Douglas B Smart

Douglas Smart, a resident of Altona, NY, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on March 16, 2022, surrounded by family and loved ones.

Douglas “Doug” Smart was born in Kingston, Jamaica, on May 16, 1938; he was the youngest of three boys born to Lurline Smart and David Smart Sr. The Smart Family migrated from Jamaica to Montreal, Canada, in pursuit of opportunities for a better life. Doug spent his formative years in Montreal where he completed high school, competed in multiple sports, and developed life-long friendships. As a young adult, Douglas moved to New York City, where he worked multiple jobs to support his new family. He landed his first corporate job at United Press International (UPI), where he learned a lot about the news and advertising business. Eventually, Doug used this knowledge and experience to venture out on his own and opened his own company, The Smart Group, located in midtown Manhattan. The Smart Group worked with various sized corporations on marketing and advertising engagements. Due to family reasons, Doug found himself traveling to Mooers, NY to visit his mother who relocated from Brooklyn, NY for a more peaceful and relaxed lifestyle.

Doug’s journey eventually found him spending most of his time between Upstate NY and Canada, where he managed Ganienkeh Territorial Bingo and Kahnawake where he had many friends. He also managed Bingo Magic in Kanesatake, Mohawk Bingo Palace in Ahkwesasne, and briefly with a small bingo for the Jamaican Association in Montreal. He was an entrepreneur and businessman whose skills and experiences enabled him to navigate any type of business challenge and environment, allowing him to find a way to make it better and more profitable.

Doug enjoyed talking about politics, listening to a variety of music, including Jazz, R&B, and Blues, watching the Montreal Canadiens, making his famous spaghetti sauce and taking walks to the river in his backyard.

Left to cherish his memory, his son Leon Smart, grandchildren Kariamu Samples-Smart, Khari Smart, Akil Smart; son Ronald (Janet) Smart Sr., grandsons Ronald Smart Jr., and Christian Smart; his older brother Jonn (Joyce) Morlin. His partner of 33 years Diane Laborgne, and her children and grandchildren whom he loved as his own; Skahentiioah (Jarrett), Rahsakaienhtha; Konwahewih (Ron), Shatekaronhiase, Camden, Wishe; Karahkwenhawi (Kennikaientaa), Tehoronhiatenion, Karonhiarasestha, Kahwatsiriiostha; and the late Tehoniatathe; Teionerahtathe.

He was preceded in death by his oldest brother David Smart Sr., and his parents, David and Lurline Smart.

The family would like to thank Heather, Katie, and the rest of the team at Hospice of the North Country for their excellent care of Doug and his family through this difficult time.

Doug was an inspiration to many; he will be missed, but his spirit will remain in our hearts forever.

A private viewing was held at Brown Funeral Home in Plattsburgh, New York.

Donations may be made in his memory to the Lewy Body Dementia Association at https://www.lbda.org/donate