GEORGE SMITH

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

GEORGE SMITH February 19, 1925 March 16, 2008 On March 16, 2008, our beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away quietly in his sleep with his loving wife and daughter by his side. George is survived by his wife of 64 years, Vi; his sisters, Clara Taylor and Doreen Guilbeault; sister-in-law Rose Gibson; his sons, George (Janet) Smith, Richard (Monie) Smith; and daughter Lorraine (Brian) Byrnes. Also left to cherish his memory are six grandchildren, Tammy (Al) Hofland, Cindy Smith (Jake), Garrett (Nicole) Byrnes, Jodi (Kurt) Tomczak, Ryan (Allison) Smith and Joel Smith; great-grandchildren, Jordie, Braelyn and Declan Hofland, Nyssa Smith, Kathleen and Elizabeth Smith and Mitch Tomczak; longtime good friend Al McCaig and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Fred, his mother Emma, three brothers, and many brothers and sisters-in-law. George met Vi Kellough in Winnipeg in 1939 and they married in 1944. He served overseas as a paratrooper during the Second World War and though the sights and tales were told many times, he never lost his enthusiasm while engaging others with his stories. He worked at Anthes Foundry for 21 years and later at the Selkirk Mental Hospital until retirement. He made life long friends every where he worked and lived. He especially enjoyed the company of his family, friends and all his neighbours on Ferry Road, and was always ready for a good game of horseshoes or cribbage. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25 at Gilbart Funeral Home, 309 Eveline St., Selkirk, MB. Honorary pallbearers will be Garrett Byrnes, Ryan and Joel Smith, Al and Jordie Hofland and Kurt Tomczak. Special thanks to the doctors, nurses and medical staff at Selkirk General Hospital for their kindness and caring. Also thank you to all the staff at HomeCare. In lieu of flowers, if friends so wish, donations can be made to the Manitoba Lung Association, 2nd Floor, 629 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3A 1P6; the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 200 - 6 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6, or a charity of your choice. I read of a man who stood to speak, at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone ... from the beginning to the end. He noted that first came his date of birth and spoke the following with tears. But he said what mattered most of all, was the dash in between those years. For the dash represents all the time that he spent alive on earth. And only those who loved him know what that little line is worth. You will be forever in our hearts and in our memories. See you Pop

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 22, 2008