Thousands gather to say farewell to Halifax educator Wade Smith

An estimated 2,000 people gatheredThursday to remember Wade Smith, an admired educator, coach and mentor, as a pillar of theHalifax community.

Smith, 50, died on Friday after a seven-week battle with stomach cancer.

He was principal of Halifax's Citadel High School, and students and colleagues joined family and friends to celebrate his legacy. Cars were parked for more than three kilometres along the road leading to the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Upper Hammonds Plains, N.S.

Halifax Transit buses flashing"#WadeStrong" also helped transport students to the service. Hundreds more people watched a live stream of the service online.

Reverend Dr. Lennett Anderson eulogized Smith as "a person everyone should emulate" a beloved coach, a respected principal, an admired teacher and a loving father and husband.

"He worked to bring AfricanNova Scotian issues to the forefront in our education system," Anderson told those gathered.

"He was an extraordinarily gifted, talented individual, yet one of the most humble people.

"Wade would shy away from the accolades and the awards and the tributes, the praises of men, because that was not important to him."

Anderson said Smith's motto of"Each one, teach one" was the focus of his life.

"Some people count their days, but Wade made his days count," Anderson said, adding that Smith was always working for the public good.

'A tremendous amount of strength'

Smith's teenaged sons, Jaydan and Jaxon, remembered their dad as someone who always made time for them.

"During his fight, he showed a tremendous amount of strength," Jaxon said.

"He fought so hard because he knew he wasn't ready to leave yet, but God was calling him."

Jaydanshared warm memories of his fatherand their laughs together. He said he began to realize the impact Smith madein his lifetimeas people came to visit his hospital room.

"I didn't know he touched so many people."

Smith's wife, Sherry, told the crowd she drew strength from the love present at the celebration of her husband's life. She recalled his enthusiasm when he saw positive change happening in the community.

"He believed he could make a difference," she said.