Obituary of Richard Donald Smith

It is with sadness we announce the passing of Richard Smith of Debden, Sk.at the age of 84 years. A celebration of Richard's life will occur Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 2:00 pm from the Big River Community Hall. Interment will take place in the Big River Cemetery. Mr. Richard (Dick) Smith, age 84 years, late of Debden, passed away in Leask on December 1, 2011 Richard leaves to mourn his children Corinne (Jack) Benner of Dalmeny, Clarence (Trudy) Smith of Debden, Carol (Grant) Hastings of Birch Hills, Lynn (Roy) Webb of Canal Flats, BC, Connie (Ronald) Prefontaine of Bruno, Larry (Judy) Smith of Grandora, Brenda Arabsky (Grant) of Shellbrook, Calvin (Corrine) Smith of Debden, Kim (Yvette) Smith of Lake Lenore, Hal (Karen) Smith of Middle Lake, Melody Smith of Saskatoon, Jennifer (Rocky) Gaudry of Debden, Tanya (Kevin) Voinorosky of Saskatoon. Richard also leaves to mourn 38 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, his brother Frank (Bertha) Smith of Big River, his sister Alice Eliason of Salmon Arm, BC., a sister-in-law Leona Smith, numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives. Richard was pre-deceased by his wife of 58 years, Lilly, in 2003, a son Wayne in 2009, his grandson Dawson, his parents Thomas and Mary Smith, his sisters Joyce, Linda, and Edith, and his brothers Lewis, Albert, Bill, Bob, and Ernie. Richard was born on April 17th, 1927 in Silver Creek, Manitoba. He started school at age 13, attended for 4 months, but because there were no teachers, he quit and went to work. He worked as a logger in a sawmill, and then went threshing in Shellbrook. When harvest was done, he went up north to fish. In 1944 he was called to the army. He completed the medical and received his birth certificate, which proved he was too young. His future father in law John Anderson managed to get him a reprieve for 1 year so he could stay and work on the farm, and by the time the year was over, the war had ended. It was during that year that he met his wife, Lilly Anderson. They were married in 1945 and soon settled where the family farm is now. Together they raised 14 children on the farm. They had cattle and mixed seed crops, and they grew huge gardens. Richard was involved in the farm until his passing. Richard drove the schoolbus for 29 years, he was a member of the schoolboard, a Sno Traveller, and was very involved in the Debden community. He loved to curl and started the Smithspiel to raise funds for the curling rink. He also enjoyed playing cards, and spent much time with family and friends sitting at the kitchen table visiting and telling stories. The eulogy by his daughter Melody and his son Hal. The pallbearers - his sons Clarence, Larry, Calvin, Kim, Hal, and Wayne's son Shawn. The soloist - Lorna Parent. Donations in Richard's memory may be made to the Debden Heritage Manor or to the Shellbrook Hospital. Email condolences will be forwarded to the family. Delores Beaulac of Beau"Lac" Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.