William Henry Smith better known as Wid, was born August 11th, 1917 near Donalda, Alberta. Died March 4th in Smithers, BC. A memorial service celebrating Wid’s life was held at the Royal Canadian Legion on March 19th. Ceremonies were conducted by Comrade in Charge Ambrose Kelly, Pastor Mike McIntyre, and Sergeant at Arms Gary Timms. Music was provided by Mikael Brown, Michalle Brown and Kim Van Barneveld. The Ladies Auxillary to Legion Branch 249 provided a lunch following the service.
Wid was a resident of Houston for 47 years. This was the home of his choice following a 35 year long career with the Forest Service from which he retired in 1982. Prior to arriving in Houston in 1958 he had lived and worked in Telkwa, Wells, Quesnel, Prince George, and Fort St John to name a few of the many places he went to with his work in the forest service. Before applying for work with the Forest Service, he spent several years in the Canadian Army and served overseas in Italy, Holland and Germany. Before the war he worked at various seasonal jobs in Alberta in logging, farming and coal mining. He was the fourth of eight children born to Ralph and Olga Smith and was predeceased by his parents, sisters Hazel, Doris, and Shirley, brothers Clarence and Charley. He is survived by brothers Jesse in White Rock and Guy in Edmonton. He was married to Elnora for 58 years, she passed away in 2005.
Left to mourn his passing are daughters Leah and Jim Tourond, Cleone and Daniel Parish, Grandchildren Elijah (Lynette), Patrick (Jerrilyn) Parish, Loren (Jenny) Tourond, Naomi (Chad) Hanson and 5 great grandchildren, Serenity Parish, Emily Tourond, Noah Kaitlyn and Jake Hanson. Wid also leaves a large number of nephews and nieces and four sisters in law and one brother in law.
He volunteered to serve his country in time of war, he loved his work, he was happy to pay his taxes and bear his share of any load, he would give away his last dollar and always put the needs of others first. He lived a long life and a full life and even in his old age looked forward cheerfully to what ever tomorrow might bring. We miss his fun loving spirit of adventure, his optimism and compassion. His journey in this world is ended and we feel lucky to have shared so much of our time with him. We are proud of you Dad. Thank you to all those who were so kind and supportive as we said our good byes. Those wishing to make a donation to a cause in Wid’s memory are asked to donate to the Royal Canadian Legion Houston Branch 249. Last but not least, Thank You Elijah for doing the Eulogy that would have meant so much to Wid.