In loving memory of
Julia Arwen Clark Smith
April 8, 1971 – June 12, 2026
Celebration of Life with Live Stream
Saturday, June 27, 2026
3:00 PM PT
St. Francis-in-the-Wood Church
4773 Piccadilly S, West Vancouver, BC
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Julia Arwen Clark Smith Obituary
Julia Arwen Clark Smith (née Clark), born April 8, 1971, in Toronto, Canada, passed away at her home on June 12, 2026, surrounded by the love of her closest family and friends, after a quiet yet fiercely courageous battle with cancer.
She is lovingly remembered by her husband Craig and her children, Sebastian, Paulina, and Hugo.
Julia lived with an unmistakable vibrancy. She will be remembered for her impeccable sense of style, her gift for design, her adventurous spirit, and her love of travel, good wine, music and meaningful connection. Wherever she turned her attention, whether to a creative project or the careful orchestration of people and ideas, she brought clarity, energy, and care. Where Julia lent her hand, success was never far behind.
Raised in Victoria, British Columbia, Julia attended Oak Bay Secondary before moving to Vancouver to study History at the University of British Columbia. That curiosity about the world evolved into a passion for interior design and a remarkable talent for organizing complex projects with grace and precision including building and designing her home in North Vancouver, B.C.
Her childhood carried an early sense of adventure. She spent formative years in Oona River on Porcher Island, and in the United Kingdom, attending kindergarten while living aboard a boat on the Dart River in Devon; already, her life intertwined with water, movement, and story.
The sea would remain a guiding thread throughout her life. Julia sailed with S.A.L.T.S. (Sail and Life Training Society), including two offshore voyages aboard the topsail schooner Pacific Swift, where she met her future husband, Craig, in 1992. In a moment she would recount with laughter, she once struck the late HRH Prince Philip on the head while serving as crew during a royal day sail on the Robertson II, a story as spirited and unforgettable as Julia was.
At the heart of her life in B.C. was Buccaneer Bay. The Smith family cabin, set among the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, became both refuge and anchor. Julia’s deep Clark family roots were intertwined with the bay’s history, and over time she has become a part of it herself; stitched into its wind and salt and history, almost inseparable from its shores.
She cherished everything Buccaneer offered: its “honey-coloured evenings,” its quiet rhythms, and its enduring sense of community. She could be found walking the beach, climbing Spyglass Hill, or pausing to share a conversation with a passing friend or stranger. She absorbed each moment fully and gave back even more, leaving every summer infused with her warmth, generosity, and love.
Julia loved deeply and lived fully. She made space for both family and adventure, whether traveling to visit friends or setting off on spirited escapes to Los Angeles, Mexico, and London, where she delighted in music, exceptional food, and long walks through the English countryside. Her recent trip up the Canal du Midi with her four sisters and father Martyn, demonstrates her rare ability to make life feel rich, textured, and beautifully lived.
She will be deeply missed, yet she remains in the golden light over the water, in the stories retold with laughter, in the places and people she loved so fiercely, and in the hearts of those who loved her in return.
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Our family was always happy to have the Smith family at our end of the Buccaneer Bay beach. They are a positive fun family. One of the leaders of that fun is Julia and Craig, their strength and sense of humour is respected. The smith deck gatherings was always welcoming passers by and neighbors to come in, sit a spell and join in energetic conversations. Craig’s parents Brian and Barb were the leaders of the pack in the social welcoming. They would be so very proud of their children and grandchildren. Julia will always be remembered as the strong protector of her family, and a hard working care taker of the Smith cabin. We will miss Julia and pray for her children and Craig.
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Julia was magical in her ability to make everyone around her feel special. I hadn’t seen her for over 18 years but have fond memories of her warm and loving personality, her deep love for her family, and her kind and generous spirit. Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss Craig and family. May her bright light shine on in you all. With love, Suzanne
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Craig, Sebastian, Paulina & Hugo, we are all so sorry for your loss. Even in brief exchanges with Julia, at Buccaneer when our girls were younger, I saw her sense of fun, her relaxed friendly way, and above all, the absolute delight she took in being a mom. Wishing you comfort, support and love. Andrea Finch
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Some people blaze a path through life and Julia was one of those – her laughter, love of life, and ability to make anyone feel welcome are gifts that have stayed vividly with me across time and miles.
Dear Smith and Clark families – may her love and laughter surround and carry you forward.
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Sending our deepest condolences to Craig and the Smith family. We all remember you and Julia so fondly.
With love,
The Olsons
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Craig, Sebastian, Paulina, and Hugo and the rest of the Smith and Clark clans. I’m so upset that I wasn’t able to be there today to remember an amazing women, wife, and mother. There are so many amazing times to reminisce about but I’m sure that one of you will take up the gauntlet of heavy handed pouring the wine so the cup always runs over, as it always did with Julia, and we can celebrate a life on gone too soon. All my love and mojo to you.
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Julia was such a kind, warm, and someone I’ll always be grateful to have known. I always admired Julia in many, many ways. Her grace and beauty is immeasurable. .
Julia will be deeply missed, but her memory lives on forever.
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Thank you for the opportunity to join in this celebration of Julia. Blessings to all the family.
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Our thanks for allowing us to share in the celebration of Julia’s life., We send our love and condolences to all the family, and give thanks for a life well lived! 💕
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Sorrow, disbelief and great gratitude. Julia’s life taken far too soon, but what a blessing her life clearly was to all who knew her. I remember when she was born. I remember time with Marg and Julie as a baby. As a young child she was always happy, full of fun, generous and kind with her siblings and cousins. I’m sorry I did not know her as she grew up, but in recent years have loved the glimpse of her life with her family and sisters generously shared through photos. I know my own girls, Julia’s cousins, will feel her loss deeply, as do I. Martyn, Rachael, Christina, Esther and Leah are in my thoughts and prayers as are Craig, Sebastian, Paulina and Hugo..
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Craig, and family,
I apologize I couldn’t be at the service in person, but I was glad to see this service is streamed. I have been, and still am praying for you Craig, all your, and the Clark family. I will be in touch soon Craig, I’ll check in with Kyle this week. Craig I was happy to hear you mention Julia’s enjoyment of records on the turntable. Craig, and all, take care and God bless. – Stephen
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Peace be with you all. We will always remember Julia. Gone way too soon. From Vicky and Kate Newman
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Sebs, Paulina and Hugo … unbelievable speech. Be proud of that.
Craig … I know someone who needs a cat…will pay cash. 🙂
Love you all….chin up.
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Our family would like to extend our deepest condolences to your family during this incredibly difficult time. Julia was an amazing human with kindness and beautiful smile which could brighten any room. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in the love and memories you all shared with Julia and may her beautiful spirit live on in all who knew her. With our heartfelt sympathy, from our family to yours.
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what a beautiful service and we will treasure the memories that Craig shared with us all. she was a true gem and will live on through anyone she touched. the Anderson family sends all their love.
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Julia was such a bright, beautiful light. Her smile lit up every room, and she radiated kindness, warmth, and joy.
I mostly knew Julia through the hockey community, as our youngest boys played hockey together. It has been so special watching the boys grow up together, sharing the ice, making memories, and becoming such great young men. And it was always so much fun for us hockey moms to spend time together too.
Julia had a way of making everyone feel welcome. She was genuine, caring, and so well loved. She will be deeply missed, and her beautiful spirit will live on in the many lives she touched.
Sending all our love and heartfelt condolences to Craig, Paulina, Sebastian, and Hugo.
Love,
The Cox Family
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Julia was a rock!! One of our favourite neices.
Sooo sorry to see her go so early.
She will surely be missed.
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Gerry and Merry Carol … coming to watch from Courtenay. remembering each of you during this time of loss. We admired Julia from afar more than in person but she was a valued part of community and family. with gratitude for the links.
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Thank you for live streaming the service. Sending love and prayers to the beautiful Smith family. (my apologies for pressing send on my last message too early.). Nyle xoxo
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Sending so much love to all. My heart breaks for everyone who loves Julia. We met when our boys were in kindergarten and she was always so cheerful and kind to me. Her warm smile got me through some tough days. SHe will be forever remembered.
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Sending love and prayers from afar. I’m so grateful to be able to be a part of the service
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Sending all our love
Janet, Geoff and Mats xxx
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We will all miss Julia dearly. Such a lovely woman, wife and mother!
She always brightened my day when I saw her, and my memories of these times will remain dear to me.
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Dearest Craig, Sebastian, Paulina and Hugo, and to all the extended Smith & Clark families. The O’Leary Stuart family would like to extend our heart felt condolences to all of you as you mourn the passing of your beautiful Julia. Our little corner of Buccaneer bay will miss her kind heart and unforgettable smile so very much. She will not be lost to us but found in spirit watchin the honey coloured sunsets. When you know you know. All our love Terri and Brent Stuart
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With happy memories!
Caroline Sutherland
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Meeting you and your family through the Robertson II is one of my cherished memories. You will always be the cool girl with the wind in her hair and a laugh that would make others feel happy. Thanks for that. Vx
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Some people pass through our lives.
Others become part of the landscape,
like the tide in Buccaneer Bay,
always returning with warmth,
with laughter,
with light.
I still remember meeting Julia for the first time and seeing how completely she and Craig belonged together. I remember the stories of their months at sea, chasing horizons under white sails, and I remember thinking how perfectly they had found one another.
Julia had a rare gift. She made people feel welcome. Her home, her smile, her generosity, and her wonderful sense of humour made every gathering feel just a little brighter. She carried herself with grace, but never without warmth.
Though the years carried many of us in different directions, I never forgot the person she was.
May the winds that once carried her across distant oceans now carry her gently home. And may every honey-coloured evening over Buccaneer Bay remind those who love her that some souls never truly leave. They simply become part of the sea, the sky, and the stories we tell.
Fair winds, Julia.
With love to Craig, Sebastian, Paulina, Hugo, and all who were blessed to know her.
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That smile: always recognizable, and worn with signature, like that divine black cocktail dress that has zhuzh and captures everyone’s attention.
What a loss,!
My heart felt condolences to all family and friends!
She will be fondly reminded of, and a dear toast made in her honour, at ALL my “honey coloured sunsets”, because I too love that time of day at the bay!
Alas, she is a part of the bay now. Here is to you Julia! Xo
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Julia was an amazing soul with a permanent smile. It was always a pleasure to stop and talk with her as life was always bright in her vision. Even in the end, she cared more about the people around her and would rather talk about you than herself.
What a great hostess! Craig would invite people over for dinner and sometimes without Julia knowing.
We would show up and Julia would be so happy to see you, of course with that trademark smile, and when Craig would mention that you were staying for dinner there was no surprise and just pure enjoyment that she could add more people to the table.
I remember fondly running into her at a market in Edgemount Village once , and she was so happy to see me and was by far the most stylish and beautiful person in the whole village that day. The encounter was so uplifting and made my day much better than before I ran into her.
Rest in peace Julia, we all miss you.
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I didn’t have the privilege of knowing Julia for very long or very deeply, but she made a permanent impression on my heart.
I met Julia through dear friends during summers spent at Buccaneer Bay and every time I saw her, she wore the same bright, genuine smile. She smiled all. the. time. Not because life was easy, but because love seemed to be her natural state. To look at Julia was to look at love in human form.
Kind doesn’t even begin to describe her. She had a warmth that made me (and I assume everyone) feel safe, welcome, and completely at ease. There was something magnetic about her, a quiet strength that wasn’t loud or forceful but steady, generous, and deeply comforting.
I admired her quietly. I loved simply being in her presence. Watching the way she loved her husband, her family, her friends, and her life taught me something about how I want to be. She was a teacher without ever trying to teach.
I will never understand why someone so full of light was taken so soon.
My heart breaks over the loss for those who had the gift of knowing and loving her every day. If the loss feels this profound to someone who shared only a couple of summer weekends with her, I can only imagine the immeasurable hole she leaves in the lives of those closest to her.
Thank you, Julia. You will never be forgotten.
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We have so many wonderful memories of Julia and the Smith family. Upon purchasing the first lot on Sunnycrest, she marched on over to share a warm hello and introduced herself. She was not only beautiful and radiant, she possessed a warmth that you immediately felt. She and the entire family became an important part of the fabric of our community. We are so lucky to have had the chance to know her, and the entire family. Her gorgeous grace and kindness will continue to shine through her beautiful children. Sending lots of love to Craig, Sebsi, Paulina, and Hugo. Much love from the Carpenters 🙏