Ronald Alan Smith

We are penning this loving farewell to our dear father Ronald Alan Smith, who passed away on August 20th at the grand old age of 98. An entertaining raconteur with an endless supply of jokes (more than some of which were rather naughty), loving husband and father and friend to many with a big heart. He had a great sense of humour and loved loudly telling a good (often naughty) joke, often to the embarrassment of our rather prim mother; especially after church when the proper ladies of the congregation were about. We were never sure whether her usual exclamation of ‘oh Ron’ were words of discouragement or encouragement.

He is predeceased by his parents Frederick Alan Smith and Daisy Gouldstone, his adoring wife Elaine (nee Bellinger) Smith and sister Valerie. He is survived by his daughter Jaye Baxter Smith, son Michael and granddaughter Natalie.

Ron was born and schooled in Montreal. It was there during summer breaks from school that he became a tennis pro. He met our mother through the devious means of plowing into her on a ski slope on Mt. Tremblant and breaking her leg so she couldn’t easily escape. He never became an Olympic skier.

He worked most of his life for Mclean Hunter Publishing who moved us all out to Calgary, Alberta for 10 years. There Dad wore cowboy hats and boots to work during Stampede and generally revelled in going to BBQs. It was also there that he developed his love of golfing, something he quite excelled at through an endless supply of golf jokes and seven (yes seven) holes in one over the course of his career. Somewhere along the line he became a top-notch bridge partner.

Dad lived a long life. He believed in a life hereafter where he will join his dear wife and our mother for eternity. Sorry Mom, Jaye and I did the best we could to take care of him and keep him out of your hair as long as we could. Back in your court now.

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