Greg Smith

2025 Aurora Honouree

Greg Smith, while a relatively common name, is not at all a common man, in more ways than one.  You’ll find him in the dead of winter wearing shorts, Birkenstocks and a light jacket, his eyes twinkling as he exclaims, “It’s a beautiful day out there!  What do you mean?!”  He’s a Jedi of sorts, with a very big heart and his finger always on the pulse of Aurora’s growth.

You’ll never hear him boast or brag about any of his own accomplishments, and you’ve probably never even heard him mention “Promotional Marketing”, his creative, clever and adaptable marketing business he’s kept thriving for the last 40+ years, making massive impacts in our culture and history as Canadians and as sports enthusiasts.

Surely you remember Canada’s 125th Celebration of Confederation and all the beautiful commemorative coins, medals, keepsakes and collectibles, many of which, our friend Greg had everything to do with.  Remember the Capabrella – a baseball-cap-shaped umbrella that popped up at all the Jay’s games in the 80’s?  Yep, Greg brought those to us and then took them to the next level with YOUR COMPANY LOGO HERE business smarts!  He brought The SportsBug™, an AM earpiece that kept the game in the spectator’s ear live and without delay, to several cities and stadiums across Canada and the USA.

In 2013, Greg met a local man with an even more common name than his own – “John”, and because of their community-centred priorities and involvements, the two became fast friends.  Greg has been an important member of many local organizations including The Odd Fellows, Downtown Aurora BIA, he’s a board member of Aurora’s Public Library, and his not-for-profit Music Aurora created and produced the award-winning Aurora Winter Blues Festival, Aurora Music Festival and Porchfest supporting youth and live music in and around our Aurora.  

We, you, me, Greg, us…and the Town of Aurora lost John Abel in 2018.  Very unexpectedly.  Very suddenly.  Very unfortunately.  Perhaps you’ve heard Greg say at one time or another, “Perception is reality.”  It’s a fair and true statement that provokes some thought and self-reflection.  Very quickly identifies the optimist and the pessimist in the room.  While recounting the many difficult situations and circumstances the two men navigated together during their five years of friendship, Greg recalls that it was John who always saw the best in people. Always willing and wanting to be part of the solution.  A man of more than just an opinion…and a heck of a guitar player!

Anyone who had the opportunity to know John, knows the wound of his absence and the irreplaceable heart he had for our Town and people.  As of 2024, we now have a place to honour and keep the spirit and name of John Abel alive and continuing to impact the community.  John Abel Park, located on Hartwell Way features a nature-based playground, a natural rock amphitheatre, a gorgeous community garden, and the Trail-Head Plaza connects to the David Tomlinson Nature Reserve if you want to keep exploring.

Trying to keep his emotions steady, Greg confessed, “I am a better person because of him.  Not a day goes by that I don’t think about him.  I often ask myself ‘what would John do’ and that’s how I live my life now, without him physically here.” 

John’s passions and love lives on in our hearts and in our community.  We didn’t get to say “goodbye” and we do not wish to.  Love does not stop when life leaves the body.  Love does not end.  If you yourself would like to ask, “what would John do?” The next time you’re feeling low or stuck, the answer can be found in art, music, sports, nature, family, community and friendship – all the things John Abel loved and valued, much like his friend forever, Greg Smith.