FREDERICK ARNOLD SMITH

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FREDERICK ARNOLD SMITH Peacefully, after a lengthy illness, with his family at his side, Fred Smith, aged 78, passed away December 21, 2002 at the St. Boniface Hospital. Fred is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Ivana (Ivena). Left to cherish his memory are his children, Philip (Heather), Jennifer (Mike), Barbara, Susan (Andre), Gwyn (Rose), Robert (Terri) brother Arthur (Pam) and sisters, Sylvia (Ken) and Winny. Pop will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren, Christopher, Pamela, Allison; Nicole, Michelle; Daniel, Marc, Marie; Jenna, Julia. Great-grandchildren, Taylor, Liam, Brayden, Portia and Ashley. Fred was born November 7, 1924 in South Wales. He served in the Royal Navy as an engine room mechanic 1943 to 1946. The family immigrated to Canada in 1957 and Dad found work as a mechanic with Standard Aero until 1988 and continued working at Aero Recip as Operations Manager until 1993. He was considered one of four experts worldwide in his field. Dad joined the St. Vital Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in 1967 and served as Branch President, Zone Commander, District Commander and Provincial Command President. Dad was a recent recipient of Her Majestys Jubilee Medal for his decades of service to the community through the Royal Canadian Legion. Dad had strong beliefs in the virtue of hard work, honesty, fairness and strength of community. Dad strove to be neat and precise and loved anything well crafted. Dad spent his whole life with a passion for learning through books. We will always remember him with a book in hand. Throughout Mums illness, he spent every day at her side. Alzheimers claimed her mind, Dad had her heart. In accordance with Dads wishes, cremation has taken place. The family has planned an interment and celebration of Dads life in June, details to be announced. Our sincere appreciation to the Cancer Section of the St. Boniface Hospital for their compassion and care. In Freds memory, donations will be gratefully accepted to the Royal Canadian Legion, Poppy Fund, 563 St. Marys Rd., Winnipeg, MB, R2M 3L6. When I die, give what is left of me to children. If you need to cry, cry for your brothers and sisters walking beside you. Put your arms around anyone and give them what you need to give to me. I want to leave you with something, better than words or sounds. Look for me in the people I have known and loved. And if you cannot live without me, then let me live in your eyes, your mind and your acts of kindness. You can love me most by letting hands touch hands. Love does not die. People do. So when all that is left of me is love... Give me away...

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 28, 2002