SMITH, Vernon (Vern) George
Vernon Smith, beloved husband of Kathleen Smith, of Canmore, AB, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at the age of 94 years.
Vern was born in Miami, MB, on September 2, 1926 to George and Jessie Smith. He left the family farm and joined the RCMP in March 1947. He proudly served the RCMP primarily in Alberta and retired as S/Sgt. in 1972. He worked with the Security Unit of Alberta Government Telephones from 1972 until his second retirement in 1987.
Vern was a true and loyal friend as evidenced by the many friendships that have lasted for decades. He was an entertaining storyteller with a quick sense of humor. Family was his priority. Kathleen was his best friend and confidante. He was particularly proud of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was the corner stone of the family and stood by and supported his family through all the highs and lows of life.
Vern loved to travel, whether it was a trip to Europe or a drive into the Foothills. His greatest joy was travelling with Kathleen in their motorhome. As snowbirds, they spent many winters in Mesa, AZ.
Besides his loving wife of sixty-eight years, Kathleen, Vern is survived by his sons, George (Lori) Smith of Powell River, BC and Jim (Grace) Smith of Canmore, AB; his daughter Joan (Jim) Morgotch of Canmore, AB, his grandchildren; Carlie (Jason Cagampan) Smith, Michael (Jaclyn Chapman) Smith, Blair (Justine Elliott) Smith, Brian (Christy) Morgotch, Erin (Brett) Hetherington, Alana McGillivray, Andrew (Michelle Simiana) Smith, and Steven (Liliana Samarskaya) Morgotch and seven great-gandchildren. He forever mourned the loss of their daughter, Patricia Goldie, in 1997 to cancer.
Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Gerard’s Catholic Church (8944 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB) on Friday, November 6, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Vern’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Branches Poppy Fund, 2020 - 15 St NW, Calgary, AB T2M 3N8, Telephone: (403) 265-6304, https://calgarypoppyfund.com.
A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Emma Morin, Cindy Drury and the dedicated staff at Origin at Spring Creek, and to Julie, Sarah and the Homecare team. The support and kindness that you have shown Vern and Kathleen especially in the last months have been sincerely appreciated by the family. A special thank you to nurse Sarah who cared for Vern on his final day in Canmore Hospital. Your kindness and professionalism made his passing so much easier for the family.
In living memory of Vern Smith, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.
