Dr. Pieter Smit

Dr. Pieter Folkert Rudolph Smit passed away in his 84th year, peacefully at home and surrounded by the loving care of his family.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Helen (née Reidman); his children, Leslie, Mike (Christine), and Robert (Digna); his sister, Annet; and his lifelong best friend and brother-in-law, Herman Robers.

He will be deeply missed by his granddaughters, Mia, Chloe, and Cathy.

He is fondly remembered as Uncle (Ome) Pete to his many nieces and nephews.

Pieter is predeceased by his loving mother, Maaike (Hiemstra); his father, Folkert; and his cherished sisters, Riekje (Rita), Jeltje (Jane), and Neeltje (Nancy). Born in 1941 in Nes, West Dongeradeel, Friesland, Pieter was a proud Dutchman who remained deeply connected to his Frisian heritage and language throughout his life. In his final days, he found comfort in reciting the Frisian regional anthem.

Pieter was the only son of Folkert and Maaike and the second youngest of five children. Surrounded by his older loving sisters, Riekje (Rita), Jeltje (Jane), and Neeltje (Nancy) and younger sister Annet (Annette), he enjoyed a wonderful childhood in the Netherlands. It was there that he met his best friend, Herman Robers, who would later marry his younger sister, Annet. Their friendship endured for a lifetime.

A lover of classical music from an early age, Pieter's passion for music continued to grow throughout his childhood. During a high school course called 'Music Appreciation', he was introduced to jazz, a genre that would become one of the great joys of his musical life. During Sunday dinners, Pieter would share the many memories he made exploring Amsterdam and discovering music alongside his lifelong friend Herman.

His love of jazz followed him to Canada and during the last 20 years he enjoyed countless hours playing with friends Phil, Kenny, Joe, and Will and many others in informal jam sessions at his home. Eventually, his son Michael joined the group whenever possible, contributing percussion. Although Pieter considered himself an amateur musician, he taught himself to play the alto saxophone, tenor saxophone, and stand up bass. He carefully recorded many of these sessions and produced CDs of their performances, preserving cherished memories for years to come.

Pieters academic achievements afforded him the opportunity to attend the medical school of his choice, and he enrolled at Vrije Universiteit Medical School. After completing his medical degree and residency training in the Netherlands, he moved to Canada to reunite with his sisters, his mother, and his best friend Herman.

After settling in Toronto, Pieter began his career as an intern physician at Toronto Western Hospital. It was there, while working in the Emergency Department, that he met his future wife, Helen. Following their marriage and the birth of their three children, the family eventually moved to Orillia.

In 1978, Pieter opened his own family medical practice, serving the Orillia community for the next 22 years. After closing his practice in the early 2000's, he became a Hospitalist at Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital (OSMH). He was instrumental in establishing the Hospitalist Program at OSMH and was known for maintaining meticulous patient records. Highly detail-oriented, Pieter held himself and those around him to exceptionally high standards.

In addition to his medical career, Pieter was passionate about building and creating. After long days at the office and hospital, he devoted countless hours to learning woodworking skills and constructing a beautiful family home. Over the years, he also built a cherished family cottage and crafted numerous pieces of furniture that remain treasured reminders of his talent and dedication.

Whatever free time remained after work and building projects was spent enjoying two of his greatest passions: music and fishing. Pieter fondly recalled many adventures shared with his fishing companions, Barry and Jimmy. He passed his love of fishing on to his children and granddaughters, teaching them from a young age how to catch, prepare, and cook fish.

Pieter also joined Helen in attending weekly Scottish Country Dancing classes and special events. Together, they spent more than 25 years enjoying the world of reels, jigs, and strathspeys. True to his creative nature, Pieter choreographed a dance entitled Welcome to Orillia, which has become a favourite at the annual St. Nicholas Dance held each winter in Orillia.

Everything Pieter did was for his family. His love for his wife, children, and granddaughters was immeasurable. He possessed a generous, sensitive, and kind heart and dedicated his life to caring for others. Whether helping a patient, supporting a friend, or caring for a family member, Pieter always put the needs of others before his own.

As per Pieter's wishes, cremation has taken place.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 10th, 2026 at Mundell Funeral Home. Visitation will take place from 12pm - 2pm with Celebration of Life and reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to your local OSPCA or the Orillia OSPCA in Dr. Pieter Smit's memory would be greatly appreciated by the family.