Obituary of Brian Lynn Smith

Brian Smith, born September 3, 1946, passed away peacefully on January 20, 2022 in Regina. He was predeceased by his parents Jock and Muriel; in-laws Orv and Helen Shea; his wife Heather; sister-in-law Brenda Larson; and his later-in-life partner Susan McCune. Brian is survived by his sons Ryan and Brent (Kellie and children, Brooke, Noah and Mathew); brother Kent (Elaine); nieces Farah, Lisa (Iain and daughters Cassie and Madeline) and Megan (Grant and children Nash, Brooklyn and Jillian), Dana Larson; nephew Jonathon Larson and Susan’s daughter Sarah (Vaughn and children Avery, Easton and Kendall).

Brian attended high school at Central Collegiate before completing his Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics at the University of Regina. He met Heather in high school, falling in love and marrying in 1969. They raised their two sons in Regina and remained together until her death in 2002. Brian later found companionship with Susan, enjoying travel and spending time at the lake.

Brian was an active father, involved in activities with his kids like coaching sports, being a Cub Scout leader, and serving as President of the Regina Police Junior Band. Brian remained a dedicated husband and father while pursuing higher education and furthering his career. After many years at Cooperators, during which he completed his Master’s Degree from York University, Brian moved to the Public Employees Benefits Agency (PEBA). Brian took great satisfaction in his work, working past 65 and retiring in 2015 as the Assistant Deputy Minister responsible for the agency. He was particularly proud of the evolution of the Public Employees Pension Plan, overseeing its growth as the largest defined contribution pension plan in Canada. He was recognized nationally as an expert in his field and loved his work and colleagues.

Brian was a sort of renaissance man. He was fearless to take anything apart: he could swap an engine, fix an appliance, or build his cabin at Last Mountain Lake, which was such a source of enjoyment. His sons were fortunate to observe and develop many of those same skills. Although Brian wasn’t one for sappy conversations, his pride in his sons was profound. He had a quirky and wicked sense of humour, often amusing the many who could appreciate it. He was a kind yet tough man with remarkable resolve as he battled through a number of health problems after retirement, always without a complaint. He will be missed, particularly by his son, Ryan, and was lucky to have friends like Colleen Cartwright, Curt Skelton and Peter Hoffman who provided care and company in his final years. His memory will live on in the people who knew him best.

A special thanks to Dr. McCarville, the nurses in 3F at the General Hospital and Palliative Care at the Pasqua Hospital. Flowers are gratefully declined and no service is planned at this time.