TREVOR SMITH

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TREVOR SMITH

In loving memory of Trevor Smith, who died on Friday, November 12, 2021, in St. Boniface Hospital. His life was filled with love and loving, and "he died living"
Trevor was born in Burnley, Lancashire, UK on February 24, 1953, to Allen Smith and Mary Alice Pickup. Trevor called himself a "happy accident", as his parents were in the mid-40s when he was born. His sister Dorothy, still living in Burnley, was 15 years older, and his brother Ronnie, 19 years. Trevor sadly did not get to know his brother well, as he died when Trevor was seven.
Trevor said he had a happy childhood in England, and maintained contact with some school chums and other residents. (He was delighted, a few years ago, to meet a fellow Burnleyite living on our street). Seeking adventure, he and his wife Barbara took the big step across the pond to Canada. Trevor trained as a tool and die maker, and was recruited by Bristol Aerospace. Off they went, planning to stay in Winnipeg for a few years. Two sons, Dylan and Ashley, came along, so roots were laid. However, they decided to return to England, but after four years, came back to their friends, and the snow of Winnipeg. After their divorce, Trevor connected with his boys by teaching them how to ski. They remember learning to ski at Stony Mountain, so were unprepared for the excitement and height of the mountains at Fernie, BC and Whistler, but they excelled. (Trevor took some credit for that.) Trevor had great pleasure in taking his boys on the annual Free Press ski trips to Assessippi. Ashley said the he got his love of skiing and snowboarding from his dad, and now passes it on to his sons. Dylan has memories of camping with his dad, including losing the tent in a tornado. He also remembers his dad using his engineering background to fashion excellent snow forts.
Trevor met Sandy, romantically through the mail. They were together for several years, and although they went their separate ways, kept in touch as friends.
Trevor met Joan in 2003 through another romantic media - online dating. They had such fun getting to know each other's lives and friends, such as Dinner Group. In 2007, they bought their dream hone, and began their committed life together. Joan revelled in Trevor's Englishness and interests, and Trevor learned that good wine is worth the extra dollars. Trevor and Joan enjoyed travel, and were lucky to have travelled to Fairmont twice this year. They were anticipating fun times in Puerto Vallarta in January (probably Trevor's 15th trip there); and a cross Atlantic cruise from Rio to Italy. Alas, not to be. Many of these wonderful travels were with his best friend Michael and his wife Arlene, with dear friends, Jukka and Elisabeth, and trips home with Judy.
Throughout his life in Winnipeg, Trevor worked at a number of manufacturing aerospace companies - sometimes twice. Bristol, Boeing, Versatile, Cadorath, Northern Aero. Perhaps the toughest job was when he was Quality Control Manager for Serta Mattress (it was exhausting). He was laid off many times, but was resilient, and found employment quickly. Trevor was very proud of being a "rocket scientist", having a diploma in Advanced Solid Rocket Propulsion from the University of Alabama. His last position was his very best, and he enjoyed five plus years in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Manitoba. He loved the university environment - the students, the important research, and quite frankly, the opportunity to enjoy all that the University of Manitoba (U of M) offered. His favourite spot was the gym, where he developed his love of Zumba. He proudly wore his U of M gold watch every weekend, to remind himself that he was retired.
Trevor was the Modern Eclectic Man. He loved music, and excelled at classical guitar. He played flamenco, classical, and Scandinavian folk music. His friend Jukka brought into the Sill-i-Tones, the house band of the Scandinavian Cultural Centre. Trevor delighted in playing music with others and relished the fun of the group for over 15 years. It was one of his favourite pleasures. He did strike out on his own, serenading the neighbours on his saxaphone on Canada Day. Trevor also taught himself to play the clarinet, the flute, recorder, and dulcimer. He would be delighted if you checked his YouTube channel at:
http://www.youtube.com/user/zaphod42cazaphod42ca
Trevor had many interests and talents. He wrote a monthly column for the Sou'Wester - and in fact was an award winning journalist. He volunteered for the Bombers and the Valour as a fan ambassador. He participated in a local advisory group on health. He considered himself a health care worker, as he worked at the RBC Vaccination Clinic.
He loved playing sports, as an illustrious member of the Golden Masters soccer club. He played tennis once a week with Nigel and his group, and golfed with Jukka, Willy, and George. After his first heart attack, he was smitten by the Reh-Fit Centre and all it offered (although he felt he wasn't ready for pickleball). He was a keen cyclist (he once rode his bike to the airport, got on a plane, and when he landed in Manchester, cycled to Burnley. And then did it again on the way back.) He enjoyed badminton, and was contemplating a return to cricket. He zipped around town on his red scooter, proudly displaying the Union Jack on his helmet, which he painted himself.
A friend described him as our spark plug. He gingered us up to get out and up, to participate, to explore.
He was never heard to say a bad word about anyone. He was the fastest eater and the slowest reader, and he enjoyed both. He found an appreciation for fine wine and dining through our wine club, the Amici dell'Enotria. He had an extensive wardrobe of exotic shirts and shoes acquired on his various trips.
Trevor so relished life. He had many friends and groups of friends, some of which were mentioned above. He and his best friend Michael talked on the phone every day, to trade insults. Trevor had a close group of British ex-pats: Russell, Mick, Colin, Dave, and Michael, who routinely slagged each other at the Grove while watching British Football. Trevor's team was the Burnley Clarets and Blue, who we hope improve their performance next season.
Trevor loved and was loved. His is missed and mourned by his partner Joan McConnell; his son Dylan; his son Ashley and his partner Stefanie, and his adored grandsons, Spencer and Lavin; his sister Dorothy and his nieces, Susan, Christine, and Lynda, and their families, all in England (his niece Cathy predeceased him earlier this year); his best friend Michael and his wife Arlene; good friends Jukka and Elisabeth; and Joan's family (sister Judy, who will miss his big can of whoopass), sister Nancy, brother Glenn and their families, all who loved and welcomed him as a brother.) His many friends will miss him terribly.
Trevor loved our cats, especially Myles, so donations to the Winnipeg Humane Society (www.winnipeghumanesociety.ca) would be appreciated. His life was enriched by his music, so a donation to the Scandinavian Cultural Centre (www.scandinaviancentre.ca) would be a good choice as well.
A Celebration of Life is being planned and will be announced in the Free Press.

Ethical Death Care is in charge of planning.
Publish Date: Nov 20, 2021

TREVOR SMITH

Sadly, suddenly, and unexpectedly, Trevor died Friday, November 12, 2021 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Trevor was born February 24, 1953 in Burnley, Lancashire , UK.
Longer obituary to follow.

ETHICAL DEATH CARE
Simple Cremation & Life Celebrations
204-421-5501 - EthicalDeathCare.com

Publish Date: Nov 16, 2021

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 16, 2021, Nov 20, 2021