COMMANDER ROBERT NEVILLE GOWERS SMITH

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COMMANDER ROBERT NEVILLE GOWERS SMITH RCN After a brief illness Bud slipped quietly away. He leaves to mourn his loving wife Katie, his ex-wife Joan and their two children, Julian Robert of Zihuatanjo, Mexico, and Sally (Shayne) Gregg and two granddaughters, Natasha and Alexandra of North Vancouver. Also Katies children, Paul (Bonnie) Johnston and granddaughter Morgan of Nanaimo, Robert B. Johnston of Langley, and Nancy (Scott) Van Berkel and three grandchildren, Ryan, Stuart and Lauren of Calgary. In the United Kingdom, cousins, Margaret Heathcote, Jack and Joan Gowers, Barbara Wood; and many of the Gowers extended family. Cousin Desmond (Margaret) Smith of Wellington, ON and Kathleen Douthitt of San Marcos, CA. "Bud" was born in Winnipeg September 3, 1925 to William Neville Smith and Caroline Gowers Smith. Bud was a sea cadet before being selected to attend Royal Roads Victoria in 1942. His naval career consisted of serving on the HMCS Uganda in the Pacific during the Second World War, postings in London, England, and with the U.S. Navy, Coronado, CA. He served aboard the HMCS Labrador, first ice-breaker to navigate the North-West Passage. Bud received his Business Administration Diploma from the University of Western Ontario in 1967. He became a director of the Treasury Board in Ottawa 1967 to 1971, then Director-General of Urban Affairs 1971 to 1973. He was a director of Educanada from 1971 to 1975, and upon moving to Victoria in 1976, became owner of Sprott-Shaw College of Business. Bud served his community over the years as trustee of the Greater Victoria Library Board, Victoria School Board, and board of Glenlyon and Norfolk Schools. He was a past president of the Canadian Club of Victoria, a member of the Private Career Training Council of British Columbia, Naval Officers Association of Vancouver Island, a member and twice President of the Association of Canadian Career Colleges. A longtime member of the Victoria Rotary Club, he was honoured to serve as volunteer president of the Goodwill Enterprises for the Handicapped of Vancouver Island. He was a founding member of the Rotary International Yachting Fellowship of Vancouver Island. As an avid golfer, he particularly enjoyed the Rotarys Tuesday Duffers Club. Buds love of life, his spontaneity will be missed by all who knew him. A light has gone out but will reappear in the heavens as the star he always has been. Rest in Peace, old Buddy. The family wishes to give praise and grateful thanks to the staff of 7A/B Victoria General Hospital and all of the many involved in care giving during his brief illness. To Drs. Con Rusnak, Will Orram and our attentive, compassionate G.P., Dr. Peter Meyer. The kindness of friends and neighbours has been very much appreciated. God bless you all. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 4, 2001 at 2:00 p.m. at the Salvation Army Church, 4030 Douglas St., Victoria, BC; Tom Oshiro officiating. A later memorial service is planned for 12 noon September 3 at St. Michaels Church in Victoria Beach, MB. Canon Harvey Carmichael officiating. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the charity of your choice. FIRST MEMORIAL FUNERAL SERVICES 250-658-5244

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 29, 2001