Condolences
Evelyn, Bruce & Lori and family,
Our heartfelt condolences on Smiley's recent passing.We always enjoyed visiting with him, over the last 2 decades, as he often accompanied Bruce who was making sure our wells and waterers were in top notch condition. I learned a lot about Smiley's passions for essential oils, special chocolates and flying model airplanes. He was a wonderful man and we know you will miss him very much. Hugs to you all,
Wynne, Bob and Jamie Chisholm (formerly W. A. Ranches Ltd.)
My dad loved your giggle Lawerence, you were a very special person in the community. My deepest condolences to Evelyn and the family from My dad Dave and myself Shelley Stricker❤️
Sending love to all of you. The kindness that was shown to us will never be forgotten. Smiley was the best name for him cause he was always smiling. Love and hugs Margo Drever
Since 1966 I have had the gift of friendship from Lawrence, Evelyn and family. I became the first employee of Smiley’s Backhoe Service and witnessed the tears of frustration as Smiley utilized the old Wagner Backhoe through it’s many breakdowns to begin the new company. With Evelyn ever present by his side,Smiley persevered through the constant breakdowns, the long days of hard work and was able to achieve some success. Soon the first John Deere backhoe arrived and with the others that followed the company became successful and what it is today. Your ever present smile has touched many my friend. My condolences go out to Evelyn, family and your many friends.
Evelyn and family, so very sorry to hear of the passing of 'Smiley'. Such a pleasant, outgoing fellow. I had the chance to meet him at 'Here's the Scoop'. We saved issues of the Scoop and he would stop in whenever he was in the area. We would engage in conversations on a variety of topics, and he was always showing me health related things on his phone! He was so caring and willing to share his knowledge in many areas with you. A great guy, that will truly be missed by anyone that was blessed to be placed in his path. May God wrap his loving and peaceful arms around all of you.
Phyllis McCallum-Hunter
Evelyn, Debbie, Laureen, Bruce and family, our deep condolences in the loss of Lawrence, your husband, father, grandfather and friend. We will always treasure the time we spent with Lawrence over the years and I am grateful for our many phone calls. It was a joy to be in his company or to hear the smile in his voice over the phone. Our hearts hurt for you all, our thoughts are with you in the days months and years ahead. Your cousin Joyce (and Rick) Castonguay
I met Smiley and Evelyn a very long time ago through our love of flying radio controlled model aircraft at Smiley's farm. Smiley had his own MAAC sanctioned model aircraft club SAMS (Smiley's Aircraft Modellers Society). Smiley introduced me to his good friend, Don Briggs, who built a number of Smiley's big biplanes and the three of us would fly our creations at Smileys farm.
Smiley, Don and I became a regular at Smiley's home where we played pool usually on Sundays and Evelyn would prepare us a full course meal every time. What fun we had. Thanks Evelyn for putting up with the three of us and creating all those fabulous meals. :)
Smiley was always willing to help you out if you needed some guidance on building or flying a new creation or just needed to talk about something personal. My family and I will miss his sense of humour, his fabulous smile and always happy to see you attitude.
We offer our deepest condolences to Evelyn, Bruce and family.
Thank you, Smiley, for letting us know you!
Dave Downs and family.
I met Smiley sometime during 1975 when starting my own business as a wholesaler of pumps. I'll never forget this very nice man who trusted me with doing business as a new venture, just to help me out in getting established. We enjoyed each others company over the many years to very recently exchanging emails and old stories. Our most memorable old story was sitting in a well culvert getting things finalized on a pump start-up for a small community. We definitely created a life time bond of friendship and trust in all matters in life. I will miss his infectious smile and our many great memories of knowing him as well as the family.
Our sincerest condolences to Evelyn and family.
I met Smiley about 20 years ago, when he taught me to fly model Aircraft. He brought joy to everyone he met, and his positive attitude was contagious. We shared may fun times together, having coffee with our wives, flying model aircraft, and even flying in a small Cessna 150 together, after I accomplished to obtain my private. On that particular day, we took the Cessna out for a ride over our acreages, and headed to Netook air field. The Little O200 engine started to lose power in the climb from carburettor ice, and the climb diminished into a slow descent. As I applied the anti ice, Smiley, keenly aware of what was happening, said to me (with a huge smile on his face) "If I die today, I'll be happy to go out, flying with you!"
I feel privileged to have known Smiley, and I will hold on to the fond memories he has given us. I look forward to seeing you again one day, my friend. My thoughts and condolences to Evelyn, and family.
Norman Blades
My Uncle Lawrence was a truly remarkable man who loved to laugh and always saw the good in everyone and everything. He was the best adult role model that I had in my life and I hoped that I would marry a man just like him. ( I did)
I spent my summers living with them and Uncle Lawrence and Auntie Evelyn taught me a lot about hard work, perseverance and how to have fun.
Many weekends my Uncle took us to the Calgary Zoo and I would marvel at how friendly he was to everyone we saw and he didn’t even know them but it would seem like they had been friends for years!!
I will surely miss you Uncle but I know I will see you again! Xoxo
Smiley every Sunday would buzz my house in the mornings to let us know he was flying his planes. Id get dressed and run over and watch for hours. He taught me how to fly. And how to be a pretty good pool player. I have so many great memories with Smiley. My condolences to the family.
I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. It feels like it wasn't that long ago I dropped by to deliver something and he appeared to be in better health than when I last saw him. His joy of life and contagious enthusiasm will be missed by many. Sincerest condolences to the family. The world is missing a treasure but heaven has gained a saint.
I believe God puts angels among us to help us see the beauty and joy before us. Smiley was one of them, he brought joy to all who knew him and never was to busy to help another…
I hope the joy and love he gave and all the stories you will hear about him in the future will give all his family comfort as they face the road ahead
Fly High Smiley till we meet again
So sorry for your loss. Smiley was such a pleasant and happy man. I remember meeting him in the post office one day. He jumped up and showed me he could click his heels together. I’m smiling now as I think about our visit. His smile was infectious!
May the love of family and friends and your happy memories get you through this difficult time.
Love, Terrie and Scott Copley
I have such fond memories of Smiley. From the days when I was a teenager working in my dad's store and his smile would brighten the day, to being neighbors before he moved to the acreage, to our reconnection via Facebook, where his positive posts and beautiful photos were still making each day happier. My heartfelt condolences to Evelyn and family.
Janet Mason
As a cashier at Safeway, Lawrence and his wife came to my till on many occasions. He was always putting a smile to my face by the time I had his order complete. I will miss the positive attitude and happiness he brought to me. He will be missed. Condolences to the family.
So sorry for your loss. He will be remembered always for his big heart and of course his smile. I'll always remember him coming into Airdrie Eyecare sometimes just to say hi with the biggest smile you could ever imagine. I will miss him and am very sad.
Been reminiscing and talking to others about Uncle over the last few days. My condolences to all the family; I’m sure it’s been tough and with meaningful highs & lows. Uncle was so remarkable in my life and I’m so thankful for him (and Auntie), especially providing a chance to live with them while working in the Business to afford attending SAIT and even buy our first vehicle with my brother Phil. Over these last few days, I’ve been:
- shovelling gravel … something we did a lot together, as he worked the backhoe.
- fixing a broken hydrant system & installing heat tape … using all the knowledge acquired from him.
- staying sharp & learning… as we tested our reflexes while ducking as a RC plane went right over our shoulders in a late dusk flight.
- helping and serving others … while holding up a crescent wrench that was your only payment for a large job,
- and more importantly, trying to smile and enjoy more of everyday life, things, and people like he did (… still working on that Uncle, as you’ve set a high standard).
Truly, you’ve impacted my life, as well as the lives of many others. Kathy, our kids and I will miss you and being able to say “Hi, Uncle Smiley” with great anticipation of our time together.
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