Obituary of Lawrence Dew

October 12, 1933 - Dafoe, Saskatchewan

September 12, 2021 - Airdrie, Alberta

Lawrence Robert “Smiley” Dew, beloved husband of Evelyn Dew passed away peacefully in his own home on Sunday, September 12, 2021, at the age of 87 years.

Born in 1933, Lawrence grew up in Dafoe, Saskatchewan. His childhood was difficult and at the age of 14 he left home. Initially, he found work doing odd jobs on local farms.  Then traveled to where ever jobs were available; even working in a coal mine in the Coleman area. It wasn’t the life for him so he soon found employment digging canals for the Southern Alberta irrigation system.

It was during this time that fate brought him into the local telephone office in Bow Island to make a call to his sister Daisy. There he met the love of his life, Evelyn Schatz. After a 3 year courtship they were married in 1957. 

Lawrence then started a career working on the rigs. He earned his nickname “Smiley” after a blowout covered him in oil and the only thing showing was his smile. Evelyn and Lawrence raised their young family while constantly on the move to keep up with the available work in the oil field.

A proud moment in Lawrence’s challenging oilfield career was when he saved a fellow rig hand's life earning a St. John’s Ambulance Life Saving Award.

During the occasional rig shutdown, Lawrence became quite a successful golfer until a back injury took him out of the game.

In 1966, the Dew family moved permanently to the Village of Airdrie. A family friend suggested Lawrence start his own business, “Smiley’s Backhoe Service.” With only a Grade 6 education and Evelyn by his side, together they grew a successful business. The company later evolved into “Smiley’s Pump Service”; a business spanning 50 years of operation, now run by his son, Bruce Dew and his family.

Lawrence may have retired from the business in 1999 but he stayed involved initially and was busy as ever. He could be found working on the pristine grounds on his farm; mowing the lawn, trimming trees, etc. or in his field, flying his radio controlled airplanes; a skill he crafted in the early 1970’s and was always happy to teach someone else. He became quite the pool shark, continuously practicing difficult shots. Lawrence was always striving to learn something new, whether it was health related or technology. Even in his eighties, he was always sure to get the latest Apple products to communicate and connect with the people whose lives he touched. He posted on Facebook whenever he could and always made sure to post sunset and sunrise photos.

Lawrence will be lovingly remembered by his wife Evelyn of 64 years; his children, Debbie Huitema (George), Laureen Huitema (Steve) and Bruce Dew (Lori). He will also be remembered by his six grandchildren, Andrea (Maury), Nolan (Melissa), Matthew (Lael), Katherine, Robert, and Lorena (Alex); and five great-grandchildren, Max, Ellie, Kai, Cade, and Kean.

As per his wishes no formal services will be held. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed here. The family will be forever grateful to Dr. Rehill, Hilda Franks and the staff at Airdrie Medical Clinic as well as Pharmacist, Harsh Patel. We thank you so very much for going above and beyond to help with Dad’s care. We would also like to thank Airdrie Home Care staff for all their support.

In living memory of Lawrence “Smiley” Dew, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Airdrie, 300 Towerlane Drive, Airdrie, AB T4B 3L8, Telephone: 403-948-1100.

Lawrence's memorial card can be viewed using this link