Trent University Saddened to Learn of the Passing of Professor Emeritus Denis Smith

The University community is saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Denis Smith, professor emeritus in the Political Sciences department and former principal of Champlain College.

Dr. Smith joined Trent in 1963 as a professor in the Department of Political Studies. He served as University vice-president from 1964 to 1967. Dr. Smith went on to become chair of the Political Science department from 1967 to 1968 and later principal of Champlain College from 1969 to 1971. He continued as a professor until 1983 and was recognized with professor emeritus status in 1989.

Dr. Smith played a key role in shaping the early years of the University, working in close collaboration with Ron Thom and others to design Champlain College.

Beyond his contributions to Trent, Dr. Smith was a respected author and editor. He served as editor of the Journal of Canadian Studies from 1966 to 1975 and the Canadian Forum from 1975 to 1979, as well as president of the Canadian Periodical Publishers Association from 1975 to 1977. His writing career included several works on Canadian politics, history, and leadership, including Bleeding Hearts, Bleeding Country, and Rogue Tory: The Life and Legend of John G. Diefenbaker.

Dr. Smith’s impact as a scholar and educator endures through the many students, colleagues, and readers he influenced. In recognition of his contributions, the Denis Smith Essay Prize was established in 1973 to recognize fourth-year students submitting an exceptional politics essay.

As noted in his obituary, “Trent was a purpose, a passion, and a home. It was where Denis flourished as a teacher, mentor, and administrator, and where his scholarly work, focussed on Canadian federalism, took root.”

The University extends heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Dr. Smith and to all who knew him at Trent. Donations to Dr. Smith's legacy can be made to the Denis Smith Memorial Fund at Trent.