About John Smith
Lived 1927 – 2018 (aged 90–91). John Smith was a Canadian poet.
John William Smith (10 August 1927 – 16 March 2018) was a Canadian poet.
Early years Born in Toronto, Ontario to English immigrant parents, Smith earned a degree in mathematics and physics from the University of Toronto. He then studied philosophy in London, and later returned to Toronto to earn an MA in English.
Career After earning his master's degree in English, Smith remained in Toronto and taught high school English for seven years. Later, he moved to Prince Edward Island to teach at Prince of Wales College. He served a term as Dean of Arts at the University of Prince Edward Island, taught there for many years, and is currently professor emeritus.
As the author of several volumes of verse, Smith's work has appeared in a number of anthologies, including The New Poets of Prince Edward Island (1991), Landmarks (2001), and Coastlines: Poetry of Atlantic Canada (2002). An interview with Smith is included in Meetings with Maritime Poets: Interviews (2006) by Anne Compton.
In 2002, Smith was the first to be appointed poet laureate of Prince Edward Island, and held the position until 2004.
Smith died on 16 March 2018, aged 90.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
People in John Smith's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped John Smith's
Frequently asked questions
Who was John Smith?
Canadian poet
When was John Smith born?
John Smith was born on 10 August 1927.
When did John Smith die?
John Smith died in 2018.
What was John Smith's occupation?
John Smith was a poet.
What nationality was John Smith?
John Smith was Canadian.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: John Smith (Canadian poet)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Smith. https://biography.guide/john-smith-poet/
MLA: "John Smith." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-smith-poet/.
Chicago: "John Smith." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-smith-poet/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:09 UTC