Obituary of John Charles Smith

October 25, 1955 - Mankota, Saskatchewan

July 17, 2024 - Medicine Hat, Alberta

John Smith passed away on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, at the age of 68 years.

Beloved father to Duncan (Jennifer) Smith of Exshaw, AB, Mackenzie (Alec) Hammond of Drumheller, AB, and husband to Kate Smith of Medicine Hat, AB, “Pa” to Chloe, Georgia, and Mikaela, stepfather to Richard and Michelle, brother to Joyce (Roy) Mahon, Wayne, and Richard (Brenda) Smith. He was also a beloved cousin, and uncle to numerous nieces and nephews.

John was born on October 25, 1955, in the town of Mankota, SK, to George and Alice Smith. He was the fifth of seven children. John spent his childhood on the family farm and moved in his late teenage years to go out in the world to make it a better place. He worked in the grain industry for many years in Mankota, Richmound, and Elm Creek, MB.

He settled in Medicine Hat in 1990 where he worked to become everyone’s favorite handy-man and never found anything he could not fix.

He was a constant on the hills of Hidden Valley Ski Resort, as a ski and snowboard instructor, and was a developer of the disabled ski program for many years.

Later in life, he developed Carefree Adventures teaching numerous enthusiasts to kayak on the waters of Alberta and Saskatchewan, Grasslands National Park was his favorite place to paddle.

John was predeceased by his parents, George and Alice, sister Arlene (Ed) Wandler, brother Allen and sister Lorie Smith.

John was the ultimate storyteller, and his living legacy will be a history book of the Smith family he completed in 2024.

John was a huge influence for so many, in so many ways throughout his life, he will never be forgotten by those who knew him.

The family wishes to thank the EMS and staff of Medicine Hat Hospital, and especially the staff of the Foothills Medical Centre for the compassion and care he received.

A Reception in Celebration of John’s life will be held at Holy Family Parish Church (1451 Strachan Rd SE, Medicine Hat, AB) on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The world has lost a beautiful caring soul, and we are all better for having had him in our lives.

In lieu of flowers, go out and find an adventure.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with John’s family here.

In living memory of John Smith, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.