Obituary of William Gordon Smith

WILLIAM GORDON SMITH Peacefully and with family by his side, Gordon passed away at the Regina Wascana Grace Hospice on Thursday, June 9, 2016, at the age of 95 years. He will be lovingly remembered by his sons Don (Darlene) and Brad (Janice); daughter Nancy (Dave) Nowosad; grandchildren Pam, Michelle, Jeff (Ciara), Jordan and Megan Smith, Kelsey (Aaron) Penner, Curtis (Megan) Nowosad; great-grandson Jamie Penner; sister Verna Banford; sister-in-law Marjorie Smith; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, friends and acquaintances. Also left to cherish his memory is his special friend Margaret Dean and her family, whose friendship and support created much happiness for Gordon over the last two and a half years. Gordon was predeceased by his wife Pearl (Sept. 2010); brother Lorne (Sept. 2006); nephew Doug Smith (April 1995); brother-in-law Ed Banford (Oct 2015); as well as many friends. Gordon was born on the family farm north of Tate, SK on August 20, 1920, the second son of James and Verna Smith. His early education was obtained at Killarney School, followed by high school by correspondence. Gordon joined the Canadian Army in WWII but was discharged 7 months later after spending 4 months in the hospital with scarlet fever. After one and a half years of complete rest, he joined the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool Country Elevator Division in 1944, as a helper and later an elevator agent. Over the next 21 years, Gordon worked in elevators in many locations in the province, including Cupar, Hawarden, Davidson and Craik. While stationed in Davidson, he met and married Pearl Bygrave on July 2, 1952, and over the next 8 years they had three children. In 1965 Gordon was promoted to Area Superintendent, working out of Elrose, Ogema and finally Regina, retiring from the Wheat Pool in 1984 after a 40 year career. A year later he returned to seasonal work with Saskatchewan Government Crop Insurance to grade grain samples, retiring once again 4 years later. Gordon was always active in the community both during his working years and in his retirement, serving on various committees at the church and holding numerous offices as a member of both the Masonic Lodge for almost 70 years and the Order of the Eastern Star for over 30 years. He also became an avid bowler, a pastime he enjoyed into his early 90's until his requirement for continuous oxygen made it too difficult to continue. In the summer of 2004, Gordon and Pearl moved from their home in Whitmore Park into the Broadway Terrace, and quickly made it their new home. They were able to enjoy three and one half years together at the Terrace until Pearl's deteriorating health required her to be placed in Sunset Extendicare. Gordon continued to reside at the Broadway Terrace, where he was an active member of the Terrace Residents' Association for many years. His declining health finally precipitated the move in mid-May of this year to Palliative Care at the Pasqua Hospital and subsequently to the Grace Hospice where he passed away. Gordon’s quick wit remained with him until his last few days, and he put many smiles on the faces of the staff in both facilities. He will be deeply missed by the residents and staff at the Broadway Terrace, his Terrace 'family'. Special thanks to the staff of Palliative Home Care, the Palliative Care Unit at the Pasqua Hospital, and especially Grace Hospice for their compassionate care during Gordon's last weeks. A Memorial Service will be held at Whitmore Park United Church, 336 Durham Drive, Regina, SK on Saturday June 18, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. Reception will be held following the service at Broadway Terrace, 1150 Broadway Avenue. A private family interment will take place later that afternoon in the Davidson Cemetery. Flowers most gratefully declined, donations may be made in memory of Gordon to Whitmore Park United Church, 336 Durham Drive, Regina, SK S4S 4Z7 or the Regina Wascana Grace Hospice, 50 Angus Rd, Regina, SK S4R 8P6. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com