Obituary of Rae Meredith Smith

July 7, 1935 – Calgary, Alberta
October 3, 2019 – Calgary, Alberta

Rae Smith of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, October 3, 2019 at the age of 84 years.

Rae was born and raised in Calgary and enjoyed his life finding numerous active ways to explore the natural beauty of Alberta and British Columbia. He was an avid outdoorsman; fishing, camping, hiking, backpacking, downhill and cross-country skiing. He could always be found discovering the beautiful backcountry and lakes of the Kananaskis, Banff, Jasper, the Shuswap, and thousands of places in between. 

When ten-speed biking came into fashion in the 1970’s, Rae and some buddies cycled the Trans-Canada Highway from Calgary to Jasper and back again (a mere 830 kilometers).

For many years, Rae enjoyed running outside every morning (snow or shine) around Glenmore Park & Reservoir. One of his proudest moments was when he was chosen to participate in running with the Olympic Torch for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics at the ripe, young age of fifty-two. In later years, when his knees slowed him down, he could be found walking the three mile loop around the Glamorgan neighborhood with his ski poles for support. Ask any of his neighbors; he never missed his daily morning walk, even in the dead of winter.

A loyal, dedicated employee, Rae worked for Canadian Western Natural Gas from the age of eighteen until he retired at fifty-six. He started as a keypunch operator and became a pioneer of the IT industry. He ultimately progressed to become the company’s premier systems analyst, traveling extensively throughout the prairie provinces facilitating seminars and consulting.

An outgoing and friendly character, Rae loved to play pranks and tell jokes.  A loyal friend and great sport, he always went above and beyond to show how much he cared and would do anything to help others.

Rae is survived by his only child, Shari Davidson; his grandchildren Hunter, Haley and Ryder Davidson; his loving companion Stella Gocal, her children, Cherie, Michael, Nancy (Amanda and Ashley), Joey, Wendy (Courtney, Marissa and Joseph; his favourite niece, Heather Seitz and family; his favourite nephew Evan Davies and family; and numerous other adored nieces and nephews spread across Canada and the United States. Special thanks to the Chinook Hospice in Calgary for their wonderful and loving care. Condolences may be forwarded through www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

I love you Daddy, and am proud to have watched you live every day to the fullest.

Life is a journey, not a destination.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

A tree will be planted in living memory of Rae Smith. McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.