Harry Smith
Passed away peacefully in Nanaimo, B.C. on March 17, 2007 at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital following a brief illness at the age of 82.
Harry was born in Dunstan, England on December 27, 1924. He came to Canada at the age of 3 yrs and settled in Rutland, B.C. with his parents, five brothers and one sister.
He is survived by his wife Marge, children Gail Cammidge of Vancouver, Gary of Coquitlam and Mary Craven (Jody) of Kitimat and five grandchildren.
Predeceased by his brothers; George RCAF pilot killed in action, Bill (Peggy) - Los Angeles and Leslie (Dorothy) - Vancouver and sister Mary - Vancouver.
Also is survived by his brother Ralph of Calgary and Jeffrey of Port Coquitlam and many relatives in New York, Los Angeles, England and Germany.
Harry grew up in Rutland, graduated from Rutland High School and joined the R.C.A.F. at the age of 17.
He drove for Greyhound bus for 3 yrs., subsequently joined the CNR as a fireman of passenger trains from Smithers to Endako. Later he became a Health & Plumbing Inspector in Victoria where he met and married Marge and they moved to Terrace, B.C.
In 1964 Harry joined Morris Wightman Insurance Agency, later to become a real estate and insurance agent and appraiser. He joined with Morris Wightman to become a partner in the business of Wightman & Smith. In 1976 the business was sold to Stan Parker.
During his years in Terrace, Harry was interested and active in community affairs as: Alderman; Justice of the Peace & Coroner; President of the Terrace Branch of the Canadian Cancer Society & pioneered in the development of the Real Estate Board of Northwestern B.C. - served a term as president and another as vice president.
He aided in establishing the Terrace Toastmasters Club and served as Master of Ceremonies for the Terrace Music Festival, All Candidate Political meetings and other community events and on the Financial Committee as an Alderman for the extension of the Terrace Hospital.
Harry and Marge left Terrace in 1980 to move to Chemainus where they purchased and operated a hotel. Their next move was to Creston to become owner operator of a hotel there.
The last move was to Nanaimo. Here Harry became a volunteer for the C.N.I.B.; the Red Cross; and the Cancer Society.
He enjoyed people, and was most happy when he was in their company and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the nursing staff and the doctors at The Nanaimo Regional General Hospital for the very considerate and loving care of our father, husband, and grandfather.
At Harry’s request, there will be no formal service. Burial is by cremation. We will hold good memories & love forever in our hearts.
Your day has come, not gone,
Your sun has risen, not set,
The reach of death or change, not ended but begun,
O, noble soul, O gentle heart!
Hail & farewell!
If desired, condolences can be sent to:
Marg. Smith, 27-2301 Arbot Rd., Nanaimo. V9R 6S7