IVAN SMITH

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IVAN SMITH March 26, 1931 - July 31, 2008 Ivan was born in the farm home of his parents, John Clayton and Margaret Ellen Smith, at Viscount, Sask, March 26, 1931, joining his sister, Nelda, and brother, Grant, in the family circle. He grew up surrounded by uncles, aunts, cousins and friends in that rural community. It was at the Calling Lakes Centre (PCTC), Fort Qu'appelle, SK, in 1953 that a young woman from Winnipeg, Frances Stevens, entered his life. They were married November 13, 1954, and began a lifetime of service that would take them to many pastoral charges in Manitoba and Saskatchewan Conferences of The United Church of Canada. Ivan was ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament in June, 1967, by Manitoba Conference. He was one of the last three graduates of United College to receive the Bachelor of Theology degree. He retired in June, 1996, while at Glenboro, Manitoba. Holiday time each year brought many camping trips with family - sons, Steven, Robert, David, and daughter Barbara. Then the grandchildren came along. Grandsons Nolan, Curtis and Joshua learned how to split kindling, build campfires and enjoy roasting marshmallows. Granddaughters, Branda-Leigh, Amy, Lindsay, Stacey learned to enjoy music and books; and youngest granddaughter, Kylie, will remember watching Treehouse with Grandpa. Ivan enjoyed being with the children in the Y Neighbors program; devoted time to The United Church in Meadowood, the Winnipeg Music Festival and the Eastern Manitoba Square and Round dance Association. Square dancing, bowling, shuffleboard and playing snooker with Frances were some of his favorite pastimes, as well as attending Winnipeg Goldeyes and Manitoba Moose games. Over the past year he felt the distress and frustrations brought on by Parkinsons. He finished the photo albums for grandchildren, sorted through certain papers, and left everyone with memories of a 'good and faithful servant' on Thursday, July 31, 2008 at the Victoria General Hospital. A celebration of Ivan's life will be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2:00 p.m. at the United Church in Meadowood, 1111 Dakota Street with Rev. Shelly Manley-Tannis officiating. Interment will be at Chapel Lawn Cemetery. Friends that so desire, memoriams may be made in Ivan's memory to the Calling Lakes Centre, P.O. Box 159, Fort Qu'Appelle, SK S0G 1S0 or to the Parkinson Society of Manitoba, #302-171 Donald St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 1M4. On line condolences may be sent to: jamiesonsfuneralser@mts.net. Jamieson's Funeral Services of Glenboro in care of arrangements. 1-204-827-2480.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 05, 2008