JOHN (JAKE) ALLEN SMILEY -

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JOHN (JAKE) ALLEN SMILEY 1926 - 2006 Jake passed away peacefully at home after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was predeceased by his parents John and Lily, his wife Anita, brother Ross and granddaughter Ashley Anita. He is survived by his wife Helen, daughters Cheryl (Fred) Alexander, Nancy (Ted) Bollenbach, Judy (Terry) Gierys, Cindy (Merv) Nickart, son John (Nancy) Smiley. Grandchildren Caitlin, Ryan, Terren, Breanne, Jake, Trevor, Michael and Tayler. Also survived by brothers Alvin, Jim Roy; Mother-in-law Belle Kitchen; step-children Burke (Charlene) Okrainec, Peggy (Mario) Beauchamp; step-grandchildren Ashley, Brittany, Erin; many nephews and nieces and extended family members. Dad also cherished his many friends and in particular his life long friend and neighbour, Wilfred Martin and his golfing buddies George, Ticker and Jim. Jake was born at home on the farm in East Selkirk, moving into Winnipeg in 1960 to raise his family. After retiring in 1982 Dad returned to the family farm where he lived out the remainder of his life. Dad worked for the Manitoba Hydro from 1945 until 1982 when he retired as a live line supervisor. Dad's true love was working with the men as a construction line crew foreman, often bragging that he had helped bring electricity to much of Manitoba. Dad had a passion for the game of golf but his greatest passions were his family, working on the family farm, his horses and his family pets. He was a man of the earth and lived as one with nature. Many thanks to the wonderful and caring homecare and palliative care workers who looked after Dad. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 13 at 1:00 p.m. at Selkirk United Church, 202 McLean Avenue, Selkirk, Manitoba. Lunch will follow at the Royal Canadian Legion #42, 403 Eveline Street, Selkirk, Manitoba with Rev. Ken Delisle and Rev. Deborah Vitt officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Selkirk United Church Memorial Fund - Box 67, Selkirk, Manitoba, R1A 2B1; the Rainbow Society - 302-171 Donald Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 1M3 or the Manitoba Hydro Employee Fund. May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. And rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand. Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk, in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 11, 2006