Egbert M. Smith, of Winona, one of the Niagara Peninsula's best known fruit growers, died at West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Grimsby, Saturday morning, in his 91st year.
Born in Bartonville, the son of Ransom R. Smith, he had lived at Winona from the age of 2 months. Of United Empire Loyalist descent, his great-grandfather was one of the earliest settlers in this part of Ontario.
A cousin of the late Senator E.D.Smith, he started farming in 1887, later experimenting with all varieties of fruits now grown in the peninsula. As a boy he attended the little, old red schoolhouse at Winona. A member of St. John's Anglican Church, Winona, he was people's warden for a period of 32 years under 6 rectors.
Taking an active part in sports in earlier life, he captained the Winona Blue Line baseball team that won a Niagara Peninsula Championship away back in 1887. He had been one of the district's strongest supporters of hockey and baseball teams ever since.
He was a former president of Winona Growers and was also a president of Winona Institute Hall.
Mr. Smith had enjoyed good health until recently. A keen walker and cribbage player, he had been quite active until being taken ill. His eyesight had always been good and at the time of his death he read without the aid of glasses.
Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. C.F. Norris of London, and a sister, Mrs. David Jones, Winona. His wife, the former Helen Book, of Grimsby Beach, predeceased him several years ago.
Funeral services were held in St. John's Anglican Church, Winona, on Monday afternoon. Interment was in the Fifty Cemetery.
