Somehow it was only fitting. Smith Hart, the oldest brother in the famous Canadian wrestling family the Harts, passed away on Canada Day weekend. Following a lengthy battle with cancer, Smith Hart, older brother of former WWE Superstars Bret ‘Hitman’ Hart and Owen Hart, and uncle of current WWE Superstar Natalya, passed away tonight at the age of 68.
Smith Hart was the oldest of twelve children to Stu and Helen Hart and one of three children actually born during Stu’s tenure working in the United States before he settled back in Calgary, Alberta. Smith was born in New York City, shortly after the wedding of Stu and Helen Hart. But like all of his brothers after him, he was struck early with the wrestling bug and was the first of the children to enter the family business. Trained by his father, he debuted with Stampede Wrestling in 1973. In 1974, he was sent to Japan by his father to further his training and experience, working a whole year with International Wrestling Enterprise (IWE). Upon his return to North America, he split his time between Stampede and the NWA territories. In the late 70’s, he began touring with WWC in Puerto Rico, winning WWC Tag Team gold with his younger brother Bret. Smith retired from the ring in 1991, but made several appearances in support of Bret or Owen over the years. His last appearance was during Bret’s comeback fight against Vince McMahon at WrestleMania 26 in 2010.
In January of 2016, Smith was diagnosed with prostate and bone cancer. The cancer spread into his hip and by February of this year, it became terminal. He entered Hospice on June 5, passing away quietly tonight. Smith Hart was 68 years old. The entire Last Word on Pro Wrestling staff offer their condolences to the entire Hart family.
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RIP Smith Hart. Had a few good conversations with him. Condolences to the entire Hart family. 💗
— Frankie Kazarian (@FrankieKazarian) July 2, 2017
My condolences to the Hart family on the loss of Smith Hart.I enjoyed the few times I spent with him.He was a character.
— William Regal (@RealKingRegal) July 2, 2017
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