Obituary of Vernon (Vern) George SMITH

Vernon Smith, beloved husband of Kathleen Smith, of Canmore, AB, passed away peacefully on 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 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.

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 James (Grace) Smith of Canmore, AB; his daughter Joan (Jim) Morgotch of Canmore; eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  He forever mourned the loss of his daughter, Patricia Goldie, in 1997 to cancer.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Gerard’s Catholic Church (8944 Elbow Drive SW, 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 to the Calgary Branches Poppy Fund, 2020 – 15 St NW, Calgary, AB T2M 3N8, Telephone: (403) 265-6304, https://calgarypoppyfund.com.

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.