REVEREND DR. A. GRANT SMITH

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

REVEREND DR. A. GRANT SMITH B.A., D.D. Grant, beloved husband of Enid, passed away, with his family by his side, at the Health Sciences Centre, on Saturday, November 11, 2000. Left to cherish his memory are Enid, his wife of 55 years and their daughters, Jerilynne (Cam, Jason, Trevor and Eric) Breckman; Valerie (Ron, Brian, Alison and Allan) Rausch; Glenda (Dennis, Jaret, Jeremy and Christopher) Peterson; Cindy (Blake and Leanne) Harris; Neila (Michael, Adam and Kelsey) Benson and his sister Fern (Bill) Ritchie and numerous other relatives and friends. Special thanks to Kellee, April, Ginny and Jake for being at his side with the family. Grant was predeceased by his sister Jean (Andy and Allan) Carlson and his parents, Rev. John Adam and Isabel Smith. Grant was born on February 24, 1916, in Winnipeg. He was a student at United College (now the University of Winnipeg). His student charges included: Kelloe, Tyndall/Garson/Hazelridge. After ordination, his first charge was Pickle Crow/Central Patricia, where he worked in the mines as well as in the ministerial field. His next charge (6 years) was in Cartwright/Homefield/Neelin and Chesterville. It was here that he met and married his wonderful life partner Enid. He and Enid went next to serve at Treherne/Olive/Matchetteville (7 years) followed by 16 years of service at St. Pauls United Church (formerly located at the corner of Notre Dame and Pearl Street), and then moved to St. Norbert United Church. Here he led the major building campaign of Trinity United Church in Fort Richmond. He retired from Trinity United but soon after took on a new charge in Headingley/St. Charles, serving another 13 years. It was during this time, Grant introduced The Headingley Dinner Theatre, which lent support to the Headingley U.C. building fund. This event continues to provide a very enjoyable community activity. During his ministry, he also served as Chair of Presbytery, and President of the Manitoba Conference, and twice served as a delegate to General Council. Through his many years of service in the Church, Grant especially loved working with youth, in wilderness camps, canoe trips for inner-city boys, youth drama programs, discussion groups, teaching at Cartwright, Treherne and St. Norbert Schools, and his wonderful childrens stories every Sunday. His life-long dedication to young people earned him the affectionate nick-name "The Rev". His work in television with Sunday Scope and hosting the Davey and Goliath Show, provided new challenges and new rewards for his ministry. For his extensive community youth service, communications work, and as a senior member of the Inter-Faith Council, the University of Winnipeg bestowed an honorary Doctor of Divinity (D.D.) in 1970. Other honours he received include: the Rotarians Paul Harris Fellowship Award and a St. James Citizenship Award. He was also a strong supporter of curling in Manitoba. In addition to playing the game as a member of the Chaplains Curling Club at the Heather, he was Chaplain of both the Mens and Womens Manitoba Curling leagues for many years, earning a Manitoba Curling Association honorary life membership. For many years, he also enjoyed the annual "Saints and Sinners" media challenge matches. Family was extremely important to Grant. There were many camping trips, enjoyable summers at Belair, full of sailing and swimming. Grant held a great love for his children and grandchildren, providing many fond memories. He shared his love of nature, painting, photography, and many other interests with his family. He enjoyed being part of all of his grandchildrens activities, and he and Enid were almost always there for their important moments. In later years, Grant and Enid enjoyed several trips abroad, and throughout North America. These trips were highlighted by visits to Israel, England, Scotland, Wales and Alaska. For those who knew Grant, he will always be remembered for his warm personality, his kind heart, his special sense of humour, and his willingness to help those in need. The family extends a special thank you to the M.I.C.U. staff at Health Sciences Centre for their dedication and thoughtfulness. A memorial service will take place on Tuesday, November 14 at 2:00 p.m. at Sturgeon Creek United Church, 207 Thompson Dr., St. James, MB. In lieu of flowers, should friends desire, donations may be made to the Rev. Grant and Enid Smith Scholarship Fund: c/o University Relations Department, the University of Winnipeg, 515 Portage Ave., Wpg, MB R3B 2E9, or to a charity of their choice. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." Arrangements Entrusted To: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 13, 2000