William Richard “Bill” Smith
January 15, 1932 – November 22, 2018

It is with the heaviest of hearts we announce the passing of our Dad, at the age of 86. Surrounded by the love of his three daughters, he passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer. He showed tremendous tenacity and a zest for life until the very end.

He is survived by his three daughters, Debbie Smith (Barry Sheppard) and the Twins, Wendy Duff (Joel Graftaas) and Shelley Ramsay (Ray), his four Granddaughters, Lindsay Gibson (and Great Grandchildren Hannah and Carter all of Bailey, CO), Brittney Ramsay (Nick and his newest Great Grandchild, Grayson), Carly Duff and Breanne Ramsay (Andrew), all of Calgary. He is also survived by his loving partner of 20 years, Gladys Windolff. They enjoyed their time together by playing golf, traveling and spending the winter months in Phoenix until Dad’s health prevented further travel.

Dad was predeceased by his parents Ed and Emily Smith who immigrated from England and Scotland, respectively. He was the youngest of four boys, Dan, Jim and Vern, each of whom passed away before him, all of Winnipeg. He was also predeceased in 2015 by his former wife, high school sweetheart and mother of his children, Phyllis (nee Gardiner) who he married in 1953.

Dad graduated from Kelvin High School in Winnipeg where during his teens many family summers were spent at Lake of the Woods. He attended the University of Manitoba where he was a member of Delta Upsilon Fraternity and was a member of Northern Lights Prince Rupert Masonic Lodge #1 for over 60 years. He was an Al Azhar Shriner and enjoyed affiliation with the Sabre Patrol, Air Corps and Greeters. He was an invited member of the Royal Order of Jesters.

He was employed in management with International Harvester Trucks and Neonex Housing. Always an avid car and truck enthusiast, he retired as dealer principal of Bill Smith Ford in Ponoka, AB. and enjoyed his years of retirement, which exceeded his working years. He delighted in engaging in political and current events discussions and was happy to spend his last couple of years at Valley Ridge Retirement Home.

Growing up our girlfriends always thought we had such a handsome Dad! He was a true family man who took an active interest in our activities and treasured all family gatherings, always proud of his daughters, granddaughters and great grandchildren. He was never afraid to express his feelings and frequently told us all how much he loved us. We have countless memories of happy family vacations including learning to water ski at Lake of Bays in the Muskoka region of Ontario, a couple of road trips to Disneyland, and ski vacations in Kimberley. Dad skied into his ‘60’s.

After having lost our Mom in 2015, there is a hole in our hearts that can never be filled. Our memories of fun and love-filled years together as a family will sustain us through this saddest of times. Dad wanted us to thank the folks from the Rockyview Hospital in Calgary for their compassionate care during his final days – Dr. Britt Simmons, Dr. Calder and Nurses Allysa, Stacey, Louise and Mishella plus the other staff from Unit 84.

At his request there will be a private family Celebration of his Life to be held at a later date. Memorial tributes may be made directly to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, 5225 – 101 St. N.W., Calgary, AB. T3L 1S4.

To view and share photos, condolences and stories of William please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.