Among his many poker accomplishments was winning the World Poker Tour (WPT) Season IV Mirage Poker Showdown, World Poker Player of the Year award in 2005 and in June, 2010, the high point of the careers of many poker players, a gold bracelet at the World Series of Poker.

“Gavin’s flaws were many and they were glaring.  Those flaws only made his virtues all the more spectacular.  Gavin was everybody’s merry sidekick, a man-child, a motley court jester who spoke an unfiltered truth on all subjects.  He sputtered whatever popped into his mind and often expressed sentiments everyone else in the room was thinking but who lacked the courage to speak.” - Nolan Dalla 2019

Cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held for him. Contributions in Gavin’s name to the Canadian Liver Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to GILCHRIST CHAPEL – McIntyre & Wilkie Funeral Home, One Delhi Street, Guelph, (519-824-0031).  We invite you to leave your memories and donations online at: www.gilchristchapel.com and they will be forwarded to the family.



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