EDWARD WALLACE SMITH

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EDWARD WALLACE SMITH October 11, 1930 - June 16, 2007 It is with sad and heavy hearts that we say goodbye to a wonderful husband, father, and grandpa (Papa) on June 16 at the age of 76. He leaves behind his beloved wife and soulmate, Pearl of 54 years. Also left to cherish his memory are his children, Glen (Linda), Glenda (Donald) and Gordon (Brenda); his grandchildren, Kiera, Robyn, Kimberly, Courtney, Andrew, Devin and Graeme. He will also be sadly missed by Debbie Smith. Dad is also survived by his one remaining sister Clara Malon of Windsor, CA and his sister-in-law Trudy Smith of Birds Hill. He was predeceased by his parents, Pearl and Wallace and sister Jean of Vancouver, and his brothers, Norman and Gordon. Dad lived a full and wonderful life. He and Mom met at the Winnipeg Free Press when Dad was beginning his career as a pressman. Dad was apprenticing in the craft and Mom was working in the cafeteria when she caught his eye. Thus began a journey through life that would reap many rewards. After Dad and Mom were married in 1953, they immediately moved to Toronto where Dad worked for three and a half years. They started their family in January of 1956 when Glen and Glenda arrived on the scene. Later they moved to Vancouver where Dad worked at Pacific Press newspapers and Gordon came along in 1959. After five years, they returned to Manitoba and settled in the town of Birds Hill to raise their family. Dad finished out his working days at the Winnipeg Free Press when he had to leave in January of 1981 due to health reasons. Dad spent many years duck and goose hunting with his many close friends and waited for fall to arrive with great anticipation. After working tirelessly for many years, Dad finally realized his dream of owning a cottage and worked hard to fix it up just the way he wanted it. He absolutely loved spending time with the family out there and made many close friendships. He very much enjoyed being in the garage at home too, working on many different projects to keep himself busy. He was an excellent woodworker and welder and all projects were completed with care, finesse and perfection. Family was his means for life. Nothing gave Dad more satisfaction or pleasure than being surrounded by his children and grandchildren. His love for Mom was unpresidented. The love, devotion and committment by Dad and Mom for each other shone through when Dad's health began to fail and Mom never left his side. There are many people we would like to thank but a very special thanks goes to Doug and Jackie Waddell for their kind spirit and being there for Mom and Dad whenever they were needed. You are the true essence of friendship and no one could have asked for better. Also, we would like to thank Bob and Gladys Jenkenson and Dad's niece, Phyllis Bates for all their support. Dr. Dennis Caners and his staff were a big part of caring for Dad over the years and we thank him for that. We want to give a very heartfelt thank you to Dr. Chris Andrew for his efforts and deep compassion shown during Dad's final days. Finally, thank you to the nursing and health care staff of N2 West of Concordia Hospital. There will be a celebration of Dad's life on Thursday, June 21, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at Glen Eden Funeral Chapel at 4477 Main Street in West St. Paul. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Manitoba Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Canadian Diabetes Foundation. Glen Eden Funeral Home in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 21, 2007