At the Canadian War Museum, we often see that philanthropy, like a profession or deeply held values, is passed from one generation to the next. Similar to following in a parent’s footsteps, giving is often learned early. Whether supporting places of worship, community organizations, or national institutions, acts of generosity shape not only communities but also family traditions and shared purpose.
We are honoured to count many families among our supporters for whom giving has become a family affair. A meaningful example is the Bayne family.
The Bayne Family – Canadian War Museum
Sheila Bayne grew up in a household where service was a way of life. Her father — Arthur Britton Smith, Captain (ret’d), CM, O Ont, MC, CD, KC — was a Second World War veteran awarded the Military Cross for his “coolness and bravery under heavy fire” on July 20, 1944, in Normandy, France.
After returning home, Captain Smith earned a law degree, built a successful real estate business, and became deeply engaged in philanthropy, supporting causes close to his heart in Kingston. His commitment to service extended well beyond the battlefield and into the life of his community.
Inspired by his example, Sheila also pursued a law degree and, with her husband Don, began supporting organizations that reflected their shared values. In 2021, Sheila and her brothers made a transformational gift to the Canadian War Museum in honour of their father. Their generosity launched In Their Own Voices – Stories from Canadian Veterans and Their Families, preserving first-hand accounts of military service and its impact across generations.
Shortly after, Don honoured his uncle, Flying Officer Donald Howard Bennett, with another meaningful gift to the Museum. Bennett served in the Royal Canadian Air Force from 1940 until 1944, when he tragically lost his life near Eygelshoven in the Netherlands. An Atelier at the Museum proudly bears his name as a symbol of service, loss, and family pride.
Most recently, Sheila and Don’s daughter, Jessica Bayne Hogan, and her son Jackson Hogan — now the third and fourth generations of this generous family — made a significant gift to support and continue military research in memory of someone they deeply admired.
The Bayne family’s generosity reflects more than philanthropy. It reflects continuity. Through each gift, they honour service, preserve memory, and ensure that the stories of those who served Canada continue to inspire future generations.
