DAVID

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

DAVID McGILLVRAY SMART David McGillvray Smart was born September 18, 1915 in Rathwell, MB. He was the eldest son of 13 children of David and Agnes Smart. He attended school in Rathwell and then in 1939, he went overseas as a Gunner in the Army. He served for the entire war, 1939 - 1945. When he returned home, he began his career with the CPR. He married Dorothy Smart in 1947. In 1955, when Dave became a foreman on the section, they moved to Chater, MB. The family lived in the section house in Chater until Dave became the foreman of the Brandon yards for the CPR in 1971 and then they moved to Brandon. He was an avid sports fan and whether it be in the comforts of home or freezing in the bleachers he never missed a ballgame. He loved curling and attending The Brier and The Silver Broom became a yearly event for him and Dorothy. A few weeks ago he shook hands with Guy Hemmings and told Guy he was once one of Manitobas best curlers! Many summers were spent at the cabin in Minnedosa, teaching the grandkids how to fish. Rocky Lake and The Waterhen were also favourite places he went with family and friends to fish. In 1980 he retired from the CPR and his retirement present became his new found love. Billy, his Norwegian Elkhound, was his best friend and prize possession. He joined the Crocus Kennel Club and spent hours teaching Billy obedience training. Billy and Dave travelled to many dog shows across Western Canada and Billy became a Canadian champion. In 1999, he and Dorothy moved into Lions Manor. Dave spent the last three months of his life in the Assiniboine Centre where he died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on December 31, 2001. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Dorothy; his children, Danny (Andrea) of Portage la Prairie, Bev Slack of Brandon, Valerie (Greg) Wasiluk of Calgary; his grandchildren, Vic (Shawna), Tanya (Sean), Jonathan, Daniel (Shelley), Heidi, Drew, Jessica, Taylor, Carlie, Lindsay, Tatianna, and David; his great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Rowan, Taylor, and Annika. His sisters, Rachel, Mary, Evelyn, Hilda, Doris, Florence, and Ruth. Also survived by Dorothys brothers and sisters, as well as many nieces and nephews who were all so special to him. He was predeceased by his son David in 1971. His brothers, Jack, Bob and Stan; sisters, Grace and Jean. The celebration of his life took place on January 3, 2002 at Central United Church in Brandon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or charity of your choice. Arrangements were in care of Brockie Donovan, Brandon, 727-0694. "Dont cry for me, for now Im free"

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 05, 2002