DONALD (DON) EDGAR SMITH

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DONALD (DON) EDGAR SMITH Peacefully, with family at his side Don passed away on Friday, November 16, 2007 at the Riverview Health Centre, at the age of 73. He battled courageously with cancer for several years, and helped to ease his late wife's suffering from the disease. Don was predeceased by his wife Arlene (in December 2006), his first son Russell (in December 1987), his brothers, Nelson and Earl and his sister Marjorie. He leaves to mourn and cherish his memory his son James and his wife Cathy and grandchildren, Kendra and Brandon, his daughter Holly and her husband Tony and grandson Alexander, his brother Jack as well as many dearly loved relatives and friends. He wanted very much to personally visit you all, to say things that were left unsaid, to say good bye and wish you well, however his sudden and unexpected paralysis made this impossible. Don kept very busy throughout his life, yet still found time to enjoy his family. He traveled near and far with his wife and three children in their camper. Don loved boating, fishing and the great outdoors and passed on this love to his children who now try to provide the same great memories for their children. Don inherited a musical aptitude from his father and was a talented musician, singing, playing guitar, banjo and harmonica. He loved to have large gatherings of family and friends, playing guitar and dancing the night away. Don also loved getting together for hours and hours of cards, games and good company. Although he felt he left much undone, he accomplished a great deal in his life both personally and civically. Don loved St. James and was an active community member. He served on numerous boards, committees and advisory groups. Don also ran for City Council on three occasions. Don was involved in the Sturgeon Creek and Deer Lodge Community Centres for many years. At various times in his life, he was a hockey coach, an Umpire with the Manitoba Umpires Association for 12 years, he was involved in amateur boxing and was a member of the Manitoba Sports Federation for 10 years. Don worked in the fields of accounting and office management, then ultimately formed his own business and became self-employed until cancer forced him to retire before he was ready. Don had earned the respect of his associates, his clients and the community for which he gave a large part of himself. Don was an honest, fair man in all respects of his life. He has been referred to as kind and generous, but most often he was referred to as a gentleman. That would be how he would want us to remember him. Our heartfelt thanks to all the people who assisted our family in giving Don the best care possible, including: The St. Boniface Hospital Palliative Ward, The Riverview Health Centre, all the Palliative nurses who made home visits, and especially to Palliative Nurse Janet Richard for all her support throughout both Don and Arlene's last years; you helped make the unbearable almost bearable. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at the Bethel Baptist Church, 205 Roseberry Street in St. James, Winnipeg, Manitoba on Saturday December 1, 2007, at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the group or charity of your choice to share in your thoughtful intentions.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 24, 2007