Doug Smith

James Douglas “Doug” Smith

It is with sadness that we announce that Doug Smith passed away at the Vulcan Extendicare on February 23, 2023.  While we are sad that Dad is no longer with us, there is also relief that he is free from the pain that had been a part of his daily life for so many years.  He faced his challenges with a quiet resolve, choosing to be thankful for the care that he received.  He was very fond of the staff at Vulcan Extendicare who provided excellent daily care, and it was easy to see that this feeling was reciprocated.  We are so thankful for all that they have done for Dad over the years.

Dad was so much more than his last few years.  He spent his formative years in Champion, AB and I fondly recall the occasional glimpses of what he was like as a teenager when old childhood friends were around.  Water skiing was a big part of those years – I recall stories of Grandpa Smith towing Dad and his friends around Little Bow all summer so they could perfect their skills.  As a kid I remember being excited anytime we were in the boat and Dad decided he wanted to ski – watching in awe as cut rooster tails across the glassy water.

He graduated with a Diploma in Practical Agriculture from Olds College in 1961.  Agriculture was the bookends of his working career – my memories start with Dad working at Western Archrib when we were living in Sherwood Park.  In 1979 the family relocated to Southern Alberta with a short stay in Enchant, before finally settling in Lethbridge.  This began Dad’s lengthy involvement with certified seed production and his tenure with the Alberta Wheat Pool.  He worked closely with many seed farms and was heavily involved with both the Canadian Seed Growers Association (CSGA) and the Association of Alberta Co-op Seed Cleaning Plants (AACSP).  He received an outstanding service award from the AACSP in 1999 and an Honorary Lifetime Membership from the Alberta branch of the CSGA in 2002.

He is survived by his sister Pat Brooks (Mark Allen), of Calgary, AB and his sons Jason (Lisa) Smith of Saskatoon, SK and Christopher (Rebekah) Smith of Edmonton, AB.  Stepdaughters Lisa Meyer (Dana) and Ashley Milsop both of Billings, Montana.  Grandchildren Bryson Smith, Doran Smith, Garen Smith, Rachel Smith and Noah Smith.

He is pre-deceased by his wife Ruth Smith, parents George and Ivah Smith, brother Roger Smith and grandson Quinlyn Smith.

A Graveside Memorial is being planned for a later date.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Doug Smith, please visit our floral store.